In addition to introducing dozens of regional and national acts to Chattanooga, Riverbend offers a chance for many local artists to get in front of massive crowds that would overflow the stages of most regular venues.
Here are just a few of the dozens of Scenic City artists who will be taking the stage in the next nine days:
Milele Roots
* They are: The Scenic City’s longstanding reggae band, with three previous Riverbend appearances. Look for them to bring on an expanded lineup and bigger sound at the Bend for round four.
* See them: 5-7:30 p.m. today on the Bud Light Stage.
Gabe Newell
* He is: A singer/songwriter and popular face on the local open-mike scene, which he has helped develop as the host of a show every Saturday at Mudpie Restaurant.
* See him: 6:30-7:45 p.m. today on the Unum Stage.
Slim Pickin’s
* They are: A hot, new bluegrass band that last year took home three FYI Awards for Best Live Band, Best New Band and Best Bluegrass Band.
* See them: 7:45-9 p.m. Sunday on the Tennessee Valley Credit Union Stage.
Nathan Farrow Band
* They are: One of the most pervasive names in Chattanooga’s country scene and nominees for multiple FYI Awards categories, including Best Male Vocalist, Best Country Band and Best Live Band.
* See them: 6:45-7:45 p.m. Thursday on the Tennessee Lottery Stage.
Hypnowheel
* They are: A seasoned hard rock trio with a full-on swagger and presence that blew out the show as one of the live entertainers at the FYI Awards in November.
* See them: 9:15-10:30 p.m. Thursday on the Tennessee Valley Credit Union Stage.
Joseph Decosimo/Butch Ross
* They are: Decosimo is at the forefront of the local old-time music scene and a student of vanishing fiddle and banjo styles. Ross is a virtuosic mountain dulcimer player noteworthy for adapting pop-music standards to the deceptively simple instrument.
* See them: 6:15-7:30 p.m. June 18 on the Tennessee Valley Credit Union Stage.
The Distribution
* They are: A burgeoning band combining elements of gospel, soul and funk into an energetic style that earned them a nomination as one of the city’s best live bands at the FYI Awards last fall.
* See them: 11 p.m.-midnight June 18 on the Tennessee Lottery Stage.