Gig City Roots will be part of the RiverRocks festival's closing ceremony on Oct. 13.  Combining the broadband capabilities now available in Chattanooga, the University of Southern California's Annenberg Innovation Lab, and T Bone Burnett, RiverRocks will showcase the city and its technology in a new way.

Gig City Roots is a two and a half hour live concert and HD online streaming event (www.riverrockschattanooga.com) that uses technology to connect musicians and fans in an old school format: the live musical variety show. Chattanooga is the only city in America with ubiquitous gigabit per second broadband internet connectivity, and Gig City Roots will utilize the power and speed of "the gig" (200 times faster than the national average) to bring musicians together across vast spaces, in real time.  

This free outdoor show begins at 7 p.m. and features a group of diverse Tennessee musicians: Todd Snider, Futureman and his Circle of Harmony, Doyle Dykes, the Nim Nims, Jason D. Williams and the Secret Sisters.

T Bone Burnett will be linked to the concert from Los Angeles and performing live with the Secret Sisters who will be onstage at Coolidge Park.  The Gig broadband connection will allow for the performers to play simultaneously as though they were on the same stage.   

According to music producer Todd Mayo with Heng Dai Media, this type of technology has never been used before.  "It opens up a whole new realm of possibilities," said Mr. Mayo.  "With the special software developed at the Annenberg Innovation Lab the show will demonstrate just one use of this technology with almost limitless potential for future applications in the areas of technology, education and entertainment."

Review for T Bone Burnett:

Burnett is hailed as an innovative songwriter, produce and performer. His involvement in music, film, television and stage projects is marked by an uncanny ability to successfully combine his unique artistic sensibilities with vast commercial appeal. His work includes Raising Sand, the worldwide smash album from Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, music production for Oh Brother Where Art Thou, Crazy Heart and The Hunger Games films. Burnett has worked with BB King, Tony Bennett, k.d. lang, John Mellencamp, Elton John, Leon Russell, author Stephen King and many more renown artists.  A 12-time Grammy Award winner, Academy Award recipient and producer of countless platinum records, Burnett has done groundbreaking work as a champion for artistic freedom and independence. This Gig City Roots concert is another project that enables him to explore what's possible, fresh and distinctive in the entertainment world.

Laura and Lydia Rogers (The Secret Sisters) recently completed an artistic collaboration with Burnett that resulted in a newly released CD, The Secret Sisters, produced by Burnett. A big part of their music references Tennessee -- they even describe their own personal bond "as deep as the Tennessee River."   

"I can't tell you how excited I am that RiverRocks has been chosen to host the demonstration of this practical application of Chattanooga's powerful new technology," said Mike McGauley, founder of RiverRocks.  "And to do it in a way that highlights Tennessee's musical culture and incredible natural beauty is especially gratifying.  Linking a healthier, happier quality of life to a better community in which to live, work and play has always been one of my driving aspirations. Protecting our natural resources and celebrating our outdoors, heritage and renaissance is what RiverRocks is all about."

The Gig City Roots concert will held in Coolidge Park on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 7-9:30 p.m.  The sculpture burn finale for RiverRocks is scheduled immediately following the show.

This is just one of the many new items scheduled during RiverRocks. New on Saturday, Oct. 13 is  a family-friendly day that includes The BIG Picnic and Adventure Kids area.  Complete details are online.  Everyone interested in participating is encouraged to visit www.riverrockschattanooga.com to view the most current listing of events. 

RiverRocks 2012 is made possible through the support of sponsors:  Unum, Fidelity Trust, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Volkswagen Chattanooga, EPB Fiber Optics, Big River Grille and New Belgium Brewing.