Friends of the Festival and Chattanooga’s Parks and Recreation Department have lifted the curtain on the dates and musical lineup of their upcoming series of outdoor concerts. Riverfront Nights will kick off Saturday, August 4, and run weekly through mid-September, taking off only one night (August 25) when they turn the spotlight over to the Southern Brewers Festival.
Once again anchored by Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Tennessee, the FREE Saturday night shows will feature an eclectic lineup of performers. All shows are child and pet friendly, although coolers are not allowed. Doors open and beer sales begin at 6:30 p.m. Local opening bands start around 7 p.m. and headliners kick into high gear at 8 p.m. and play until 10-ish. Riverfront Nights 2012 will feature:
Aug. 4 – Papa Grows Funk: New Orleans funk and soul. One of the world’s most respected
Hammond B-3 masters, Papa has pulled the “Bessie Smith Strut” crowd to their feet.
Aug. 8 – Grant Farm: The 2009 world-picking champ Tyler Grant has spent years jamming with his friends in the Rockies.
Aug. 15 – Yellow Dubmarine: Sometimes faithful, sometimes soaring “Beatles” covers done in an upbeat reggae musical style. If you’re unfamiliar with the group, “YouTube” the classic “Abbey Road” rocker “I Want You.”
Sept. 1 – Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds: Directions for use: Proceed to their Web site and hit “play” on their original video, “Make it Rain.”
Sept. 9 – Fishbone: The original godfathers of black punk and ska funk whose sound helped to invent the Red Hot Chili Peppers and others.
Sept. 15 – Joe Robinson: Don’t be fooled by slow, jazzy beginnings to his songs or “boy band” good looks; give Joe and his band 30 seconds to warm up and then watch ‘em shred.
More at www.riverfrontnights.com