Well folks, it is all over after tonight. Riverbend 31 comes to an end, but not before some more big shows and a spectacular fireworks show light the night sky on the Riverfront.
Tonight may be one of the toughest nights of the week to decide what stage to be on and when. I really wish there was three of me, so I could be in several places at the same time. (I am not sure that civilization would want three of me, though!)
I have to go to the Tennessee Valley Credit Union Stage, as the three acts there are spectacular. Jimmy Dormire, former lead guitarist for Confederate Railroad, has his project, The Infinite Line playing at 6:15 p.m. This is a great band that features Jimmy’s fine guitar wizardry, as well as one of the greatest male singers I have ever heard – drummer John McKnight. Put this show on your “must-do” list!
After Jimmy plays on the TVFCU stage, more great music comes in, with Rick Williams, Randy Clark, and Michael Welch. Yes, those guys – from Overland Express, perhaps Chattanooga’s all-time most popular band. It doesn’t stop there, music lovers. Following the Overland Lite show, Roger Alan Wade, Robby Hopkins, Nathan Farrow, and Davey Smith take the stage for an “in the round” of 4 of Chattanooga’s greatest singer/songwriters.
On the VW stage, Musical Moose – yes, “that” Musical Moose - hits the stage at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Taylor Reed Band with Lauren Alaina’s vocal coach, Karen Alayne. Will Lauren come over and do a song with her old mentor?
Down at the Meo Mio Stage, Infinite Orange plays at 7:30 p.m. Several years ago, Infinite Orange played the Unum Stage as teenagers from Soddy Daisy High School and rocked the place. Welcome back, boys.
If you are looking for the blues on Saturday night, then Jumbo Deluxe is for you. Featuring one of the finest guitarists I have ever seen, Kris Phillips, this Atlanta band can bring it with the best of them. If you want to avoid the big crowds around the Coke Stage, come on down to the Meo Mio stage by the marina at 9:30 p.m. This one is also a “don’t miss” show.
On the Unum stage, up and coming country star Jason Cassidy starts out the night, followed by a 4 hour special show from Boombox. Look for lots of dancing at the Unum Stage into the night.
The Bud Light stage opens with the Steepwater Band, followed by “Get the Led Out”, the premier Led Zeppelin tribute band.
Hometown girl, Lauren Alaina is the Coke Stage headliner tonight, followed by the spectacular fireworks display. Will they do the waterfall of the Market Street Bridge this year? It is so popular, I would bet on it.
Tonight, Don Sharp, Riverbend’s Director of Operations, says goodbye to the festival. I would say Riverbend is saying goodbye to Don, but much of what Don has done for Riverbend will be with us forever, so it isn’t goodbye. Don is retiring later this year, so this is his last Riverbend as operations director. You can see Don’s sand sculpture at Riverbend Beach, located half way between the Coke Stage and the Hunter Art Museum.
Watch for my annual “Riverbend Report Card” column early next week, as I grade the festival, with the good, the bad, and the ugly.
For the entire line-up, go to www.riverbendfestival.com. Just click on “line-up”. You can then sort by day or stage or artist.
Don’t forget to check out lunchtime activities as Riverbend stars visit local establishments in town to sing a song or two and sign autographs. For a schedule just click on – http://riverbendfestival.com/pages/riverbend-outreach. Just look on the left side and click on any of the three for schedules, places and times.
For all the 411 on Riverbend, check out my Riverbend Survival Kit at http://chattanoogan.com/2012/6/6/227794/Chattanoogas-Live-Music-Scene.aspx . Just click and away you go!
See you there!
Email Bob Payne at davrik2000@yahoo.com or www.facebook.com/davrik2000
Bob Payne, with Jimmy Tawater and Carle Vickers
At Riverbend
- Photo2 by Josephine Turner