Lynchburg, Tn., resident Richard Wayne Penniman will take to the Coke Stage at 9:30 p.m. to close out the 2009 Riverbend Festival, followed by the grand fireworks display on the river. Little Richard, as he is best known, is no relation to Willie Nelson, despite being the same age. Little Richard has been cited as a major influence by many of the world’s best musicians. Reverend Penniman can flat bring it to the stage, and if he brings his A-game, Chattanooga is in for a treat.
On the Bud Light Stage, Cross Plains start things off at 5:00 p.m. Chattanooga’s own Stratoblasters play at 6:15 p.m., followed by the super-group The Outlaws.
Local high school musicians R.S.S. fire up the Unum Stage at 6:30 p.m., followed by Paleface at 8:00 p.m. Barrage closes out the Unum stage at 930 p.m. The Riverbend site describes them as follows: “A high-octane fiddle-fest that features an international, multi-talented cast performing an eclectic mix of music, song and dance.”
The TVA Stage has Kylie Harris playing at 5:30 p.m. This is a “don’t-miss show” in my opinion. The host of GAC’s “Edge Of Country” show and winner of the top country song of the year in her native New Zealand, Kylie has toured with Patty Loveless, and many of today’s top musicians.
The Rivercity Hustlers follow Kylie on the TVA Stage at 6:45 p.m.
Under the bridge on the TN Valley Credit Union Stage, School of Folk starts things off at 6:15 p.m., followed by Bluetastic Fangrass at 7:45 p.m. Local songbird Jennifer Daniels closes out the stage at 9:15 p.m.
I am going with Kylie Harris, The Stratoblasters, and Little Richard for my enjoyment tonight. Why Little Richard? I have never seen him live. I understand he puts on one heck of a show. The fireworks show will also rock! * Late change of plans…I may take the boat down and become one of the boat people for the night. Wave at us in the yellow Sea Ray!
Watch for my 2nd Annual Riverbend Report Card on Monday!
See you there!