First Riverbend 2011 act announced

Casting Crowns, a Grammy-winning contemporary Christian group, is the first announced act for Riverbend 2011.

The group will headline Faith and Family night at Riverbend on June 14, according to talent and production coordinator Joe "Dixie' Fuller.

"They are really hot right now," Fuller said. "They have two albums ['Until the World Hears' and 'Until the World Hears - Live'] on the Top 25 charts."

The group's latest single, "If We've Ever Needed You," stands at No. 9 on the Christian Songs charts.

Led by former youth minister Mark Hall, Casting Crowns has sold 4.5 albums, earned a Grammy and an American Music Award in addition to 23 Dove Awards. They've also topped the radio charts eight times.

Faith and Family Night takes place on Tuesday during the 10-day festival. It features a smaller lineup of predominantly faith-themed acts and no alcohol sales.

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