Merle Haggard
New Country meets Classic Country at Riverbend on Sunday Night. The legend that is Merle Haggard makes his first Riverbend appearance in the 34-year history of the festival. Sam Hunt, Country’s newest sensation, is also appearing at Riverbend for the first time. Before Sam Hunt takes the Bud Stage at 8 p.m., Rock & Roll Hall Fame member Leon Russell appears on the Coke Stage at 6:30 p.m. The Hag hits the Coke Stage at 9:30 p.m., immediately after Sam Hunt closes the Bud Stage.
Dr. Merle Haggard, with 38 number one hits, outranks even Elvis and the Beatles for chart topping singles. A member of the Country Music Hall Of Fame, Merle has a brand new album out with Willie Nelson called “Django and Jimmie”. All of the reviews so far rate the album as their best collaboration to date – even better than big time hit Pancho & Lefty from the 80’s. Look for the Grammy to go to Willie & Merle for best Duo next year. And don’t look for Willie to show up at Riverbend to sing with his buddy Merle.
Speaking of famous, Leon Russell has done pretty well, too. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame a couple years back, Leon has played on hundreds, maybe thousands, of records. From the Beach Boys to Michael Buble, from George Harrison to Barbara Streisand, from Joe Cocker to BB King, and from Eric Clapton to hundreds of other artists, Leon Russell may be one of the most respected musicians in history. And yes, it is true that Leon and Cousin It from the Addams Family have never been seen in the same room together. Leon is on the Coke Stage at 6:30 p.m.
After Leon Russell, watch the crowd run toward the Bud Light Stage to see new Country sensation Sam Hunt. With current singles that are number 1 on the both the Country chart and the Pop chart, Sam will have a massive crowd down by the Bud Light stage. I will go and save you the trouble of complaining that Sam Hunt should be on the Coke Stage. He wasn't Coke Stage ready at the time he was booked, many months a ago. Instead of complaining, perhaps a hat's off to Riverbend for snagging these up and coming artists like Florida-Georgia Line and Sam Hunt? Here is the question I pose: Will he wander over to the Coke Stage to see the master, Merle Haggard, show em’ how Country music is really done?
Prior to Sam Hunt on the Bud Stage, one of the area’s best Country stars, Davey Smith and the Pearl Snap Preachers will entertain folks on the Bud Stage from 6 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. Davey has a great band and he is truly one of Chattanooga’s finest Country acts.
Up on the Unum Stage, local favorites Soul Survivor open at 6:30 p.m., followed by a really cool act – Carolyn Wonderland. If you like Grace Potter, you will most likely enjoy Carolyn Wonderland. The Five40 Band closes out the Unum Stage at 10:15 p.m. until 11:15 p.m.
The TVFCU Stage features the female led band River City Hustlers at 6:15 p.m., followed by Chattanooga’s favorite punk rock band, The Unsatisfied at 7:45 p.m. Look for the Matt Stephens Project to close out the night at 9:30 p.m.
The new Chevy Stage, down by the marina, features local cover group, the Stress Relief Band at 6:15 p.m., followed by the Iscariots at 8 p.m.
Last night, I enjoyed myself about as much as an old man can. Cowboy Mouth was incredible. That crazy drummer entertained a monster-sized crowd for over an hour and a half of non-stop hijinks and fun.
Exile, who teamed up with Juice Newton, also entertained one of the biggest crowds in Unum history. Exile came out first, and then Juice came on and did many of her biggest hits. She can still bring it.
Back down the hill, Martina cranked up right on time, although Cowboy Mouth was bleeding over on to the Coke Stage area. Once Cowboy Mouth finished, Martina sounded great. It was a very polished and elegant show. At one point in the evening, Martina walked right by me. It is amazing how tiny she is. Like my Uncle Snobble used to say, “She’ aint much bigger than a squirrel." Little person – great big voice.
If you’re looking for me, check out Davey Smith on Bud, The Unsatisfied up on TVFCU Stage, and then the one and only Merle Haggard on Coke.
For everything you need to know about Riverbend, check out my Riverbend Survival Kit at http://chattanoogan.com/2015/6/3/301692/Chattanoogas-Live-Music-Scene-.aspx .
See you there!
Email Bob Payne at davrik2000@yahoo.com or www.facebook.com/davrik2000.