Following are the bands I've picked out to go see this year at Riverfest, and I highly recommend them to you as well. In some cases, I'll explain why, but most of the time, you might just have to take my word for it! But trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Friday:
6:15 pm Bud Light Stage — Jerry Joseph: Joseph and his band frequently open for the Bud Light Stage headliner, Widespread Panic, all across the country. They are seasoned, highly respected performers and songwriters; in fact, some of Panic's biggest hits and best-loved songs ("North," "Climb To Safety") are Jerry Joseph tunes.
7:30 Bud Light Stage — Widespread Panic: There is a reason this band has been touring so successfully for two decades now and that tens of thousands of fans follow them all over the country when they embark upon a new tour schedule. First of all, they WILL rock your face off. Even if you have have never heard a so-called "jamband" (which they qualify as) that you like, and you can't stand the Grateful Dead (the father of all jambands), you will love a live Panic show. Heavy on improvisation and full of surprises for even the most seasoned fans, Panic shows feature not only impeccable musicianship but an amazing, beautiful light show as well. This is NOT a recital of their albums, by any stretch of the imagination. However, if you prefer a concert full of three-minute songs that sound exactly like they sounded on the radio 15-20 years ago and that you know every word to, you might want to go check out Poison when they start at 9:30…
Saturday:
12:30 Kidzone Stage — Sugar Free Allstars: Heard them before and had a good time listening (and I'm picky). Will be fun for all ages.
1:30 Miller Lite Ampitheatre Stage — Greg Gardner & Voodoo Cowboy
3:00 Bud Light Stage — Sea Nanners: A finalist in the Arkansas Times Musicians' Showcase recently, this indie pop band has a bright future, but I have to say it'd likely be even brighter if we could understand the lyrics… just saying'. Nevertheless, the music is great and the vocals are pleasant despite the fact that I have no idea what the lead singer is saying.
4:30 Miller Lite Ampitheatre Stage — Zach Williams & The Reformation: Easily the best-sounding band at the recent Dandy Day at the Park all-day concert on the north side of the river that also featured Black Oak Arkansas, Zach Williams & The Reformation hails from Jonesboro and offers up a mixture of Southern Rock, Blues-Rock and Country-Rock. And they Rock! TONS of talent in this group, not the least of which is my good friend on lead guitar, Barry Fowler. (This is my shout-out to Barry! Rock on, brother!)
6:00 Miller Lite Ampitheatre Stage — Pat Green: Green has had some commercial (country radio and video) success over the past several years, but he's been a touring machine for at least a decade and a half that I have witnessed. He is AWESOME. I would call him alt-country, but some would just call him "new country." Who cares, though; all that matters is he brings a party and his music is great. And if he does his mega-hit "Wave On Wave," you just might have a religious experience.
8:00 Stickyz Music Tent — Lubriphonic: I saw this funk-soul-pop band (which includes horns, key info in my book) out of Chicago recently and they blew my mind and I didn't stop shaking my rear the entire night. Let me say it this way: You're nuts if you miss this show. Last year, it was Michael Burks Band who brought down the tent at Riverfest; this year it'll be Lubriphonic — bet.
9:30 Stickyz Music Tent — Free Sol: I don't know much about them, but word on the street is this is the sleeper star of Riverfest. OK, that's enough for me to check them out, since Barenaked Ladies is the other option and they started getting on my nerves from too much radio play about, oh, a decade ago. Just kidding. Sort of.
Sunday:
1:30 Miller Lite Ampitheatre Stage — Matt Stell & The Crashers: Some of the best of Arkansas' music scene offerings, according to my friend-with-good-taste Suzon.
3:30 Stickyz Music Tent — Adam Faucett: This Saline County native who should be getting more press than he has gotten has been touring all over the place from what I hear. There has to be a reason and I plan to find out what it is when I go see him on Sunday.
5:00 Stickyz Music Tent — Grace Askew: I know they share a name, but this chick truly reminds me of a softer, gentler (but still rockin') Grace Potter. She is REALLY good and WAY underrated in my book.
7:45 Bud Light Stage — Digital Underground: Do the HUMPTY DANCE Y'ALL! Seriously, my brother has seen this band before (regrettably I missed that show) and he says they are a BLAST. So… "Stop what you're doing, 'cuz I'm about to ruin, the image and the style that you're used to…" Yes, I had to go there.
9:45 Stickyz Music Tent — Big Smith: Yes, I have broad tastes in music, but this hillbilly-rock/bluegrass band from Springfield, Mo., will get you doing a new kind of humpty dance, for real yo! If you are open to music that contains flavors of bluegrass, or comedy, or country, you will LOVE Big Smith.
That's it y'all! Have a great time, stay safe and be kind!
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