Thomas Rhett A hot young country artist, a legendary classic rock act and a new rock/bluegrass act are the first three artists set to play Riverbend 2016.
New country star Thomas Rhett will play opening night in the late slot on the Coca-Cola Stage on June 10, said Riverbend talent and production coordinator Joe "Dixie" Fuller.
Heart will perform on the same stage and time slot the following night, and Trampled By Turtles will play the Coke Stage in the early slot on Sunday, June 12.
Riverbend is set to run June 10-18, and this year marks the 35th festival. The announcement of the three acts was made in time for the annual early holiday pin sales at Hamilton Place mall. Pins will be available at the visitor's kiosk for $35 from Dec. 13-19, according to festival marketing coordinator Amy Morrow.
Thomas Rhett is the son of singer Rhett Akins and performs under his first and middle names. He was known primarily as a songwriter before moving behind the microphone. His current hits include "Get Me Some of That," "Make Me Wanna," "Die A Happy Man" and "Crash and Burn." He's also written for hits for Jason Aldean, Lee Brice and Florida Georgia Line.
"Rhett is the new big country thing, right now," Fuller said.
Heart, featuring sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, has been performing since 1974, but its big break came in 1975 with the release of the album "Dreamboat Annie." The Wilson sisters lived in Vancouver, Canada, so the album came out in that country in the summer of 1975, then was released in the U.S. in early 1976. Since then, Heart has rung up such hits as "Dreamboat Annie," "Magic Man," "Crazy on You," "Barracuda" and "Little Queen."
But the band virtually disappeared after its live version of "Tell It Like It Is" hit No. 8 in 1980. While the band released several albums, none were a hit. Then in 1985, it sprang back to the top of the charts with a self-titled album that launched four Top 10 hits, including the No. 1 "These Dreams." From there, Heart had three more Top 10 hits between 1987 and 1990.
"We've been trying to get them for years," Fuller said of the band. "We got an offer in early and they came back within just a couple of weeks and said yes."
Trampled By Turtles is a regular on the festival circuit, having played everything from Coachella and Bonnaroo to the Newport Folk Festival.
"They are a hot fusion/bluegrass band who has played everywhere, and we finally got them," Fuller said.
Contact staff writer Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6354.