detail_page_enabled: true, RV parks and campsites in the area allow cooking, but you'll need to bring your own appliances and materials. The Riverbend Festival began forty years ago - in 1982 - at Ross' Landing on the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. Location: Chattanooga, TN. Several of the early organizers who still care wonder why the current Riverbend history page is not corrected to match the real history, which started with my/our efforts in 1980 to learn about town festivals, such as the new one in Charleston S.C., Spoleto USA. publisher_id: "7057", Today, Riverbend ranks in the top 10% of all music festivals, increases Chattanooga-Hamilton County tax collections by $800,000, and it provides over $20 million in economic impact. Riverbend Festival 2022. Backpacks are prohibited, but you can carry a small bag or purse. But I keep thinking those early workers should have some recognition, and I mean the first working board, not the organizing one that I chaired from June 1981-2. Dates: Jun 3 - 5, 2022. It has been bringing top musical acts to Hamilton County since 1981. The annual festival now goes on for nine nights and ranks in the top 10% of all American festivals. At Riverbend, it doesn't matter what you believe or where you're at on your spiritual journey. in June of 1982 as a five-night festival in Chattanooga to bring the community together. Family-friendly, pet-friendly and welcoming to all to enjoy Saturdays on the river. Add this festival to your JamBase Calendar. It is now celebrating more than 35 years as Chattanooga's premier event. The barge floats just off the shore against a large collection of amphitheater seats built into a hillside at the water's edge. Metered parking is available on most streets. And anyone can read through the Lyndhurst archives at UNC at Chapel Hill NC and get the full story from the original documents. The Lyndhurst's Riverbend archives make it clear Mr. Jack Lupton saw the Five Nights project as a one-time experiment but wanted the foundation out of the concert business with its potential for liability lawsuits and that a "citizen's group should be found.". The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. }; CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) Just how, when and why the Riverbend Festival began is still a matter for debate. Headline performers are featured nightly on the Coca-Cola Stage, a barge which has been converted into a full-size concert stage. Riverfest Festival Map Riverbend Church OCT 29 | 4-7PM Riverfest at Riverbend in Austin, TX We're so glad you're here to enjoy Riverfest with us. And when looking at how it all came together, you also see the inner workings of the city's artistic, civic and business leaders, getting a glimpse at the creation of the "Chattanooga Way" -- the spirit of cooperation that current civic leaders still like to reference. For Sid Hetzler, a former reporter, college professor and local business man, it's a pretty straight line from September 1980, when he visited Charleston, S.C., and attended the Spoleto Charleston Festival, until the first Riverbend. Major local and national companies, such as Covista Communications, Unum, and Budweiser, sponsor other stages throughout the riverfront area. After doing their research, the committee submitted a document to Lyndhurst titled "Proposal for Funding to Establish a Chattanooga Festival." [4] A wristband provides admission for either one night or every night of the festival except for the Bessie Smith Strut. The Beach Boys on Memorial Day Weekend, The Commodores in June & Rick Springfield on the Fourth of July weekend. Riverbend Festival Riverfront Nights Four Bridges Art Festival, About Us Our Work Contact Careers. But the now unknown tough work was done by the early full boards that followed our planning efforts, especially after the financial losses of the Engel Stadium concerts when the whole thing almost ended. It started as a way to come together downtown to celebrate the community we all share. When Walker Breland thinks back to the very first Riverbend Festival in August 1982, he remembers first going to people like Scotty Probasco, president at American National Bank, and Carey. More archival material is at the Chattanooga Public Library, including early programs and publicity. More than a hundred acts, both well-known and new, converge each year to perform various kinds of music, including classic rock, country, urban, and bluegrass, as well as jam bands, on three stages set alongside the Tennessee River. We celebrate community and we tell your stories. This year's festival will be our 39th year! Wed love to hear from you. Youre covered with our custom protection packages. Its a growing business. For 39 years, the Riverbend Festival has been a cornerstone in the Chattanooga summer scene. "dfpConfig": { There are also several paid parking garages, which accept larger vehicles and RVs, but remember to check the length and height of your camper. The Riverbend Festival, or called Riverbend (named for the bend in the Tennessee River) by locals, was started in June 1982 as a five night festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Hold annual riverbend Festival and other events to promote economic development, community involvement & harmony in the chattanooga, tn areathe riverbend Festival that had been planned for the spring of 2020 was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The festival itself only had one proper stage, the barge in the river. Sat 25 Feb 2023 Innings Festival 2023 Tempe, AZ, US. [1] Additionally, Riverbend has won several national awards from the International . } number: 3, There will be several vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on offer. Over the years, it has grown in popularity, and currently, over 650,000 people join the celebrations annually from different parts of the country and the world. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. "Probably the story of the blind men describing an elephant explains the reality, but there is a clear timeline.". We are proud to be Chattanoogas original, premier music festival. The barge floats just off the shore against a large collection of amphitheater seats built into a hillside at the water's edge. . | System Trade Analysis Tools. PREVIOUS YEARS. The Riverbend Festival, also called Riverbend, was a well-known annual music festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which was started in June 1982 as a five-night festival. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit live at Riverbend Festival 2022. Sunday, June 20, 1993 Ross's Landing, Chattanooga, TN Little Richard Add Setlist Monday, June 21, 1993 Ross's Landing, Chattanooga, TN Deanna Bogart "There was a need for racial healing, an economic boost and several other factors. map: false, Its truly an honor to be able to represent the 3rd Infantry Division in this capacity, said Sgt. An annual juried art show that attracts visual artists from across the country, and has been ranked in the top 30 fine art festivals in country. Storey also played a role in starting the Dorothy Patten Fine Arts Series, which showcases performing arts such as music, spoken word and theater. Though it technically was centered on a fine-arts festival similar to Spoleto, it also provided a blueprint for Riverbend. Friends of The Festival Inc. Friends of the Festival - Inc. Revenue. We provide a full spectrum of logistical services and consultation tailored to meet specific event planning needs. Not all of the events from that first Riverbend were successes. Although being unfortunately canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, event organizers have pushed through to ensure that this beloved occasion occurs . Or, when Riverbend opens its gates and opens stages all over town, our dream will begin again with new players on all the stages. In the mid-'80s, Riverbend hosted the Grand Prix Formula I powerboat racing series and then the Inboard Championship Series featuring inboard hydroplanes. Jun 5, 2022. Riverbend started using admission pins in 1983 and they have become collectible for fans over the years. Still, it can be argued that the first Riverbend set the stage for the city's renaissance, which included the opening of the Tennessee Aquarium in 1992 and the 21st Century Waterfront project, which transformed Ross's Landing into a year-round destination for locals and tourists in 2005. Tips to grow your RV rental business. At the time of Five Nights, Robbins was director of the Chattanooga Arts Council, which merged in 1982 with Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga, now called ArtsBuild. Most parts of the parkway are wheelchair-navigable and accessible parking is available near the main gate. It has since evolved into three nights and is nationally known. The more your referral link gets used, the more money youll start earning. The Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, TN has been celebrated for over 35 years since its start back in June 1982. Answer 1 of 6: I love Alison Krauss, but found out about the festival too late to get reserved seats by front of the stage. Breland says "it is a miracle the thing got started and has continued.". Sign up for our e-newsletter for festival updates! We had Jazz legend Count Basie, Soul hitmaker Roberta Flack, Bluegrass & traditional musician John Hartford and gospel singer Andre Couch. Thank you! If you'd like to take a blanket and stretch out near the main stage, you'll need to purchase a pass to access the blanket seating area. General Admission passes, Club Passes, and VIP passes go on sale a few months before the event. James Motz, a vocalist assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division band, sings at the Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee, June 3, 2022. When it comes to food, you'll find much more than the usual festival fare at the Riverbend Festival. Your email address will not be published. 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The organization celebrated that accomplishment this past weekend at the annual Riverbend Festival. She and others really only became active after the four of us received a Lyndhurst matching grant of $60,000 for operating funds starting in the fall of 1981. I've sent out a few emails and maybe an editor will catch it for a quick human interest side bar. function evvntDiscoveryInit() { Nashville's Summer Lights began the same year as Riverbend. discovery: { Contrary to the official Riverbend history on their page, the 1981 Five Nights in Chattanooga had nothing to do with Riverbend except, in looking back, as a bad model, since the three ticketed. There are several RV parks located 10 to 20 miles away from Chattanooga. Popular Searches. partner_name: "WDEF", It can get a bit chilly after sundown, so dress in layers or take a light jacket with you. Riverbend is more than a good show. That committee also included attorney Nelson Irvine, who served as secretary, and UTC professor Fred Behringer, who served as treasurer. But the birth of Riverbend had plenty of labor pains. Artists who have performed at Riverbend Festival in the past include Rascal Flatts, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Martina McBride, Michelle Branch, Johnny Appleseed, Trisha Yearwood, The Avett Brothers, Little Big Town, Steven Curtis Chapman, Sheryl Crow, The Beach Boys, Goo Goo Dolls, Dierks Bentley, and 3 Doors Down. In subsequent early years, the festival included boat/ski/jet ski races on the river during the day. In-person support no matter where the road takes you. No stranger to large crowds, Isbell and company rocked out. The big names in 1987 were Chicago, The Spinners, The Judds, who actually opened for Reba McEntire on the Coca-Cola Stage, Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger together, and Willie Nelson. virtual: false, Friends of the Festival is experienced in event production in the greater Chattanooga area with expertise in planning, implementation and management. There was a Downtown Arts Festival at Miller Park. Fri 24 Mar 2023 Ultra Music Festival 2023 Miami, FL, US. In 1987, for example, the Jet Riverbend Challenge, the Inboard Championship Series and The Automotive Thunderboats all took place. After missing a year due to the pandemic, we will celebrate 40 years of music in 2023! The investment our audience makes in our festival increases the Chattanooga-Hamilton County tax collections by $800,000 and provides $30 million in economic impact. Stream: Riverbend Festival ( Free Trial) Watch Riverbend Festival! The weather is typically warm and sunny in Tennessee, but May has been known to bring some showers. var field59 = field59 || {}; Riverbend Festival June 2-4, 2023 | Ross's Landing WRISTBANDS ON SALE 12/2 celebrating 40 years of riverbend Festival We are proud of our long-standing history in downtown Chattanooga. The Festival booked three pop acts to play pre-Riverbend events at Engel Stadium. It is ranked among the top American music festivals and has earned several national awards. Organizers knew they had a major sales job to convince Chattanoogans to come downtown, since there was no other music festival like this in the region. "We had 60,000 thousand to 70,000 thousand people down here at a night. Our efforts provide nearly 250 area residents with full-time, ongoing employment and an amount approaching $1 million in net public sector revenues. We celebrate community and we tell your stories. Bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, skates, scooters, or other personal motor vehicles will not be allowed at the Riverbend Festival. "prerollTemplate":"https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x480&iu=/132916964,1079947/wdef.com/chattanooga&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&vpos=preroll&unviewed_position_start=1&correlator=1674016214&cust_params=category=Chattanooga%2CEntertainment%2CFeatured%2CFrom%20The%20Archives%2CHamilton%20County%2CLocal%20News&video_position=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wdef.com%2Ffrom-the-archives-the-first-riverbend-festival%2F&post=931538" Last but not least Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit arrived to close-out the festival! Launched in 1982, Friends of the Festival is a non-profit organization that was created to attract sponsors, promote, set up, and produce Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga's first and original music festival held in the heart of downtown on the banks of the Tennessee River. Thu 16 Mar 2023 Reggae Rise Up 2023 St Petersburg, FL, US. Download the News 12 News and Weather Apps on your smart phone or tablet device to receive breaking news and weather push notifications the minute it happens. The Friends of the Festival Board of Directors met Monday and decided to put the community's largest festival first produced in 1982 on hold for another year. During the multiple-day engagement, revelers can enjoy performances by over 80 regional and nationally touring musical acts in the realms of country, rock, pop and soul. Spalt is situated between Nuremberg, Ansbach, and Treuchtlingen in the north of the Franconian lakelands.In the southwest of the city is the Great Brombachsee and its dam. Yes, I was inspired by reading in the Chattanooga Times in May 1980 about Charleston's 21-day Spoleto Festival and by working to get a Chattanooga town festival started. After a dinner at my home in September 1980 for some friends and arts leaders to brainstorm the possibility of such a large festival for Chattanooga, I talked these examples up all the fall of 1980 and spring 1981, to the point that Allied Arts leaders warned me and Mickey Robbins not to continue to push this since it might "dilute" their fundraising efforts. does google maps avoid bus lanes,