The organizers of the annual Riverbend Festival have always excelled at scheduling acts that appeal to the masses, whether that be popular artists from the past with a catalog of greatest hits, or up-and-coming acts with major record label support and radio airplay on our local stations.
While these artists serve as the headliners each year, taking over the main stage and the prime-time slots, the organizers have also done a great job of introducing under-the-radar artists on the various side stages around the festival grounds. However, this year seems to be taking a slightly different turn.
Well-known acts like Heart, Salt-N-Pepa, REO Speedwagon and 38 Special still made the lineup like normal, but this year, the main Coke Stage will also host acts like Shovels & Rope and Trampled by Turtles, who are demanding attention despite the lack of local FM airplay. While both of these bands have experienced huge success through touring around the world, and have both sold out concerts in the past at Chattanooga’s Track 29, they have not really been introduced to the masses in our market until now. With Americana, folk and alt-country music at an all-time high, this summer seems like perfect time for these two bands to take the spotlight at Riverbend.
Hailing from Duluth, Minnesota, Trampled by Turtles has been delivering their own style of bluegrass and folk music since 2003. Known early on for their uptempo brand of bluegrass music, they have mellowed out a little over the years, mixing in more of a folk or Americana sound while still breaking out their bluegrass tunes to round out their overall sound. They will perform on the Coke Stage at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 12.
Shovels & Ropes’ take on music leans a little more toward the alt-country style. This husband-and-wife duo, based in Charleston, South Carolina, produces music that definitely sounds like it is coming from more than two people. They both play multiple instruments while also delivering their signature blend of twangy harmonies. They will perform on the Coke Stage at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 17.