The Block climbing complex, which is expected to be complete in October at the site of the former Bijou Theater, will have about 28,000 square feet of climbing space, organizers say.The closing celebration for RiverRocks will be held in conjunction with the sneak peek of The Block, featuring the High Point Climbing and Fitness, a state-of-the-art 25,000 square foot indoor/outdoor climbing wall and the newest location of the Rock/Creek retail store.
Staged in the middle of Broad Street between the Tennessee Aquarium and 3rd Street, the celebration will begin with street entertainment at 5:30pm, including local buskers, a stunt bike show by On the Edge, the Trek Truck with all their newest products in biking, outdoor displays, and an opportunity to stroll the block and eat at all the great restaurants plus some food trucks placed on the Aquarium plaza.
The Scenic City Roots live radio show will commence at 7:00pm. Headlining this show will be legendary Booker T. Jones, who will be the last of four great acts featured on a large stage positioned in the front drive of the Aquarium. Best known as the front man of Booker T. and the M.G.'s, his successful 30-year career as a multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter and performer has earned him a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement.
Also on the musical lineup is Radney Foster, an Americana singer-songwriter who experienced commercial success as part of the Foster and Lloyd duo, before finding acclaim in a solo career. Other featured music will come from Nashville funk band Space Capone and popular local band Amber Fults & the Ambivalent Lovers, who won this year's Road to Nightfall competition.
Streamed live, broadcast live on Hippie Radio and recorded for PBS television, Scenic City Roots made its Chattanooga premier at last year's RiverRocks, and this first anniversary show will be an amazing way to celebrate a year of showcasing local and national talent on their stage.
Two hot air balloons will 'glow' with color beside the stage as dusk approaches, weather permitting.
The RiverRocks festival will close with an exciting finale designed by local multimedia artist/director Tim Hinck. Featuring the outdoor climbing wall of the new High Point Climbing & Fitness, this finale program will use technology, sound, advanced lighting, and breathtaking footage of local athletes to engulf the audience in the world of extreme outdoor sports.
All activities are FREE! Food and beverage will be available from all the restaurants on the block including Bluewater, Big River, Mellow Mushroom, Easy Bistro, Ben & Jerry's and TGI Fridays. Beer and soft drinks will be available for sale on the street.