REO Speedwagon Plays Riverbend on Friday, June 17
Last night belonged to the Purple Xperience and Salt-n-Pepa, with the crowd getting into the fun in a big way. Salt-n-Pepa was late, but put on a great show. The Purple Xperience played before a monster-sized crowd at Bud, and they went long, much to the delight of the crowd. It was hot, but starting tonight, the weather cools off a degree or two.
Rock/Folk duo Shovels & Rope will be the featured act on the Coca-Cola Stage at 6:30 p.m. Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst comprise the duo that has been tearing it up on the festival circuit for the past 7 years, playing every major festival and late night TV show.
Classic rock band REO Speedwagon is scheduled for the 9:30 p.m. slot. With dozens of studio and live albums, REO has been rocking and rolling for nearly 50 years. The current lineup has been together for more than 25 years, with Neal Doughty as an original member from 1967 and Kevin Cronin and Bruce Hall each going back 40 years.
The Bud Light Stage features the Carly Burress Band at 6:00 p.m. and a great horn band, the funkmeisters known as Fishbone.
The Unum Stage has Tony Allen at 6:30 p.m., followed by one of the greatest guitar pickers in the world, Doyle Dykes. Johnny Neel, is a singer/songwriter that has had his songs recorded by the Allman Brothers, Greg Allman, Gov’t Mule, Travis Tritt, and many more, will take the stage at 9:30 p.m.
The TVFCU Stage features another great singer/songwriter in Jim Lauderdale, opening at 6:30 p.m. At 8:30 p.m. the great Roger Alan Wade and his friends take over for the rest of the night until 10 p.m. or so.
The Chevy Stage, under the watchful eye of stage manager Hayes Taylor, will feature Bad Tattoo at 6 p.m. and The Shack Band at 7:30 p.m.
My pick of the night is for sure going to be Fishbone. They bring the funk, the horns (I know, there I go with the horns again), and the fun. Be there or be square.
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.
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.