(Re)Discover Chattanooga - Riverbend 2014

Riverbend.  If you're from Chattanooga, you either love it or hate it.  I happen to love it.

So far I've gotten rained on for Widespread Panic, I'm not complaining btw, sat back and relaxed for Buddy Guy and Robert Randolf, and stuffed my face with best BBQ ribs while I strutted down MLK.  It's been a good Riverbend so far, and here are my photos to prove it.

Blanket seating is where it's at people. For $10 you're close to the stage,
& you have your own bathrooms and concessions.

Widespread Panic

Widespread Panic in the rain.  I had a blast.

WSMFP

Buddy Guy with special guest Robert Randolph

The Strut.  Best BBQ ribs EVER!

Champy's for fried chicken and Mississippi Mud Pie.

MLK BLVD

Some would argue that the best part of Riverbend is yet to come....the fireworks! Check out these two albums from my friend Shannon to see some pictures of past Riverbend fireworks.

Riverbend 2013 photoset #2 - festival food

The festival is over, but the food memories live on.  My favorite this year: fried Reese's peanut butter cups!  If you know me in real life, you know I have a thing for 'so bad it's good' food.  (I'm looking at you Cool Ranch Doritos Locos tacos.)  So the theme of my Riverbend food this year was Food on a Stick, and the festival did not disappoint!

I don't know when the last time I had a corn dog was. 

Reece's Cups on a stick & Snickers on a stick...glorious

Cheesecake on a stick, this guy swore it was the best.

The infamous Deep Fried Kool-Aid.  I didn't try it, but it was there.

Other 'on a stick' options

I didn't try them, but I thought noodles at a festival was cool.

Note: this post was supposed to publish sooner, but the photos never loaded.  Sorry for the random outdated post.  Odds are this food will be back next year.

Riverbend 2013 - Photoset #1 - CeeLo Green

I wrote a really long post yesterday about how disappointed I am with Friends of the Festival for how they're handling the CeeLo 'controversy.'  That post is going to sit idle in my drafts until a day when I feel like bitching.  Today is not that day.  Today shall more positive than that.

what's happier than a giant sandcastle?

I had a blast at Riverbend this weekend.  I went Saturday for CeeLo Green & Goodie Mob, and it was even better than I expected.  It's tied for my favorite Riverbend show of all time.  We were in blanket seating, and had plenty of space to dance...which we did for the entire show.  I woke up Sunday morning still grinning from how much fun we had. 

1. CeeLo Green & Goodie Mob, Coke Stage, 2013 (tie)
2. Chattanooga Symphony & The Machine - Pink Floyd, Coke Stage, 2011 (tie)
3. Gov't Mule in the rain, Bud Light Stage, 2012
4. Alabama in the rain, Coke Stage, 2000
5. Dirty Guv'nahs, under the bridge, 2011

The only downside was the fact that no one reads my blog was glaringly obvious.  Blanket Seating remains the best kept secret at Riverbend.   People get there crazy early to make their claim for the 'good' free spots.  We showed up at 8:00pm on Saturday night to set out our blanket, and the section was maybe 1/3 full.  I mean, yay for me, but y'all are missing out.  Blanket seating has bathrooms, beer, tokens, and concessions, and no one bumping into you.  If you're there to see the main act, this is the way to go.

This was taken at 9pm, with the show scheduled to start at 9:30

We had plenty of room to dance, and dance we did.

We rocked out with CeeLo and his black leather shorts.

We threw down with Goodie Mob.

We heard some old stuff, some new stuff, and songs I didn't know CeeLo had written. We had a blast.

I would gladly pay to see CeeLo & Goodie Mob again, and I would love to see him back in Chattanooga.  And seriously y'all, BLANKET SEATING!!

(Re)Discover Chattanooga - Riverbend 2013

Is it time for Riverbend already?  I think this mild spring has gotten to me, because I'm not nearly as prepared as I usually am.  This time last year, my pins were purchased, and my list of bands that I wanted to see was complete.

I'm not completely slack though, and for the first time in a long time, there are a good number of headliners that I want to go see.  CeeLo Green for example...how in the world did we get CeeLo?  Have I mentioned that pins for the whole nine day festival are $32 right now??  And only go up to $45 on Friday??  CeeLo is worth $45, and you've also got Lynyrd Skynyrd.  I'm even a little pumped about O.A.R.  Why not?  It's like a free show that you know is going to be fun.  Plus, the main stage is a barge on the river, what's not to love??

So without further adu, or a ton of research, here is my list of what I'm most excited about for Riverbend 2013:

1. CeeLo Green - Saturday, June 8th, 9:00pm Coke Stage (bio)
2. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Thursday, June 13th, 10:00 pm, Coke Stage (bio)
3. O.A.R. - Saturday, June 15th, 9:30 om, Coke Stage (bio)
4. 10,000 Maniacs - Sunday, June 9th, 7:30pm, Bud Light Stage (bio)
5. The Strut - Monday (info)
6. Roger Alan Wade & Sparkle Motion - Wednesday, June 12th, 9:15 pm, TVFCU Stage (bio)
7. Strung Like A Horse (local) - Thursday, June 13th, 9:15 pm, TVFCU Stage (bio)
8. Psychedelic Furs - Wednesday, June 12th, 7:45 pm, Bud Light Stage (bio)
9. Galactic Cowbow Orchestra - Friday, June 7th, 9:15, TVFCU Stage (bio)
10. Florida Georgia Line - Friday, June 7th, 7:45 pm, Bud Light Stage  (bio)
11. FIREWORKS - Saturday, June 15th, 11:00-ish pm, over the Tennessee River (Google image search)

Edit 6/7/13 - Apparently I missed a few bands.  Let me know who you would like me to add : ) 

1. Moon Taxi - Friday, June 14th, 9:30 pm, TVFCU Stage (bio)
2. Steel Pulse - Saturday, June 15th, 7:30 pm, Bud Light Stage (bio)
3. Larry Carlton trio - Thursday, June 13th, 9:30 pm, Unum Stage (bio)

 And last, but not least is the food!  For better or for worse, Riverbend is known for the festival food.  If it's fried, you can find it.  If you want it on a stick, you can get it on a stick.  If you want it coated in sugar, by golly there is powdered sugar to be found.  Last year my favorite find was a Fried Green Tomato Burger & Fried Mac & Cheese from Funny Face Foods near the Bud Light Stage.  I'm crossing my greasy fingers that they'll be back again this year!

One thing I always recommend for Riverbend is Blanket Seating.  I think they're doing it again this year, but I'm not sure.  Its mentioned in the FAQ of the website, but not the admission part where they talk about the different seating options.  I've asked about it via twitter, and if I get a response I'll let you know....Anyway, if there is someone playing on the Coke Stage that you really want to see, the extra $10 per person is 100% worth it.  It has its own set of port a johns and concessions. You're a little below the stage, but you can actually spread out and enjoy the show.

Riverbend Information:

Pins: General Admission Pins can be purchased from May 1 - June 7 at midnight for $32 at local Kangaroo gas stations. Gate price starting June 8 is $45. One night wristbands are $26 and can be purchased at the entry gates. Senior citizen and military one night passes are discounted to $12.
Tokens: Festival tokens are valued at $.50 cents each, and are used for all food and beverage purchases. Token Centers are also located throughout the festival where they are sold at face value. Tokens are nonrefundable, but may be used at the 2014 Riverbend Festival. 
Parking: Plenty of paid parking is available throughout downtown Chattanooga. Shuttle buses will be available for $1 per ride from 6PM-12:15AM every night of the festival, except during the Bessie Smith Strut (Monday, June 13th). Parking is available at Finley Stadium and the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The shuttle will drop patrons off at the corner of 3rd and Bro ad Streets. 
Alcohol: Age verification wristbands are required for all alcoholic beverage consumption. Wristbands are available at all token and beer locations.  All alcohol sales will cease 15 minutes before the final show is scheduled to end. All other concessions will close when the last show is over. 
Blanket Seating: Bring a blanket and stretch out on the lawn in front of the Coca-Cola Stage for only $10 a person (per night) with your Riverbend admission pin. Wristbands available at the Main Gate located at Chestnut and 2nd Street, and at the entrance to the Blanket Seating area. (from 2012 website)
Boaters: Boaters can enter the festival through the Walnut Street Pier Gate, but admission pins must be purchased in advance.

Website | Facebook | @rbfestival

Last Year's Posts: bands & information, photoset 1 (music), photoset 2 (food)

Riverbend Photoset #2 - Festival Food

It is no secret that I love food.  I'm not a true foodie, but fancy or not, good food just makes me happy.  Last night I went down to see Yo Mamma's Big Fat Booty Band from Ashville (such a fun show btw...jam band meets brass band meets funky fun show).  The show was early, so we decided to do festival food for dinner.

Yes, most prices are outrageous at Riverbend, so we passed on the BBQ platters, turkey legs and chicken on a stick...and I think we found the best food for the best deal:  A Fried Green Tomato Burger and Fried Mac &Cheese from Funny Face Food.

The burger was a steal at 14 tokens ($7) and the fried mac and cheese was reasonable at 12 tokens ($6).  I split dinner with a friend since there was so much food, so I for $6.50 I was all sorts of happy.

We'll start with the fried green tomato burger...

The picture pretty much says it all.  The burger is huge, juicy and messy....just the way I like it.  It's served with pickle, onion, lettuce, a special sauce and two fried green tomatoes.  Heaven wrapped in foil.

Now on to the fried mac & cheese.  This sounded good, but I was skeptical.  Recently I ordered "fried mac & cheese bites" from a restaurant that shall not be named, and was served little triangles that looked like cheese sticks.  I was crushed. (I got over it, but it was sad.)  I didn't want to make the same mistake twice, so we asked to see what the Funny Face Food version looked like....and it was a night and day difference.

This is your grandmother's macaroni and cheese, bundled into a ball and fried.  People talk about fried food being crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, but I feel like that never really happens and can't be all that awesome.....well I just found out that it does happen and is that awesome.  This picture is my half of the mac & cheese, and although its hard to tell, the super creamy macaroni just spilled out of the inside of the ball.  It really was soo good.  It even comes with a spicy sauce, if you want to add some kick to this little ball of awesomeness.

After the show we decided we wanted to try something I had heard about, and had to see for myself: Diabetic's Delight - Sugar Free Elephant Ears & Funnel Cakes.  I was curious how someone would make the fried and sugar coated carnival standard sugar free.  The answer: Splenda.  It's the same fried pastry coated with Splenda, or Splenda & cinnamon.  The concept sounded better than it looked, so we went with the classic funnel cake...topped with hot fudge. (14 tokens, $7)

It was everything we hoped it would be, but entirely more food than we could handle.  Between two of us I think we were only able to eat about a third of it.  It was a waste, but I think our arteries thanked us.

Riverbend Photoset #1

New this year is the Ferris Wheel. 
I wasn't brave enough to try it in the rain.

Here are some pictures from Sunday night at Riverbend.  It rained just a little bit, but that didn't keep me from Gov't Mule.  This was my, "if I don't see anything else I'm not going to miss this band."  It was a two hour set ending with Soul Shine...in the rain....I was a very happy girl.

My top two Riverbend moments have been shows in the rain.  Alabama in 2000, and now Gov't Mule.  In 2000 it stormed so bad the show had to be shut down, but we waited it out, and actually snuck on to the barge that is the main stage for the last part of the show.  Funny they didn't think the dancing teenagers belonged backstage in the VIP section.  This show didn't have a storm, but the rain kept everything cool, and I think the band really appreciated that the crowed chilled in the rain to watch the show.

Warren Haynes is amazing, and it wasn't until I heard him live that I realized how much of an influence he is on some of my musician friends.  Maybe it bc they play some of the same guitars (Warren played 3 during this set), but the sound was the same.  I loved it, and it reminded me of Clemson.

I'm glad I got this shot of Warren Haynes smiling and interactnig with the crowd.  I love it when musicians smile and connect.  It's a great reminder that the music comes from a good place, is meant to touch people, and the musician is on the same page as everyone there.

I got a little excited, and videoed Soul Shine.  Unfortunately I was so close to the stage and the sound system that all you can hear is bass.  So I will spare you the video, but show you just how happy I was to get out for this slightly rainy show.

Due to scheduling conflicts,  it looks like I won't be back at Riverbend until Thursday night for Yo Mamma's Big Fat Booty Band, but I can't wait, and I'm sure there will be more pictures.  I haven't gotten into the festival food yet!

(Re)Discover Chattanooga Riverbend 2012

There are a lot of reasons to go (or not go) to Riverbend.  The crowds, the extremely diverse music, the festival food...you either love it or hate it.

I'm in the group of people who go to Riverbend for the music.  It may sound strange, but sometimes I think we're in the minority.

One of the best things about Riverbend, for me, is being exposed to new music.  I love music, but I don't get out as much as I like, and Riverbend is a great (and cheap!) way to be exposed to a lot of new music in a short period of time.

The small stages at Riverbend are perfect for getting to hear new music.  Last year I had a blast with Dirty Guv'nahs out of Knoxville, and they've become a favorite of mine to see live.


Here is a list (by date) of the music I'm most excited about for Riverbend 2012:

• The Future Birds June 8, 2012 7:00 pm Bud Light Stage These guys are out of Athens and have been doing some pretty serious touring for an up-and-coming band.  I'm excited to get a chance to check them out.  Video
• Machines Are People Too June 9, 2012 5:00 pm Bud Light Stage Electro Dance comes to Riverbend...if I can make it at 5, this would be an interesting way to kick off the festival!
• The Dirty South June 8, 2012 11:00 pm The Volkswagen Stage There wasn't a description of this band on the Riverbend site, but according to last.fm this the The Dirty South band from the UK, and not the Dirty South band with 3 followers on facebook.  If I knew which Dirty South this was I might make a point to walk up to the Hunter after Foreigner, but we'll see.
•  *FOREIGNER* June 9, 2012 9:30 pm Coke Stage  I'm not usually a fan of the main acts at Riverbend, but this is a classic and I can't wait to rock out to songs like "Cold As Ice," "Feels Like the First Time," "Hot Blooded," "Double Vision," and "I Want To Know What Love Is."
• *GOV'T MULE* June 10, 2012 6:45 pm Bud Light Stage This is a band that's been on my radar for at least 5 or 6 years, but I've never gotten a chance to hear live.  And not hearing Warren Haynes live is something I plan on fixing. This might be the top of my "Must See" list for this year. 
• Joe Louis Walker June 10, 2012 8:00 pm Unum Stage  You had me at "blues on the electric violin."
• Cast Iron Filter June 10, 2012 9:30 pm Meo Mio's Cajun Spirits Stage Progressive bluegrass meets jamband...I'm in :) 
• Rebirth Brass Band June 10, 2012 9:30 pm Unum Stage There is no way this won't be fun.
• Smooth Dialects June 13, 2012 5:00 pm Bud Light Stage  Shake your groove thang.  This is a band I'm not familiar with, but I like the name, the photos, and the idea of mixing funk, reggae, soul, jazz, blues and world music.The only think I'm not excited about it the time...5:00 is tough for me if this is a work night. 
• Uncle Lucius June 13, 2012 8:00 pm Unum Stage  I feel like I've heard of these guys from one of my better versed friends in music.  Add a white guy with a giant fro, and you know this show is going to be fun.
• *YO MAMA'S BIG FAT BOOTY BAND* June 14, 2012 6:15 pm Bud Light Stage  This is one I'm not just picking based on the name...although the name is awesome...this show should be a lot of fun, and is on my "Must See" list.
• Mother of Pearl June 15, 2012 7:30 pm Meo Mio's Cajun Spirits Stage  This caught my eye for 2 reasons...Mother of Pearl is my favorite expletive, and this is the only stage where mixed drinks are available.  Since I'm both allergic to hops and a fan of adult beverages, I think I'll be able to see what this band is all about.
• *BLACKBERRY SMOKE* June 15, 2012 7:45 pm Bud Light Stage  This band has come across my radar more than once in the past year, and I hope I get to check them out.
• Goo Goo Dolls June 15, 2012 9:30 pm Coke Stage  This just makes me giggle, knowing the Goo-Goo Dolls are still around, but I'll be in the back singing along.
• Digital Butter June 15, 2012 11:00 pm The Volkswagen Stage A local band with a funky name.  They produce their own music, and have been around since 2009.  I feel like they'll be worth giving a listen while the traffic dies down.
• *LAUREN ALAINA* June 16, 2012 9:30 pm Coke Stage Yes, I'm a fan of American Idol.  Yes, I'm a fan of most things local.  Yes, I plan on being there for Lauren Alaina and the fireworks...I'm a sucker for fireworks.

FULL LINE-UP

ProTip: Blanket Seating.  If there is a band you really want to hear on the Coca Cola stage, consider blanket seating.  It's just $10 per person per night, and you can lay out your blanket on the grass at the base of the stage.  The downside is the barge sits pretty tall, so you can't see more than the front edge of the stage.  But the sound is good, there are plenty of screens, you're with people who are there for the music, and you have your own private concessions & bathrooms.  Last year we did this for The Machine with The Chattanooga Symphony's covering of Pink Floyd, and it was AWESOME.  We put out our blanket, got our wristbands, and walked around the festival until it was time for the show. Everything was as we left it, and the show was great.

 

View from Blanket Seating last year

New this year: Specialty alcoholic beverages.  This isn't really new to Riverbend - it's just coming back.  Mixed drinks (margarita's etc) will be sold at the Meo Mio's Cajun Spirits Stage. This is the only place in the festival they will be sold.  As someone who is allergic to beer, I miss the days of the Jack Daniels tent.



Riverbend Information:

Pins: General Admission Pins can be purchased from May 1 - June 7 at midnight for $32 at local Kangaroo gas stations. Gate price starting June 8 is $45. One night wristbands are $26 and can be purchased at the entry gates. Senior citizen and military one night passes are discounted to $12.
Tokens: Festival tokens are valued at $.50 cents each, and are used for all food and beverage purchases. Token Centers are also located throughout the festival where they are sold at face value. Tokens are good for all days of the festival, *including* for the Bessie Smith Strut. Tokens are nonrefundable, but may be used at the 2012 Riverbend Festival. 
Parking: Plenty of paid parking is available throughout downtown Chattanooga. Shuttle buses will be available for $1 per ride from 6PM-12:15AM every night of the festival, except during the Bessie Smith Strut (Monday, June 13th). Parking is available at Finley Stadium and the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The shuttle will drop patrons off at the corner of 3rd and Bro ad Streets. 
Alcohol: Age verification wristbands are required for all alcoholic beverage consumption. Wristbands are available at all token and beer locations. . All alcohol sales will cease 15 minutes before the final show is scheduled to end. All other concessions will close when the last show is over. 
Blanket Seating: Bring a blanket and stretch out on the lawn in front of the Coca-Cola Stage for only $10 a person (per night) with your Riverbend admission pin. Wristbands available at the Main Gate located at Chestnut and 2nd Street, and at the entrance to the Blanket Seating area. 
Boaters: Boaters can enter the festival through the Walnut Street Pier Gate, but admission pins must be purchased in advance.

More Riverbend Info
Facebook - @RBFestival

Update 6/8/12:  They will be serving Chattanooga Whiskey at Riverbend this year....this makes me happy. 

(Re)Discover Chattanooga - Riverbend

Riverbend starts tonight!

Since I moved back to Chattanooga I've been excited about Riverbend. Add the fact that some of my favorite people from Clemson coming to visit & hear some music - I'm even more excited.

9 days, 5 stages, and over 100 bands, $30. Here's a list of what I'm most excited to hear, and some information about the festival.

1. The Machine (Sun 6/12, 9:30, Coca-Cola Stage): America’s top Pink Floyd tribute show, The Machine has forged a 20 year reputation of excellence, extending the legacy of Pink Floyd, while creating one all their own. The New York based band focuses on making every show an authentic Floydian experience. Performing “Dark Side of the Moon” with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, Luther Dickinson and Jeff Coffin, this will be one of the biggest, boldest visual show ever launched from the Coca Cola Stage. I'm really excited about Pink Floyd & the Chatt. Symphony on the banks of the TN River. This is the show people are coming in town for!
2. JJ Grey & Mofro (Fri 6/17/11, 7:45, Bug Light Stage): JJ Grey has written and recorded five albums of original songs steeped in the Rhythm & Blues, Rock, and Country soul of his native backwoods home outside Jacksonville, Florida. Grey and Mofro fuse rock with plenty of soul, groove-heavy blues, and dirty, infectious funk. I have tried twice to see these guys, and plans have always fallen through. I'm going to make this happen. Third time's a charm right?
3. Ickybod Crankin (Fri 6/17, 6:15, TVFCU Stage): An ambient alternative rock band considered by many to be the city’s best. Or, at least, best kept musical secret. I went to school with Dan "Danimal" Pinson, and this will be the first time I've heard him play since I moved back. I'm a bad friend.
4. North Mississippi Allstars Duo (Sun 6/12, 7:45, Bug Light Stage) : Luther and Cody Dickinson from The North Mississippi Allstars strip it down to the raw essentials of guitars and drums. Sons of the Mississippi Hill Country legendary producer, Jim Dickinson, the boys created their own sound that thousands have tried to mimic. I've heard a lot about these guys from my music loving friends, and I can't wait to hear them live.
5. Perpetual Groove (Sat 6/18, 8:00, Unum Stage): The dictionary definition of an American jam band. Originating in 1997 in Savannah, Georgia they incorporate a blend of traditional Southern rock, funk, jazzy improvisation, indie rock and synth loops into a hypnotic, powerful, and ultimately danceable barrage of light and sound. I like P. Groove, and the last time I saw them was at a medium size venue in SC. I doubt I'll be backstage this time, but it should still be a fun show.
6. Dirty Guv’nahs (Fri 6/17, 7:45, TVFCU Stage): Voted Knoxville’s best band 3 years in a row by the Metro Pulse Readers, this 6 member band’s sound has a Little Rock, Blues, Country, and Soul. Watch these guys conquer the marquis’ of America’s biggest Festivals in years to come. I follow these guys on twitter. Not a crazy active account, but enough personality I want to give them a listen.
7. Acoustic Syndicate (Thur 6/16, 7:45, TVFCU Stage): Formed in 1992, Acoustic Syndicate is a rock/folk/bluegrass band from North Carolina. Wildly popular through the 90’s and early in the new century, they’re back following a long hiatus and sounding better than ever. Another band that I've heard about from my music loving friends, but I've never heard live.
8. Johnny Folsom 4 (Fri 6/10, 6:30, Unum Stage): From “A Boy Named Sue” to “Ring of Fire,” four of Raleigh’s favorite musical sons pay tribute to the Man in Black with the Johnny Folsom Four. True to the Mr. Cash’s poetic spirit, the JF4 promises an honest and entertaining performance for fans of all ages. I don't think I'm going to make it tonight. The first night is always a little too crazy for me. But if I went, I'd like to see these guys.
9. Sky Hi Funk (Mon 6/13, 5:15, Stage III): Sky Hi is a diverse group of musicians based in the Murfreesboro, TN area which specializes in quality funk, groove, and soul music. Watch for the happy crowd…they’ll be in the middle of it. I've never been to "The Strut", but these guys sounded like fun, and since I'm going this year, its pretty sweet that I'll be able to cross a band off my want to see list at the same time.
10. Stratospheerius (Fri 6/17, 7:45, TVFCU Stage): a musical group of the Jam Band and Funk genres, in a style they call “psychojazz trip funk”. The New York-based group won Best Jam Song in The 4th Annual Independent Music Awards. Led by Russian born singer/violinist/songwriter Joe Deninzon, their influences include Frank Zappa, Mahavishnu Orchestra, John Medeski, Bela Fleck and Dave Matthews Band. This is the only band on my list that has a time conflict with someone else. Since this will be my 3rd attempt to see JJ Grey & Mofro, I probably won't be catching much of this show. I will be there for the bands before & after, so hopefully I will hear a little bit.
11. Carolina Chocolate Drops (Sat 6/18, 6:00, Bud Light Stage): 3 young, black musicians, Dom Flemons, Rhiannon Giddens, and Justin Robinson formed a band in tribute to Joe Thompson, an 80 year old, old-time fiddler. They’re named after the Tennessee Chocolate Drops, who lit up the music scene in the 30’s. Rolling Stone magazine described them as “dirt-floor dance electricity”. Recently took home the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album “Genuine Negro Jig.” Grammy winners named Carolina Chocolate Drops...sign me up.
12. Chattanooga All Stars (Sat 6/18, 7:15, TN Lottery Stage): The Chattanooga All Stars are the “Riverbang!” standouts and “stars” of various local bands of many genres. Think of it as the “dream team” of local music. This one is going to be interesting for me. I loved my "Clemson All Stars" and I think this will give me a good feel for how good the local music scene really is here. It will be interesting to see how they measure up.

Full Line-Up

Riverbend Information:

Pins: General Admission Pins could be puchased from May 1 - June 9 at midnight for $30. Gate price starting June 10 is $40. One night wristbands are $24 and can be purchased at the entry gates. Senior citizen and military one night passes are discounted to $12.
Tokens: Festival tokens are valued at $.50 cents each, and are used for all food and beverage purchases. Token Centers are also located throughout the festival where they are sold at face value. Tokens are good for all days of the festival, except for the Bessie Smith Strut. Tokens are nonrefundable, but may be used at the 2012 Riverbend Festival.Parking: Plenty of paid parking is available throughout downtown Chattanooga. Shuttle buses will be available for $1 per ride from 6PM-12:15AM every night of the festival, except during the Bessie Smith Strut (Monday, June 13th). Parking is available at Finley Stadium and the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The shuttle will drop patrons off at the corner of 3rd and Bro ad Streets.Alcohol: Age verification wristbands are required for all alcoholic beverage consumption. Wristbands are available at all token and beer locations. . All alcohol sales will cease 15 minutes before the final show is scheduled to end. All other concessions will close when the last show is over.
Blanket Seating: Bring a blanket and stretch out on the lawn in front of the Coca-Cola Stage for only $10 a person (per night) with your Riverbend admission pin. Wristbands available at the Main Gate located at Chestnut and 2nd Street, and at the entrance to the Blanket Seating area.
Boaters: Boaters can enter the festival through the Walnut Street Pier Gate, but admission pins must be purchased in advance.

More Riverbend Info
Facebook - @RBFestival

* Bonnaroo tickets are going for $300. Way too much for my budget.
**Band descriptions & festival information as shown on the Official Riverbend website.