North Georgia's Black Cat Moon plays Riverbend on June 13

Black Cat Moon includes, from left, Tony Waters, Chris Hullender, Janella Hayes, Donald Selby and Mike Stansell. (Photo contributed by Mike Stansell)
Black Cat Moon includes, from left, Tony Waters, Chris Hullender, Janella Hayes, Donald Selby and Mike Stansell. (Photo contributed by Mike Stansell)

The first time members of Black Cat Moon played Riverbend in 2010, they were a fairly new group that hadn't played a big stage/big show like that. And to make it even more intimidating, superstar Alison Krauss was the act following them.

Wednesday night, June 13, they're opening for another blockbuster act following them - explosive funk band Tower of Power - but guitarist Mike Stansell says they feel confident they are up to the challenge.

View Our Coverage of Riverbend 2018

"We're really honored to get that stage and that slot. We're expecting a really good crowd," says Stansell, who is also the band's manger.

Black Cat Moon is a female-fronted band of North Georgians who play "old and new country, classic and Southern rock, blues - anything that grooves and makes you want to move."

Janella Hayes of Dalton is the lead singer and plays mandolin. Stansell lives in LaFayette. Other band members are Chris Hullander of Ringgold, drums and vocals; Donald Selby of Villanow, guitar and vocals; and Tony Walters of Flintstone, bass.

Stansell says the band tries to "hit all the genres during its set, but we don't do heavy metal."

Expect their 6 p.m. show on the Bud Light Stage on Wednesday to cover hits from the Doobie Brothers to Blake Shelton during the 90-minute set.

"We're doing 'Piece of the Rock' by Mother's Finest, 'Sharp Dressed Man' by ZZ Top, 'Honky Tonk Woman' by the Rolling Stones, 'Sweet Child o' Mine' by Guns N' Roses, 'Me & Bobby McGee' by Janis Joplin, 'Boys 'Round Here' by Blake Shelton and 'Long Train Running' by the Doobie Brothers," Stansell lists as part of their show.

Stansell says Black Cat Moon has made an effort to add variety to its set and more harmony.

"We were kind of new then, but we've been around awhile now," he says.

Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.

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