Pretty sure Riverbend should have been laid to rest when Chip left...that way the festival could have gone out on top.
Instead, it has sunk deeper than I ever imagined anything could.
Glad I got to be there all those wonderful years.
Rick Tucker
Hixson
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Mr. Tucker, I have to disagree with you. I don't see continuing Riverbend, even with its changes, as a slight to its past. In fact, I'm thrilled about it.
There is no denying Chip Baker and his team did a great job for many years. Chip moved on to other things - then COVID arrived and threw everyone a curveball - creating an environment almost impossible to predict. Buying talent for a small market city like Chattanooga, right in the middle of festival-season, combined with the unpredictability created by COVID, is no easy task.
With the success of Moon River and on a smaller scale, the Southern Brewers Festival - it seems natural the current team at Riverbend would make some changes. The line-up this year is filled with a variety of contemporary and very popular artists. Ticket prices are as good or better than any comparable festival.
I'm guessing Chip Baker, Dixie, etc. are very pleased. Personally, I'm really looking forward to it and I honestly believe Riverbend will sell-out quickly and be a great success. I certainly hope I'm right.
George Parker
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I also wish the new Riverbend festival the best of luck and success for the future.
This is a very difficult time to undertake this kind of challenge, so we should be supportive.
For those who are nostalgic about Riverbend festivals of the past, I have and will happily give away (free!) one sealed, unopened, official and limited edition Riverbend festival poster package containing annual festival color posters from 1982 through 2008.
This was a limited edition production and the printing plates were destroyed following the limited production. It comes with a certificate of authenticity. I only have one, but I will happily give it away if it will make some past Riverbend fan happy.
Michael Mallen
Past Riverbend board President
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Mr. Rick Tucker,
I agree with you that the Riverbend Festival is not what it used to be. There was a time when the Riverbend Festival's entertainment was diversified. There was music/artists that appealed to all races and ethnicities. The cost does not make it affordable for a family.
I agree that the Festival has ran its course.
Crystal Sims