Courtesy of JD Sutphin
JD Sutphin
JD SUTPHIN, 35 / President/Owner, Big Lick Entertainment
As an entertainment promoter, a Nashville recording artist and leader of his band, Low Low Chariot, JD Sutphin is no stranger to the spotlight. For him, however, it’s all about using his position to build awareness for great causes. Big Lick Entertainment puts on many events throughout the year, with about 90% of them benefiting local charities, such as Council of Community Services, Presbyterian Community Center, NAMI of Roanoke Valley and more. Whether running established events like Big Lick Burger Fest or more recent additions such as Big Lick Train Tug or Virginia Steak Fest, his organization raises thousands of dollars to help nonprofits make a difference in their reach and impact. “People in my own town inspire me!” Sutphin says. “I think a vast majority of people in our community are some of the most electric and caring people you could ever meet. People really do go out of their way to be creative but also support one another. It's amazing.”
- Gold winner of “Your Male Star of the Star City” in The Roanoker Magazine, 2018
From the Nomination: “JD Sutphin has been performing and booking great entertainment events in the Roanoke Valley for many years. He has helped sponsor many charity events as well as other great festivals throughout the valley. He is a great asset to the community because of the dedication and follow up to make events successful and meaningful to the public. He has several businesses he runs and still finds time to help and be a family man. He has accomplished so much in his lifetime. He has a love for his community he always puts forth his best to help out and for everyone to play it forward. He brings so much joy to people with everything that he has done from great music entertainment to great food.”
How does your passion impact our community?
Sutphin: “I'm most passionate about challenging myself and my business to do better. More entertainment value to our patrons. More integration with the charities involved with our events. I can't comprehend settling for the same thing every day or every year.”