Chattanooga’s Live Music Scene – BandSlam Features 4 Live Bands At Pavilion Saturday

Chattanooga Music Hall Of Fame Member Jimmy Tawater will appear at the First Tennessee Pavilion on Saturday Evening.
photo by Jack Craig

Last week, I wrote about the River City Showcase - a new band here in town that I had the privilege of being invited to their practices. I didn’t say who was in the band. Well, here is the reveal you have been waiting for…the band consists of 10 members, led by the great entertainer, Jimmy Tawater. It features 3-time Female singer of the year winner, Janella Hayes. On bass guitar, it features 2-time winner Jim Rhodes. On Drums, it features Johnny Smith, another 2-time winner. On percussion, it features Chattanooga music hall-of-fame member from Overland Express – Tommy Lifsey. On Guitar, it features master guitarist John Cady. On keyboards, it features 2011 player of the year Barry Wilde. On Trumpet, from the Chattanooga Symphony is Stephen Bearden. On Baritone Sax, from the Chattanooga Symphony is Keith Guillot. On Tenor Sax is a man with platinum and gold records - Carle Vickers, original member of the band LTD, and a man who has played with the likes of Ray Charles, Isley Brothers, Temptations, and more. And on vocals and guitar, the man and legend himself – Chattanooga music hall of famer Jimmy Tawater.  Folks, this a band of epic proportions.

You can see this band, and help out the Chambliss Center for Children, on Saturday night at the First Tennessee Pavilion across from Finley Stadium. Not only that, but for just a $15 donation to a great cause like the Chambliss Center, you can also see the 3 other fantastic musical acts, as Priscilla and Little Rickee, the Robby Hopkins Band, and Brantley Smith join the River City Showcase for BandSlam 2012.

Chattanooga’s food trucks will be on hand. Beer will be there. Music will be there. Dancing will be there. The event runs from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. and tickets can be bought at www.eventbrite.com/event/4610658604 or at https://www.facebook.com/BandSlam2012Chattanooga?fref=ts.

Don’t forget – tonight (Friday) at Rhythm & Brews, the Power Players Show Band hosts a benefit for Jordan Hallquist. Get there early, as a sell-out is expected.

So the schedule is tonight at Rhythm and Brews, and tomorrow night at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Help for great causes and extraordinary music. That’s a great combination. I’ll be there, so come say hello!

There is live music in every corner of this great city – tonight, tomorrow and every night! Go out and have a great meal, appetizer, or a drink and have a great time supporting our hard working local musicians. Your support is what keeps music alive in Chattanooga. Without your support, the silence will be deafening.

For local music info, try www.chattanoogaentertainers.com or www.chattanooganightscope.com. They both have great local music info and schedules. For whlocal info on Country music, try Jim Boles’ site www.chattacountry.ning.com.