Rhythm, Soul & Boots: Te’Ryq Berkley Brings a Cultural Festival to Lynchburg
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What happens when Southern soul music, cowboy boots, and a deep sense of cultural pride collide? You get the Rhythm Soul Boots Festival, a high-energy, soul-filled celebration rooted in tradition, community, and unapologetic Black cowboy culture. Hosted by TeflonJohn on The Spotlight Insider, a recent interview with Te’Ryq Berkley, better known as Big Burke, gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and purpose behind this powerful event.
Taking place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Lynchburg City Stadium Complex, this festival is poised to make a lasting impact not just in Lynchburg but across the state of Virginia.
Meet Te’Ryq Berkley (aka Big Burke): Man of Many Hats
Te’Ryq isn’t your average event promoter. He’s a landscaping business owner (Top Quality Landscaping), a nuclear technician, and a man with a deep passion for all things country, especially cowboy boots, which he proudly refers to simply as “boots.”
He’s been rocking boots since childhood, inspired by family traditions and cultural roots. Now, with just a year under his belt as an event promoter, Te’Ryq has quickly carved out a unique space for himself, fusing his love of Southern soul music and cowboy lifestyle into a festival experience like no other.
Why Rhythm Soul Boots Festival Was Born
Many people may associate cowboy boots and country culture with white, rural America. But Te’Ryq wants to change that narrative. He pointed out that Virginia lacked events celebrating Black cowboy heritage, unlike the Carolinas or Southern states where such events are more common.
Inspired by his own journey and cultural history, Te’Ryq founded the Rhythm Soul Boots Festival to bring Southern soul music, country-inspired vibes, and cultural pride to his hometown.
And this is more than just music, it’s a movement.
Black Cowboys: The Legacy Behind the Boots
The festival shines a spotlight on a rich, often overlooked history: the legacy of Black cowboys. The very term “cowboy” historically referred to Black men tasked with tending cattle. It’s a powerful reminder that Black culture and the country lifestyle are deeply intertwined.
Through music, fashion, food, and fun, the festival aims to break down stigmas, challenge stereotypes, and create an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of their background, can celebrate country culture.
Festival Activities & Entertainment Lineup
This year’s Rhythm Soul Boots Festival promises a full day of nonstop entertainment, cultural celebration, and good old-fashioned fun. Here's what attendees can expect:
🎵 Live Music & DJs
Southern Soul & R&B vibes all day long.
Headline Artists:
Jeter Jones (Louisiana)
Badd Newz (Alabama)
Miss Tracy (Greensboro, NC)
Jay Henry (local artist from Red House, VA)
Featured DJs:
DJ Showtime
DJ Benjamin It
DJ Noyz and others throughout the evening.
DJ Showtime, Jon Hayden
DJ Benjamin
🚗 Car, Truck & Bike Show
One of the event’s most eye-catching features, this show starts early and showcases local automotive culture.
🏆 Cornhole Tournament
Friendly competition with country flair open to attendees in the early part of the day.
🤠 Mechanical Bull Riding
A fan-favorite for photo ops, laughs, and cowboy authenticity.
Local Flavor: Vendors & Food Trucks
Food is a major part of the festival experience. Te’Ryq made sure to include a wide selection of local, often Black-owned food trucks and vendors offering everything from gourmet bites to homemade sweets.
🍗 Returning Favorites:
Phil Philly
Dubs Grubs We Won’t Smoke
Doc’s Kitchen
Sweet Treats Tasha
Kayla’s Cookies
🌮 New Vendors:
Curbside Grillin
Anointed Hands Catering
M’s Kitchen
Lemonade vendors from Richmond
Pradasi Designs (Apparel)
Southern Swag (Custom embroidery/screen printing from Philadelphia)
Whether you're coming for the food, the music, or the boots, you’ll leave with full hands and a full heart.
Logistics & Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM EDT
Location: Lynchburg City Stadium Complex, 3176 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg, VA
Entrance: Use the Banker Steel lower entrance parking lot
Early Arrival Recommended: Between 1:00 – 2:00 PM to catch early shows and tournaments
What to Bring: Tents, lawn chairs, and clear/small bags
Ticket Information
🎟️ $25 – Advance tickets (via Eventbrite or directly from Te’Ryq)
🚘 $30 – Car/Truck/Bike show participants (includes entry)
💵 $35 – At the gate (limited availability)
🎫 Only ~50 physical tickets remain, so get yours early!
Note:
🛑 No firearms allowed
🧍♀️🧍 All ages welcome until 6 PM
🍻 Evening hours (6 PM–11 PM) are 21+ only due to local curfew and alcohol service policies
Looking Ahead: Te’Ryq’s Bigger Vision
This festival is just the beginning for Big Burke.
Te’Ryq hinted at other exciting festivals and cultural events on the horizon, though he’s keeping the details under wraps for now. His ultimate goal? To build a strong and lasting country culture scene in Virginia, especially among Black communities and Southern soul music fans.
He’s calling on support from across the state, from Appomattox to Richmond to the Carolinas to help make that vision a reality.
A Platform for Brands, Creators, and Entrepreneurs
Got a business or brand to promote? Want to be interviewed or featured on The Spotlight Insider?
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Whether you're a vendor, artist, or brand, The Spotlight Insider and Te’Ryq’s platforms are helping shine a light on culture-makers in Virginia and beyond.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss This Celebration
The Rhythm Soul Boots Festival is more than just a music event; it’s a cultural experience. A fusion of Black history, country pride, Southern soul, and community celebration.
If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy live music, ride a mechanical bull, enter a cornhole tournament, and do it all while wearing your best cowboy boots, this is your moment.
Grab your tickets, gather your friends, and get ready to dance, eat, and celebrate under the Virginia sun.
🎟️ Tickets: Eventbrite
📍 Location: Lynchburg City Stadium
📆 Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
🎉 Vibe: 100% Soul, 100% Country, 100% Culture
See you there, boots and all. 👢🎶🔥
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