Country singer Jake Owen is the opening night headliner at Riverbend 2013.Yee haw, country singer Jake Owen will be the headliner on opening night for Riverbend Festival in 2013.
Also announced are "back wood hip-hop" artist Big Smo, who will play the Bud Light Stage on June 14, and indie-pop duo Civil Twilight, which will play the Unum Stage on June 12, according to talent and production coordinator Joe "Dixie" Fuller.
Owen is the second country headliner added to the festival, which traditionally has featured at least two main acts from the genre. He joins Dierks Bentley, who's set for the Coca-Cola Stage on June 12.
"These are two young country stars that put on high-energy shows that people will love," Fuller says.
Owen's debut album, "Startin' with Me" in 2006, produced three Top 20 singles in "Yee Haw," "Startin' with Me" and "Something About a Woman." His 2009 follow-up, "Easy Does It," also featured three hits in "Don't Think I Can't Love You," "Eight Second Ride" and "Tell Me."
Big Smo received this judgment from one critic, "If Kid Rock and Run DMC had a love child, he would be called Big Smo." His songs have titles such as "Kickin' It in Tennessee," "American Made" and "My Life in a Jar."
Civil Twilight mixes atmospheric sound and storytelling that have been compared to a "cross-pollination of Jeff Buckley and Thom Yorke."
Riverbend is scheduled to take place June 7-15 along the 21st Century Waterfront.
Previously announced acts include R&B singer Brandy, who will headline on June 9; Florida Georgia Line on June 7; and Ed Roland's Sweet Tea Project on June 13; jazz guitarist Larry Carlton on June 13; and Moon Taxi on Friday, June 14.
Contact staff writer Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6354.