From June 6 through 14, Chattanooga will be transformed, as it has been for the past 27 years, into a musical hotbed. Against the backdrop of the Tennessee River and the evolving downtown area, top notch musicians will perform for the people of our community, as well as for out-of-towners who come to Chattanooga for this annual music event.
Sticking with the festival’s original intention of bringing the Chattanooga community together under the umbrella of music, Riverbend 2008 will host a diverse range of performers from virtually all genres of music, attracting a crowd of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. Susan Baker, who does marketing and PR for Friends of the Festival, believes that diversity is what sets Riverbend apart from other popular music festivals. “I think the fact that we don’t focus on any one genre of music, but try to showcase as many genres as possible makes Riverbend unique,” she explains. The festival also sets itself apart by remaining accessible to all members of the community. While other comparable music festivals sell individual tickets for upwards of $150, Riverbend consistently keeps the price within an affordable range. Susan adds, “We strive to keep the price low so that everyone can enjoy Riverbend. The value is unbelievable. To see any of this year’s acts individually would cost much more than $29 per person so to be able to see them all for that price is a great bargain.”
No matter what tunes get the most play on your iPod, you will find musical satisfaction on the stages at Riverbend 2008. From folk rock icons, America, to up-and-coming country sensation, Josh Turner, this year’s line-up features something for everyone. Susan Baker is excited about the performers at Riverbend 2008. “This year’s lineup is shaping up to be the strongest we’ve ever had. It’s also extremely diverse. Headlining on the Coca-Cola Stage we have Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings, The Black Crowes, ZZ Top, America with the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Josh Turner, Mercy Me and Anthony Hamilton,” Baker says. Rodney Adkins and Little Big Town will also perform on the Coca Cola Stage. The side stages at Riverbend offer a great opportunity to catch some fantastic bands and performers in a more intimate setting. Baker is looking forward to these performances as well. “We’ve booked some outstanding acts on the side stages such as Galactic, The Greencards, Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad), Ohio Players, Alex Chilton, Railroad Earth, Joe Bomamasa, The Derailers and David Bromberg.” Whether you prefer R&B, country, folk, funk, blues or rock & roll, Riverbend 2008 will be playing your song.
AMERICA
America’s iconic status as a powerhouse folk rock band is undeniable, having amassed millions of fans worldwide. Comprised of members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, the band has been performing for 38 years and continues to wow audiences with timeless classics like Sister Golden Hair, Horse with No Name and Ventura Highway, as well as tracks from their most recent album, Here and Now, released in January of 2007. Gerry Beckley answered some questions about the continued success of America, as well as his excitement about the band’s upcoming performance at Riverbend 2008 with good friend and conductor of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Robert Bernhardt.
CityScope: America has some pretty loyal fans. To what do you attribute the long-standing popularity and success of America?
Gerry Beckley: We have continued to perform over 38 years. I don’t think we ever really let go of our fan base. As they aged, we held onto them, and hopefully they passed down their loyalty to younger generations.
CS: You have had an incredibly successful career. Can you tell me a memory that really stands out as a career highlight?
GB: One of the highlights of our career as a band was the work that we did with Beatle producer, George Martin. We did seven albums with George, and right from the beginning of working with him, we had two hits with Tin Man and Sister Golden Hair.
CS: You and Dewey Bunnell have been performing together for years. What keeps the two of you going?
GB: There is no particular magic ingredient between the two of us. We’ve been very fortunate. We were good friends in high school before this became a professional friendship. The weight didn’t fall on one guy’s shoulders too squarely. We aren’t a duet like the Everly Brothers. Our music is pretty evenly divided. Dewey sings Horse with No Name, and I sing Sister Golden Hair.
CS: Do you ever see yourself retiring from the music business?
GB: I don’t see retirement. We have to discuss this, of course, but we try to stay focused and face each horizon realistically. We’re at about 100 shows a year. We need to make some adjustments as the years go on to ensure that we put on the highest quality shows. We always want to perform our very best and present our songs in the best possible light to give everyone the best possible experience. It’s important to both of us.
CS: If you decided to stop performing and recording music, how would you pass the time? GB: Believe it or not, I would like to do some travelling. We have been virtually everywhere in our careers but haven’t been able to stay long enough to enjoy most places. We were in India for three days recently, two of the days were spent at a concert, and I definitely want to go back. When you see the world while touring, you end up with a longer list of “I gotta get back here.” There’s a lot of places that I would love to see without having to do a concert every night.
CS: Where do you see yourself in ten years? The band?
GB: I would hope that we still have the opportunity to do basically what we are doing. I don’t think we’ll be winding it down. I’m 55 and Dewey’s 56. We’ve easily got another ten years.
CS: Have you ever been to Chattanooga?
GB: Oh yes. Many times.
CS: What are you looking forward to most about coming to the Tennessee Valley?
GB: We don’t very often do symphonic shows. Bob Bernhardt [conductor and musical director of the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra] is a dear friend, and he will be there for this show. We’re really excited about that.
Since its inception in 1981, the growth of the Riverbend Music Festival has mirrored the revitalization of downtown Chattanooga. The beautiful riverfront area provides the ideal setting for a first-class outdoor music festival, and the 2008 line-up promises unforgettable performances. Whether you are a die-hard America fan coming to check them out in a rare symphonic show or one of the many Chattanoogans who will be waiting to see what handsome country crooner Josh Turner can do in front of a live audience, you are in for a treat. From the exciting attractions on the Coca-Cola stage to the amazing talent on the side stages, unbeatable entertainment takes center stage at Riverbend 2008.
For up-to-the-minute festival information, be sure to check out www.riverbendfestival.com.