Riverbend announces remaining 2014 lineup

Friday, April 25, 2014

Riverbend officials have announced the remaining lineup for this year's festival, a list that includes Corey Smith, the Family Stone, the WannaBeatles, Arpetrio, the Weeks, Cody McCarver and nearly two dozen other acts.

"I think we have a really strong lineup from top to bottom with a mix of classic favorites and new acts that maybe people aren't as familiar with," says talent and production coordinator Joe "Dixie" Fuller.

The headliners, who will play on the main Coca-Cola Stage, were announced earlier in the year: country singers Gary Allan and Justin Moore, jam band Widespread Panic, blues guitarist Buddy Guy, Christian singer TobyMac, classic rockers Boston and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and indie act Young the Giant.

The Family Stone, which features original Sly & the Family Stone saxophonist Jerry Martini, trumpeter/vocalist Cynthia Robinson and drummer Greg Errico, will play on the Unum Stage on June 11. In the late '60s and early '70s, Sly & the Family Stone had hits such as "I Want to Take You Higher," "Everyday People," "Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin," "Dance to the Music," "Hot Fun in the Summertime," "Family Affair" and "Sing a Simple Song."

Corey Smith will play the Bud Light Stage on June 13. He has built a loyal following here through sold-out shows at Rhythm & Brews and Track 29. He has released seven studio albums, including last year's live release, "Live in Chattanooga." Fan favorites include "Twenty-One," "If I Could Do It Again" and "I Love Everyone."

Beatles fans can celebrate the 50th anniversary of group's conquering of America with WannaBeatles on the Unum Stage on Sunday, June 8. The WannaBeatles, who are from Nashville, were nominated for a Spoken Word Grammy in 2012 for their work on "Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond."

Alabama-based Southern rockers Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires will bring R&B/funk influenced sounds to the Tennessee Valley Credit Union Stage on Friday, June 6. Indie-rockers the Weeks will play the Bud Light Stage on Saturday, June 14.

photo Corey Smith will play the Bud Light Stage at Riverbend on June 13.

Jazz producer/arranger/band leader Rahsaan Barber & Everyday Magic will be showcased on the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union on Thursday, June 12.

Cody McCarver has made a name for himself locally through his acting, country music performances and charity work. Last year, he recorded a gospel record inspired by the death of his incarcerated father. It will be released in the coming weeks. He will play the Bud Light on Tuesday, June 10.

Arpetrio is a three-piece electronic dance music group that will play the Unum Stage on Riverbend's closing night, Saturday, June 14.

"If you want to check out what EDM is all about, this will be a great show to check out," says Jeff Styles, assistant talent coordinator for Riverbend.

Other announced acts are Willie Ziavino and the C.O.T. Latin Band, Caroline Glaser, Pack of Wolves, Damn Right, the Black Cadillacs, Annie Selleck & the Uptown Big Band, Nikki Hill, Natti Love Joys, Andy Allo and Big James & the Chicago Playboys.

Previously announced acts include former Parliament/Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell on the Bud Light Stage on June 7; funk/soul's Robert Randolph and the Family Band on June 8; country acts Clare Dunn on June 8 and Dan + Shay on June 7. Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett of Little Feat, playing with the New Orleans Suspects, are scheduled on June 12.

Riverbend is scheduled from June 6-14. General admission wristbands are $35 online now or in Chattanooga area Kangaroo locations on May 1. One-night wristbands are available at the entry gates for only $26 each. Weekly admission purchased on or after June 6 is $50 available at the gates only.

Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.