Aunt Betty Returns To Riverbend Tonight
photo by Mark A. Herndon
It’s opening night folks, and the 35th annual Riverbend Festival gets underway tonight at 5 p.m. when the gates open and thousands of music fans come in to enjoy some music and fun.
Tonight’s featured acts on the Coke Stage are ZZ Ward at 6:30 p.m. and Thomas Rhett at 9:30 p.m. ZZ Ward is a “festival favorite”, having played Bonnaroo, Coachella, and just about every other major festival in the USA over the past year or two. She tends to attract a hip, younger audience. She has made the rounds on television, with appearances on many of the main talk shows like Good Morning America and David Letterman.
Thomas Rhett is riding a high wave of popularity with 5 number one singles in the past couple of years. His current hit, “T-Shirt” is on its way to number one, having just climbed into the number 4 spot this week. Thomas Rhett is the son of Country star Rhett Akins. For those that say Riverbend doesn’t have relevant acts on the Coke Stage, both of tonight’s acts are as relevant as they come.
The Bud Light Stage has two dynamite acts, with Atlanta based Aunt Betty at 6:00 p.m. and Chris Lane at 8:00 p.m. Aunt Betty played the stage that used to be on the green in front of Cold Stone Creamery about 3 or 4 years ago and had one of the biggest crowds in the history of that stage. What is even more amazing is that they were able to do that while Corey Smith was playing the Bud Light Stage, also with a huge crowd. Look for a lot of fun from the 80’s “hair band”.
Chris Lane is one of Country’s rising stars. He is positioned to be in the same status as Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt. Word has it that he will be Coke Stage material by this time next year. The North Carolina native has been opening for Florida Georgia Line on a very extensive tour this year. He has broken into the Billboard Top Country chart as of right this moment. Score another relevant act.
The Chevy Stage features Nashville based Campbell Station at 6 p.m. and local cover band favorite Voodoo Slim at 7:30 p.m. The Chevy Stage is down by the Marina past the Olgiati Bridge. It is in a tent and is a great place to get out of the sun or any rain shower that may pop up. Take a look at the Chevrolets down there and register to win a brand new Malibu!
The Unum Stage features the Courtney Daly Band at 6:30 p.m., Funk/Rock/Metal band The Mantras at 8:00 p.m. and the Stooges Brass Band from New Orleans at 9:30 p.m. If you came to Riverbend to dance, the Unum Stage may be your ultimate destination for Friday night, as all three bands will have you getting down with your bad self.
The Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union Stage, which from this point forward will be referred to as the TVFCU Stage by yours truly, features Jazz and Fusion pros Charlie The Head, Outlaw Country star Peewee Moore, and soul/funk band Soul mechanic rounding out the night.
To summarize, here’s the deal: If you like Country Music, Chris Lane, and Thomas Rhett are two big stars, one right now and one in the very near future. Like rock/pop? ZZ Ward is there for you tonight. If you prefer the rocking 80’s, Aunt Betty will rock your face off. Jazz? Charlie The Head will be your ticket. Funk? Sure, try Soul Mechanic, The Mantras. You want the real-deal outlaw country style of music? Don’t miss Peewee Moore. If you like some New Orleans based horns and funk, do not miss the Stooges Brass Band on Unum. It’s a great alternative to Country music if that isn’t your thing.
My pick of the day? Of course, our great local bands are always a pick of the day for me. They are scattered on stages throughout the festival grounds. Why have local bands? First, many are as good as any regional or national band. Second, many play in bars and nightclubs that start late at night, so the kiddies or grandma may not get a chance to ever hear them. Third, they sell tickets, just like any other band at Riverbend. Their neighbors, friends, co-workers, and relatives all come out to see them play at one of the oldest and largest festivals in the USA. We are proud of our local bands and are happy to have them.
My other pick of the day is the Stooges Brass Band. They are awesome, I love horns, and they even get my old body twitching and moving. Check em’ out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ysEPFVGGSU.
Don’t forget to scan your wristband with your barcode reader on your cell-phone. That will automatically register you to win a new $19,000 camper from Dunlap RV.
If you missed my award winning “Riverbend Survival Kit” article that details everything you need to know about the festival, just click here – http://chattanoogan.com/2016/6/8/325740/Chattanoogas-Live-Music-Scene-.aspx.
Check back here everyday, as the Chattanoogan.com is your go-to source for all things Riverbend. Watch for our photos, too. Our photographers are among the best in the business, and include the celebrated Mark A. Herndon.
And one more thing – thanks for taking the time to read my column. It is appreciated.
Bob Payne is the entertainment editor for the Chattanoogan.com and talent/production assistant at Friends Of The Festival. Email Bob Payne at davrik@aol.com or www.facebook.com/davrik2000.