Fans will have the opportunity to meet some of the musical acts booked for this year's Riverbend Festival thanks to the Community Outreach Series.
In recent years the festival has enlisted the services of some of its scheduled artists to make extra appearances and, in some cases, perform mini or unplugged shows at various sites away from the festival site.
The three programs -- Bend Unplugged, Artist of the Day and Bend on the Run -- are free meet-and-greet opportunities that allow fans to get up close and personal with the artists in a relaxed setting.
These shows bring attention to the artists, the festival and the venues, according to Jeff Styles, festival assistant talent and production coordinator.
THE SCHEDULE
THE BEND UNPLUGGED
All shows are at 2 p.m. except those at the Tennessee Aquarium, which are at 5 p.m.
June 8: Four Shillings Short at Chattanooga Public Library
June 9: Sol Driven Train at Creative Discovery Museum
June 10: Lionel Young at Lindsay Street Hall
June 13: Royal Southern Brotherhood's Tribute to the Wetlands at Tennessee Aquarium
June 15: Thunder & Fire featuring drummers Vinnie and Carmine Appice and guitarist Micahel Angelo Batia at the Hunter Museum of American Art
ARTIST OF THE DAY
All shows are at noon.
June 8: Cody McCarver at Big River Grille
June 9: Commander Cody at Market Street Tavern
June 10: The Waymores at 212 Market
June 13: Peter Rowan at Hennen's
June 14: Denny Jiosa at Bluewater Grille
June 15: Blackberry Smoke at Mellow Mushroom
June 16: Taylor Reed Band at Greenlife Grocery
BEND ON THE RUN
All shows start at 1 p.m.
June 8: Futurebirds at The Terminal
June 9: Two Man Gentleman Band at The Honest Pint
June 10: Danger Kitty at Market Street Tavern
June 13: Kymera Project at Jefferson's
June 14: Steel Wheels at The Social
June 15: The Features at Southern Burger Co.
June 16: Musical Moose at Miller Street Plaza