Singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow will headline opening night for this year's Riverbend Festival, according to Executive Director Chip Baker.
"It's huge for us," Mr. Baker said. "It should be one of our biggest nights we've ever had, right up there with (past headlining acts) Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd or Kid Rock."
Also added to the lineup is British band Uriah Heep, which will be embarking on its first North American tour in 15 years, according to festival talent and production coordinator Joe "Dixie" Fuller.
Ms. Crow has recorded across multiple genres including rock, country and pop. She has recorded or performed with artists including Kid Rock, Eric Clapton, Luciano Pavarotti and Michael Jackson.
Her solo hits include "Leaving Las Vegas," "If It Makes You Happy," "A Change Would Do You Good," "My Favorite Mistake" and "Everyday is a Winding Road."
"She could do just her hits, and it would fill the show," Mr. Fuller said.
Her debut album "Tuesday Night Music Club," which has sold more than 5 million copies in the United States, won Grammys for Record of the Year, Best New Artist and Best Female Vocal Performance in 1995. Her 1998 album "The Globe Sessions" won the Grammy for Best Rock Album.
Ms. Crow has been politically active throughout her career, and she was treated for breast cancer in 2006. Mr. Baker said the singer asked that a portion of the revenue from Star Seating tickets sold for her show go to a local charity.
RIVERBEND LINEUP* June 11: Sheryl Crow* June 16: Darius Rucker, The Whigs* June 17: George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, Carmine Appice Slamm* June 18: Uriah Heep* June 19: Charlie Daniels Band, Drivin'n'Cryin', Dan Baird, fireworks display
He said final details are being worked out, but the money will go to the MaryEllen Locher Foundation, a scholarship fund established by a breast cancer patient.
England's Uriah Heep, named for a character in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield," became a popular touring act in the 1970s. Some of its better-known songs include "Easy Livin'," "Stealin'" and "July Morning."
The band's current lineup includes Bernie Shaw on vocals, charter member Mick Box on guitar, Phil Lanzon on keyboards, Trevor Bolder on bass and Russell Gilbrook on drums.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing them again," Mr. Fuller said.