Riverfront Nights: Summer concert series opens Saturday with Jacob Powell

photo Jacob Powell

Country newcomer Jacob Powell kicks off this summer's Riverfront Nights concert series Saturday night, Aug. 2, at Ross's Landing.

Opening the evening with be local all-star band The Communicators, who will be doing a '90s era country/Southern rock set, something new for the band, which has presented several shows featuring classic rock albums and shows from the '90s.

Powell, named as an Artist To Watch by the Country Music Association, gave up on med school to pursue a career in country music. His music is a mix of country and rock as showcased on the party anthem "Koozie." The song pays homage to the neoprene pocket-size beer coolers.

Powell is currently on tour opening for Florida Georgia Line.

In addition to the live music, attendees can bring their canine pets and check out The Pup Tent and The Dog Pound VIP areas. Each week, there will be different businesses on site that specialize in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and backpacking.

For the first time, Wild Trails, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting local trails, is hosting a running and paddling fitness challenge. Participants will paddle the seven miles between Ross's Landing and Chickamauga Dam or the two-mile route around Maclellan Island. An 8-mile, half-road/half-trail run on Stringer's Ridge begins at 5 p.m., and a 5K road run will start at 5:30 p.m.

L2 Boards will have standup paddleboards available for rent.

IF YOU GO

¦ What: Riverfront Nights featuring Jacob Powell with The Communicators

¦ When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2.

¦ Where: Ross's Landing, 100 Riverfront Parkway.

¦ Admission: Free.

¦ Phone: 423-756-2211.

¦ Website: riverfrontnights.com.

SAVE THE DATE

Five more dates remain for Riverfront Nights concerts. The series skips the fourth weekend of August for the Southern Brewers Festival, scheduled Aug. 22-23 on the riverfront.

¦ Aug. 9: Rosco Bandana

¦ Aug. 16: Cornmeal

¦ Aug. 30: Big Something

¦ Sept. 6: The Main Squeeze

¦ Sept. 13: The Producers

Upcoming Events