Discovery-owned Destination America said the party it is lining up for the two winning towns of the RED, WHITE AND YOU contest – Fayetteville, N.C., and Hurricane Sandy-ravaged Union Beach, N.J. – will be headlined by country-steeped garage band The Mavericks. Recently highlighted during this year’s nationally televised CMT Awards and at the Jazz Fest in New Orleans, the band will be the featured musical act at both "Red, White and You" events, with Union Beach scheduled for July 3 and Fayetteville on July 4.
“We’re thrilled to have The Mavericks, a band known for being one of the most exciting live performers, as part of the festivities in both of these worthy communities,” Marc Etkind, general manager for Destination America, said in a release. “Their infectious vibe paired with the activities, food, and fireworks display will no doubt leave a lasting impression and, hopefully help strengthen the spirit, patriotism, and tradition of this all important holiday – America’s birthday – in Union Beach and Fayetteville!”
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the opportunity to play for these two outstanding communities on this special occasion. We’re honored to have been invited, and look forward to celebrating with everyone,” Raul Malo, lead singer of The Mavericks, said in the release.
With more planning still to come for each city's customized celebration, Union Beach will be treated to BBQ from stars of Destination America’s series, BBQ Pitmasters, with both Myron Mixon and Tuffy Stone confirmed to be on location. Last Call Food Brawl host Adam Gertler (Next Food Network Star) will be master of ceremonies in both towns. In Fayetteville, and in partnership with Time Warner Cable, there will be a more patriotic nod to our country’s armed forces: the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus will perform after a traditional Posting of the Colors and remarks from Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, deputy commanding general, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg.
Destination America partnered with national weekly magazine USA Weekend for the contest, awarding two deserving communities a one-of-a-kind Fourth of July celebration. Launched in March, the contest asked folks across the country to put their patriotism on display to prove why their respective towns were most deserving of an over-the-top Independence Day party. With more than 3,500 entries, the two grand prize winners proved to be very worthy communities: Union Beach, a coastal town still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, and Fayetteville, a community which zealously supports its military partners at Fort Bragg.
Five runner-up towns were also awarded $1,000 each to be used toward one of the following local organizations: Parks and Recreation Department, YMCA/YWCA, or Habitat for Humanity.
With a Cuban-American lead singer, garage band ferocity, an intense live show and a deep love of both romance and pure country to go with the polyrhythmic beats the band members were raised on, The Mavericks distilled country’s essences, bulked them up with a big, raucous sound, then broke ground for the format that saw people from all walks of life, many cultures and some surprising places lining up for hits like “Here Comes The Rain,” “Crying Shame,” “Dance The Night Away” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.” After a lengthy hiatus, the band has returned, more soulful and innovative than ever. Again drawing on myriad influences – from Buck Owens’ tonk to Roy Orbison’s heartbreak, Ravel’s eroticism to Buena Vista Social Club’s infectious rhythms, Patsy Cline’s brazen emotion and that little “Mavericks’ magic.”
