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Soul band St. Paul & the Broken Bones kicks off Coke Stage tonight Critic's Picks: Let a Sleepy Man perk you up opening night
There are a couple of good choices for opening night of Riverbend. Deep Fried 5, for example, plays a blend of funky Southern rock akin to Mother's Finest and their show on the Bud Light Stage should be on everyone's list.
And 3 Doors Down delivered a near perfect pop song with "Kryptonite," but the absolute do-not-miss show has to be St. Paul & the Broken Bones. at 6:30 tonight on the Coke Stage. I've seen them a couple of times, including an unforgettable show at Bonnaroo two years ago, and it is a stunning blend of soul, rock, passion, energy and power.
Vocally and stylistically, singer Paul Janeway will remind you of Otis Redding or Wilson Pickett. You won't think so when you first see him, but once he starts singing, you'll get it. And the band, with its powerful rhythm section and horns, is great also.
If you can find it online, it's worth watching David Letterman fuss over the band while introducing them a couple of months ago on "The Late Show with David Letterman."
This is the first time Riverbend is offering two featured acts on the main Coke Stage and St. Paul is a great way to get things started.
If you need convincing, check out the band's liver performance at the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion at tinyurl.com/q2k89aj.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.