There are approximately 15 shows planned for the series, which is expected to start in late May. Helms said this year’s lineup will include a few repeat performers, including some of bands that fans at RiversEdge have come to expect over the past several years. RiversEdge will also feature some great tribute bands, similar to the popular shows that have been held in the past.
“We really try to touch as many different genres of music as we can throughout the summer,” Helms said.
He also said RiversEdge is the perfect place to hear and support new music, featuring some of the top, emerging talent from across the country.
“That’s one of the coolest things about RiversEdge, you get to see up-and-coming talent perform in Hamilton. They may not be household names now, but give it a year or two, and you’ll see them everywhere. Tyler Childers and Billy Strings are perfect examples of artists that have played shows at RiversEdge for free in the past, and now they are selling out shows in arenas and theaters across the country,” Helms said.
The concert announcements will be revealed around 10 a.m. at www.Facebook.com/HamiltonRiversEdge, along with an accompanying video that features each artist’s music. Then, if fans want to follow up and learn more, they can go to www.RiversEdgeLive.com. Residents can also share the videos on social media. (Announcement times may vary slightly.)
“Whatever show we announce that day via social media will also be available on our website. They can go to www.RiversEdgeLive.com, look at the lineup and click on some of the artists, and we’ll have YouTube videos and Spotify playlists, so people can delve into the different artists’ catalogs of music,” Helms said.
Every show that is part of the RiversEdge Concert Series will be free to attend, but VIP tickets will also be available. A VIP ticket for $25 will include stage-front seating, access to the VIP deck, and four food and drink vouchers.
“If you’re really excited about seeing a particular artist on the lineup, don’t wait to purchase VIP tickets. If somebody wants to see a show up-close-and-personal, I encourage them to buy the VIP tickets as soon as they can,” Helms said.
Throughout the RiversEdge concert season, audiences can expect to hear diverse genres of music from rock and blues to country and tribute bands. RiversEdge will feature a mix of local, regional and national acts. Two to three bands will perform each night. The majority of RiversEdge concerts will be held on Thursdays with a few exceptions.
The community comes together each year to support the concert series at RiversEdge, from the local volunteers who help put on the shows to the sponsorships from Hamilton businesses to the community at large. More than 20 volunteers help at each weekly concert.
“This is exclusively a Hamilton home-grown event, and folks in Hamilton should be proud of that. There aren’t a lot of other communities our size that are able to pull something like this off. It’s awe-inspiring for me to see everybody in town pulling in the same direction. … People have told me this is the greatest thing Hamilton has done in their lifetime. It means a lot to me, and it means a lot to everybody that people are so supportive of it,” Helms said.
Standout shows in 2019 included Jared’s Jam — a concert to honor Hamilton native Jared Whalen — on July 4 at RiversEdge Amphitheater. Chris Robinson Brotherhood headlined the show with special guest Dumpstaphunk.
“That was really special for a couple of reasons. One, just having a band like Chris Robinson Brotherhood come to town and Dumpstaphunk, and to play a show for free is incredible. That doesn’t happen anywhere else. Then, the way that it all happened. We talked about community pride and people really loving Hamilton, the Whalen family sponsored that whole show as a memorial for their son, Jared. That was Jared’s Jam, and that hands-down is the coolest memorial service for somebody that I’ve ever seen,” Helms said.
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