The annual June guantlet of Riverbend and Bonnaroo has ended and, as always, some folks have questions about how they both did and what their futures might hold.
While the crowd estimates for Bonnaroo were nowhere near the 80,000 that officials announced years ago as the sell-out number, this year nearly 55,000 people supposedly attended, which is still a very large festival. They seem to have mastered the craft of adjusting The Farm in Manchester to feel full and vibrant.
Barry CourterThere is nothing worse than a music venue that feels empty, except maybe one that is dangerously overcrowded. Also, it was not the best lineup, but it was still a good time.
By all accounts, the crowds at Riverbend were also down from years past. Let's officially say that Riverbend never drew 100,000, or even 80k or 60k. Those numbers were way inflated from the start and more or less passed down over the years.
Nonetheless, more than a few folks have noticed what I've been saying for years, which is that the festival is simply running out of space. Not only is that area seeing a building boom with new apartments and townhomes, the trees along the 21st Century Waterfront are maturing, meaning sightlines are getting smaller. It's good for the city, but not good for Riverbend.
So what to do? There are several questions hanging out there, and I think they will be answered sooner rather than later.
I think most folks agree that the nine-day festival idea might have run its course. It puts a lot of stress on the city, and it just doesn't feel like the desire, or need, is there anymore. There are also way more opportunities both here and around the region for seeing all kinds of good music, so getting enough quality acts to fill the lineup and draw large numbers of people has gotten tougher.
Does that mean Riverbend cuts back to just two weekends, or maybe to just one? If it continues to run out of space, does it move to the Riverpark on Amnicola Highway as JFest will for the next five years? If so, what sort of lineup does it produce? Does it focus on country and classic rock, which have proven to be moneymakers for Riverbend, or does it go more new, alt or indie rock/pop, which would likely mean higher ticket prices?
Riverbend has been part of the city since 1982, which is remarkable. It could continue for another good while, but it likely will have to change quite a bit to do so, it seems.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.