Jet-engine technology helps chill the air for the Cool Zone, introduced this year at the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union Stage.The music and activities move back to the 21st Century Waterfront tonight for Faith & Family Night, also informally called "Sweet Tea Night" because alcohol sales are halted for the evening.
View Our Coverage of Riverbend 2018
The lineup futures several Christian music acts, though the headliners, Switchfoot, are described more as an alternative rock band these days. There were often marketed as a contemporary Christian act because they were on Re:Think Records when it was bought by Christian label Sparrow Records before the release of their first record.
TODAY'S SCHEDULE - FAITH & FAMILY NIGHT
Coke Stage 9-10:30 p.m. Switchfoot Bud Light Stage 6:30-7:45 p.m. Citizen Way 8-9:30 p.m. Blanca Chevy Stage 5-5:45 p.m. Mending Wall 6-7 p.m. Bon Ray 7:15-8:45 p.m. JJ Weeks
Their music fits both the contemporary Christian world and the indie rock one. They earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album for their debut "Learning To Breathe" and won for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album in 2011 for "Vice Versa." They've also won 11 Dove Awards and have released 10 albums to date.
The band's frontman, Jon Foreman, has said musical influences range from The Beatles to Bob Dylan to Johnny Cash.
Joining him in the band are his brother Tim Foreman, Chad Butler, Jerome Fontamillas and Drew Shirley.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.
Also don't miss
It's not a can't-miss act but a place to cool down from Riverbend's sweltering temps. Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, the same folks who built a Habitat House on the festival grounds and the 220-ton sand sculpture in previous years, is introducing a Cool Zone at the TVFCU Stage this year.
Festival goers are misted with water as they enter the Cool Zone tunnel that leads to the seating area. Once inside the tent, the hot, muggy air will be chilled using jet-engine technology.
"We have always joked about having the coolest stage at Riverbend since it is under the shade of the Walnut Street Bridge, but we will truly have the coolest stage this year with the launch of the Cool Zone," said Tammy Zumbrun, TVFCU marketing and community outreach manager. "The Cool Zone will feature an array of misting stations and cooling fans to help Riverbend attendees beat the heat."
Festival goers can relax with dinner and drinks at tabletops designed by students from Center for Creative Arts. The tabletops will be returned to CCA to auction for the magnet school's Art Department.
The TVFCU Stage is actually dark tonight for the scaled-down Faith & Family Night performances, but it will be open for chilling the rest of the week.