Kane Brown At Riverbend June 12th
Local singer/songwriter Kane Brown, who has seen his fame and fortune explode in just a matter of months, will be playing the Riverbend Festival on Sunday, June 12 on the Bud Light Stage. The young man from North Georgia and Red Bank exploded on the social media scene in the past couple of years – so much so that record labels and agents took notice and stared scrambling to sign him. Sony Music Nashville won the war, and William Morris Endeavors booking agency snagged him as a client. Not too bad for a young man that went to three different high schools, moved around a lot, and even had to live in a car.
Having read an article in which Kane said he would like to come home and play in Chattanooga, Riverbend officials began the process of securing a play. It was not an easy task, as there were radius clause problems with some other tour dates he had already booked. Diligence and the Riverbend reputation for being one of the country’s oldest and largest music festivals paid off and the deal was struck.
The Marsha Morgan Band, a Myrtle Beach rock & beach music band will open the evening on the Bud Light Stage at 5:30 p.m., followed by Firefall, the 70’s band that had several charted hits, including “You Are The Woman” and “Just Remember I Love You”. Kane Brown will begin at approximately 8:15 p.m.
Matt Fink, better known as Dr. Fink, was a member of Prince’s band “Revolution” and now plays with one of the premier Prince Tribute bands – the Purple Xperience. Fink is a recipient of a Grammy for playing on “Purple Rain”. The Purple Xperience will appear on the Bud Light Stage on Thursday, June 16th at 8:15 p.m.
Friends Of The Festival also announced that the Voices Of Lee would perform on Family night at Riverbend, as will Cody McCarver. Tuesday, June 14th is Faith & Family night – also known as “Sweet Tea Night”.
For the first time in the 35-year history of the Riverbend Festival, live AWF Pro Wrestling will have 2 shows on Saturday, June 18 – fireworks night. Look for the wrestling ring under the Olgiati Bridge. Matches will be held at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Natureboy Paul Lee and several regional and national wrestlers will square off in the ring.
As has been the case the past two years, Riverbend will have wristbands for general admission that are barcoded. Almost anyone with a cell phone can register their wristband and automatically be eligible to win a $20,000 camper from Dunlap RV. The Riverbend mobile website has a barcode reader that can be used to register. Simply go to the Google Play Store or to your IPhone App Store and search for Riverbend Festival to download the free application. It has band bios, stage schedules, Riverbend map, and the barcode reader to let you scan and register your wristband.
Riverbend is from June 10-18th and gates open each day at 5 p.m., except on fireworks night June 18th, when gates open at 3 p.m. There will be live music, AWF Wrestling, rides, and concessions available at 3 p.m. on that day.
Acts that have been previously announced: Thomas Rhett, Heart, Chris Young, For King & Country, Brett Eldredge, Umphrey’s McGee, REO Speedwagon, .38 Special, ZZ Ward, Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice, Trampled By Turtles, Blackberry Smoke, Salt-n-Pepa, Shovels & Rope, and Here Come The Mummies.
Purchase wristbands at area Kangaroo Express/Circle K stores or at www.riverbendfestival.com. Star Seats and Club Riverbend are available at the Riverbend website, too. Star seats give the patron an assigned seat, right in front of the Coca-Cola Stage.
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.