Riverbend Preview: Wednesday, June 10

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The Commodores have plenty of 70s hits to keep the crowd happy tonight.

But this is also a strong night for Rock and Bluegrass on the side stages.

I also get to make two Talking Heads references (could this be an omen for the Thursday night mystery Guest?).

And if you skip everything else in this post, at least check out Adrian Belew's Japanese commercial!

THE RECOMENDATIONS:

Carrie Hasler & Hard Rain is going to make a lot of people happy who usually wouldn't stop for a Bluegrass show.  High energy players plus songs that should land them on the radio.

Split decision... Cornmeal is string music that will make you shake your butt, while Dead Confederate is going to get your fist pumping.  This could be the sleeper Rock show of the festival.

THE PREVIEWS

Gaslight Street Band

6:15-7:30

Bud Light Stage (Olgiatti Bridge)

I suppose and rock band coming out of South Carolina immediately faces comparisons to Hootie and the Blowfish.

But reviewers compare this young band to The Black Crowes in their early days.

These Charleston natives describe themselves as "groove-based southern rock."

If you like what you hear, they're playing at Rhythm & Brews Thursday at 8:00.

Take a listen.

 

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Simplified

6:15-7:30

Bud Light (Olgiatti)

This Charlotte band plays what they call a combo of rock, reggae and acoustic music.

It sounds like Pop Rock to me... this would sound good on the radio this summer, wouldn't it.

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Adrian Belew

 7:45-9:00

Bud Light (Olgiatti)

 I can't tell you how many people at work have looked at the Riverbend lineup this year and remarked.. "I didn't know Adrian Belew was coming this year."   And I guarantee you that none of them actually have a Belew album.

But anyone who reads album credits over the last 30 years have heard of him.

His resumee is impressive.

It begins with Frank Zappa in 1970.

And since then he has recorded and toured with David Bowie, Talking Heads, The Tom-Tom Club, King Crimson,  Paul Simon, Sara Hickman, Crash Test Dummies, Nine Inch Nails & Jars of Clay.

He's a star in both the Progressive and Alternative rock scenes.

And talk about versatility!

He played key roles in these 3 breakthrough albums...

--- Graceland (Paul Simon)

--- Nine Inch Nails (Downward Spiral)

--- Jars of Clay, producing Flood.

So what does he sound like on his own?

He's experimental, to say the least.

Let me give you several examples:

Belew Plays the Beatles

Belew Experimental Jammer

And finally, Adrian Belew, star of Japanese Commercials!

Corrine West

6:30- 7:45

Unum (Hunter Museum)

Corrine West is an acoustic, singer-songwriter from California.

She has won the songwriting competition at the prestigious Kerrville Music festival and is a rising star in the Americana world.

Of course, she writes her own stuff.  But listen to what she can do with a little Johnny Cash.

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Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain

8:00-9:15

Unum (Hunter Museum)

Not to long ago, they said that girls couldn't sing bluegrass.

But these days, the ladies are dominating the bluegrass world.

And one of the up-and-comers is Carrie Hassler.

She and her group Hard Rain, have two things going for them.

First.. their bluegrass is young and fast.  One reviewer calls them a high-octane version of Alison Krauss and Union Station.

The other are the songs, which some say could fit just fine on a Carrie Underwood album.

Here's a good example of this band's energy.

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Cornmeal

 

9:30-11:00

Unum (Hunter Museum)

This progressive bluegrass/jam band provide the nightcap at the Unum stage.

"Progressive" means they took their inspiration more from Jerry Garcia than Bill Monroe.

The group comes from Chicago but has developed a national following based on their touring.

There will be no snoozing during this band's set... check out their energy!

 

They also like to throw in the odd cover song.

Imagine amped up bluegrass versions of "Sympathy For The Devil" or "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover."

And I bet you've never heard a Talking Heads song done Bluegrass style.

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Shani Hedden

6:45-7:45

TVA Showcase

On your way to the main stage, stop by the TVA Showcase stage near the Chestnut entrance to check out this local band.

Shani (pronounced Shay-nee) starred in "Always... Patsy Cline" at the Chattanooga Theatre Center.

And she put together a band to keep the ball rolling.

Check out some of her songs.

 

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The Deep Vibration

 

6:15-7:30

TN Valley Credit Union (Under Walnut)

Nashville roots rockers.

You can hear them on next week's "Mountain Stage" radio program.

Or you can get up close and personal by arriving early Wednesday night an taking a seat at Riverbend's coolest stage.

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Outformation

 

7:45-9:00

TN Valley Credit Union (under Walnut)

This Atlanta based band have been traveling companions to Widespread Panic.

With the release of a new album this spring (Fastburn), they're hoping to push through to a new level of popularity this year.

Here's a one minute sampler of what they bring to the stage.

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Dead Confederate

 

9:15-10:30

TN Valley Credit Union (Under Walnut)

Possibly the heaviest rock band to play Riverbend this year.

Dead Confederate hails from Athens, GA.

They play what's being called "Southern Psychedelia" with some good old fashioned Grunge thrown in for good measure.

Here's a clip of their performance on Late Night with Conan O'brien last fall (you've got to go about :30 in to get to the music).