Lots of people wondered what the crowds would be like for the two Nightfall shows that took place during Riverbend. Since this is the concert series' 25th year, and because the market has grown, organizers reasoned they would produce shows on the two nights they've gone dark in the past.
It rained on the first Friday, which was also opening night for Riverbend, so the crowds were smaller than usual, but still OK. Elizabeth Cook performed that night. Walter "Wolfman" Washington was the headliner on June 14, and while the crowds didn't reach normal numbers, a good-size crowd did show up and they were into it, according to folks who were there.
In addition to the rain, the bigger issue seemed to be getting the word out that the shows would go on.
What this means is open to some debate, but I like to think it means the city can and will support multiple musical events.
* Speaking of musical events: I continue to hear from people who marvel at this year's Southern Brewers Festival lineup. Playing will be Yarn, North Mississippi Allstars, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Robert Randolph & The Family Band and Galactic with Corey Glover. That's a pretty hip lineup. The event is Aug. 24.
* Imagine having your face plastered across three million boxes of MoonPies.
That's happened to Sarah Darling, and she loves it.
The country music singer from Mitchellville, Iowa, now calls Nashville home, and she was in town last week to sing the national anthem at the Lookouts game and to do a little promoting for MoonPies.
Darling has partnered with Chattanooga Bakery since the release of her hit single "Home to Me." She has performed at numerous corporate events and will perform at one in Aspen in the coming weeks.
"It's been a great partnership and a great tie-in," Darling said.
Darling is a big fan of banana MoonPies and is quick to say the proper way to eat them is after zapping them in a microwave.
"Ten seconds. Of course."
Her latest song is called "Little Umbrellas," a female response to some of the current drinking songs by male singers.
"It's a female anthem or a female Jimmy Buffett song," Darling said.
"It's about grabbing your girlfriends and kicking back and killing some little umbrella drinks."
Darling was discovered by Vince Gill thanks to her song "Bad Habit." She has performed at the Grand Ole Opry 36 times. The last time was the day after performing here at AT&T Field.
Contact staff writer Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354