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)

#travel2013 - denver

This time last week I was in beautiful, and unseasonably warm, Denver, Colorado.  Today I am back at work, cold, and watching it sleet in Chattanooga.  Yuck.

I had never been to Colorado, and I was thrilled to have the chance to go visit friends in Denver.  I stayed in the 'hipster' part of town, so everything..food, laundry mats, shopping, a two story goodwill, more shopping, movie theaters.... was walking distance close.  That's something I'm not used to, but it's really nice.

I'm going to do something different in this post.  It's going to be a lot of pictures with captions.  I think this will be a little more fun, and easier for me to do while I'm at work. (shhhh)  It's also going to make it easier to pin the pictures I took of things I couldn't bring home.  (double shhhh)

Probably the best part of my trip.  I went to visit a musician, but did not expect to hear him play.
The best thing in the world is seeing your friends excel doing what they love.
I'm completely spoiled to have so many friends who fall in this category.

I love meeting new people, especially artists.  Sitting in on this jam session made me happy.

Since I stayed with musicians, we went out to see live music too.  We hit up Cervante's for
their 10 year anniversary show w/Motet. The good thing about having musician friends is
they know how to pick out good music.

One of the guys had two fantastic dogs.  Bentley looks and acts like a cat.
He's shy, but once he gets to know you he's a cuddler.

Weezer (100 lbs of love) was OK having me around, but he never quite gave up his spot
on the couch. He just chilled on top of me instead.

The neighborhood I stayed in was neat. Lots of houses with cool architectural
 details and fun colors. There was a lot of personality, and I liked it.  This is
what I walked past getting to the shops on South Broadway.  The rest of the
pictures are from the shops here.

Yarn Bombed!  The shop beside this tree sold new clothes made from vintage fabrics.

Such a shame I took a picture of the booze and not the food.
The food at The  Hornet was so good I ate there twice, lunch & brunch. 

I'm not sure how I feel about this edition being in a vintage bookstore.

This little guy would have found it's way into my luggage if it we're $95!!

L-O-V-E these clear, stemmed, cordial glasses.

Lots of fun and funky handmade jewlery.

So much of what I saw belongs in my house. This belongs in my living room. 

This belongs over my kitchen sink.

This belongs in my kitchen.

These belong on my porch. For my smoker friends. Because I'm a good hostess.

I'm not sure where, but this just belongs, if it works.

Love these chairs.  I'm looking for something like this for a desk.

This belongs outside, above my future outdoor dining room table.

This belongs at the head of my dining room table.

The end

international talk like a pirate day

Ahoy! Since today is International Talk Like A Pirate Day, I thought I'd share my two favorite ways to celebrate.

1) Make my Facebook talk pirate.  Click English (US) at the bottom of your right hand column, and select English (Pirate) (Confession, my facebook speaks Pirate most of the year.)

2) Listen to Pirateland.  This song just makes me smile.

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 - Rhythm & Brews

There are so many places on my Chattanooga "I can't believe I've never been there" list.  Rhythm & Brews was very close to the top of that list.  They are in a perfect location, right downtown next to the Aquarium, there is plenty of parking (most of which you have to pay for, but it's not bad), and there is a back entrance from Big River Brewery.  My only defense of not going checking out Rhythm & Brews sooner is that when I lived in Chattanooga before, I just wasn't that into live music.  That has changed since I've moved back, and I'm glad I got a group together for Perpetual Groove last weekend.

A friend of mine took this picture 1/21/12

The venue seems a little smaller than I expected, but I think the capacity it a bit deceiving since the balcony area is a lot larger than meets the eye.  The long balcony is cool because it creates a few different environments in the venue. You've got the standard open space by the stage and more chill section near the bar.  You've also got a low ceiling space under the balcony that, depending on the show, can be standing room overflow for the main space, or even small group type seating.  The balcony is great because there is plenty of room to dance and keep a few cocktail tables.   For my South Carolina friends, Rhythm & Brews has some of the same acts as the Handlebar in Greenville, but with a more intimate feel.

The best pleasant surprise was how awesome the cocktail waitresses were.  We hung out upstairs, and had a cocktail waitress that kept us happy all night.  It was pretty nice not having to fight the line downstairs (not that the bartenders were slow, it was just busy) and she was quick.  I was impressed.  Cocktail waitresses are almost non-existent in Clemson, or at most shows I've been to in SC.

Another pleasant surprise is that Rhythm & Brews is a smoke free venue.  Sorry smokers, but this is a small-ish venue, and it was really nice not to have to wash my hair when I got home.  The sidewalk is huge, so there was plenty of room outside to smoke, and the bouncers were cool with people going in and out.

The only reason I don't think I'll spend a ton of time at Rhythm and Brews is I feel like they book a lot of "tribute" bands.  I am excited about seeing 'Who's Bad' (Micheal Jackson) because of the recommendation by a friend, but personally, I'd rather see original music live.  I get what they're doing though, it's a lot more cost effective and logistically feasable to book a tribute band over the real thing.  And hey, you gotta give the people what they want.  Rhythm and Brews has obviously done that, because I feel like they were The venue in Chattanooga while I was gone.  It will be interesting to see if their booking strategy changes with the addition of Track 29 in the Chattanooga Music Scene.  Either way, I have a feeling they are here to stay, and I'll be watching their calendar for new show announcements.


Rhythm & Brews
221 Market Street  Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: 423.267.4644
Website - Facebook - @RnBChatt- Schedule

Side note:  Rhythm & Brews does a great job promoting on Facebook & twitter, and tickets are always available in advance online.  I'm an internet junkie, so this works really well for me.

(Re)Discover Chattanooga - Church Music

I had some friends visit me in Chattanooga this summer, and in my driving them around town they made the comment "Man, there are a lot of churches here." I hadn't given it much thought, but I did a quick search of 2010 Census Data, and the Religion rating for Chattanooga is 194, or 1.94 times higher than the national average. This is even a little higher than the TN State Rating of 188.

When I was little, I didn't think about the fact that my ballet classes weren't offered on Wednesday nights. I knew that it was 'Church Night', and a lot of kids were busy. It didn't bother me when they added Jazz classes on Wednesday nights, because I got to take Jazz. I was too young to make the connection that there was an assumption that the kids wanting to take Jazz wouldn't be the kids going to church on Wednesday nights. Well, I was one of those kids, and nope, I wasn't in church. (side note: my family was always a religious family, but my dad drove race cars out of town on Saturday nights, so Sunday mornings were more about sleeping in and eating chocolate chip cookies than getting dressed up for church)

The other thing I didn't think much about as a kid is the fact that when Dave & Dex came on the local country radio station, US 101, at 5:00 on Wednesdays, they played 'Church Music." I think there were a couple of songs that they played, but my favorite was "Shake a Snake." Considering that Sand Mountain is not too far away, and famous for their snake handling churches, this song was more than mildly entertaining.

Since I've been back in Chattanooga I have not gone back to my country music roots, and I have no idea if US 101 still plays this song (Dave has since passed away). BUT, I was out playing pool last week, and someone said the phrase 'shake a snake.' I haven't thought about this song in 10 years, and we of course found the video on youtube - a digital transfer of the Pinkard & Bowen song on 45. This song is too good not to share.


Happy Church Day Everybody!