UPDATE: Chattanooga Unite concert for July 18 canceled due to rain

UPDATE: The Chattanooga Unite concert for July 18 has been canceled due to rain.

"We will be back next Saturday, [July 25], at the same time with local band Nubreed Band headlining," organizers said in an email Saturday.

Original story:

Chattanooga Unite: Healing and Uniting on the River returns to the Tennessee Riverpark on Saturday with more live music, food and drink.

The series, presented by Friends of the Festival, which also produces the annual Riverbend Festival, started last Saturday and will run through Aug. 22 with an off week on Aug. 1. It is the first large music event in Hamilton County since the coronavirus forced the shutdown of large gatherings of people.

The free event will feature Tallis Finch, brother and sister Sydney & Brayden Guerrette of Be the Change Youth Initiative and Maya Trippe, solo winner of the 2020 Songbirds Kids Talent Contest. The three young artists will perform back to back beginning at 4 p.m.

The evening will include local performers Cody James Harris beginning at 7 p.m., with horn-based act Fantastic Confabulation and Radio Romance to follow.

Radio Romance is a country music band from the Nashville area that blends upbeat, hook-friendly songs with a high-energy live show.

Photo from Friends of the Festival / Radio Romance

It was formed in 2011 with Sam Hayes on vocals, Josh Gramling on guitar, and Moises Padilla on drums. They added Adam Smithwick on bass later.

Recent singles include "Secrets" and "Cheap Beer Years."

Organizers encouraged attendees to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the pet-friendly event, which includes a VIP section just for dogs. Tennessee Pledge guidelines including social distancing will be enforced, as will the wearing of face coverings or masks when in line for food or drink and moving around.

Organizers have painted large circles that are spaced about 10 feet apart and ask that people use those to socially distance. Masks do not have to be worn in them, as long as you are inside them with the people you came with.

"We had a great week with great weather last week, and we have a great lineup this week," said Dixie Fuller with Friends of the Festival. "Everybody followed the rules and [they] were so respectful."

He said The Josephines, the band originally scheduled to play, had to back out because of a routing issue and was replaced by Fantastic Confabulation.

Several vendors will be on hand during the event, including local food trucks Hanner International, Bitler Bistro, Uncle Lar's Outpost, Double O Sno, Clumpies Ice Cream Co., and Food NV, as well as Happy Hemp, Psychic Readings by Mrs. Taylor, Bare Body & Skincare.

Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.