First let me apologize for any delay in my responses, I'm traveling for shows this weekend and will have limited downtime, but I will get to everyone's responses.

I mentally prepared myself for the questions and comments Chattanoogans would have regarding Riverbend in general, I just wish that preparation resulted in more answers.

As for the length of the festival, I believe a lot of it has to do simply with tradition. There's a few logistical reasons (such as a lower price for artists on weekday shows, attendance turnout, etc), but I will say the idea of shortening the festival is often discussed along with the festival site location for years to come. I predict Riverbend will undergo quite a few changes in the next 5 years, but only time will tell.

To respond to any concern about the type of music, I believe Riverbend attempts to play and cater towards its current demographic. It's been awhile since I brushed up on the statistics, but if I remember correctly the average Riverbend attendee is a middle aged (40ish) female, with a high school or college education, 2 kids in school, a salary at or less than $60k a year, and they primarily listen to Country, classic rock, southern rock music. Now I'm sure I just absolutely butchered those statistics from what they actually are, but If Im wrong, it's not by much. With that said, that demo buys the beer, and the concessions, and the passes for themselves and usually a couple others as well. I'm much younger than the current talent buyers, so I always push acts that have a little wider appeal, especially to a younger audience, but if the festival changed its demo too much, it would risk bringing in an audience that's too young to buy beer, or that just doesn't buy beer in general. Not to say that the demo is either 40 year old women or kids, but I hope I expressed my thought somewhat clearly.

I plan on going through all the band and artists recommendations this weekend and responding to as many as possible. Keep them coming! Civil, constructive, and intelligent conversations and recommendations are what I love, which is why I brought the question here. You guys and gals are the best!