McKnight to Headline June 16th

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Andy Tallent
(423) 756-2211
Friends of the Festival

CHATTANOOGA, TN - The lineup for the 30^th Anniversary of Riverbend 2011 is beginning to fill out as Friends of the Festival announces Brian McKnight headlining Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 9:30pm on the Coca-Cola Stage.  McKnight has earned an enviable spot in contemporary music history. Of 11 albums released to date, 7 of them have gone platinum (several going 2 and 3x platinum) and he has sold over 20 Million albums worldwide. McKnight has received multiple Grammy® nominations. In 2006 McKnight scored "Daddy's Little Girls" for Tyler Perry. McKnight has been touring in support of his latest release,Evolution of a Man.

Also on Thursday, June 16^th, on the Bud Light Stage from 7:45-9:00pm, will be Marsha Ambrosius. Hailing from Liverpool, England, fans first got a taste of Marsha's talent as the singing half of the duo Floetry. Their 2000 debut Floetic produced signature singles like "Say Yes" and "Getting Late" as well as four Grammy® nods. Following their split in 2005 after releasing their second studio album, Flo'Ology, Marsha continued to build a name for herself as a songwriter and producer. Ambrosius created "Butterflies" for the late Michael Jackson and other hits for artists such as Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Jamie Foxx and Nas. She's been nominated for a total of six Grammy® Awards and has been honored by BMI as their Songwriter of the Year. Ambrosius recently released her latest album, Late Nights & Early Mornings on March 1^st.

Taking the UNUM Stage on Friday, June 10^th, is singer/songwriter Anthony David. David will perform from 9:30-11:00pm on opening night. A 2009 Grammy® nominee, David is best known for his hit "Words", a duet with R&B singer India.Arie. A huge Chattanooga favorite, David released his latest album in February 2011. 

Also for Riverbend 2011:

·         Corporate Pin Sales Continue! - Corporate pin sales continue through March 31, 2011. Pins will be available beginning at 100 or more pins, at the early bird price of $24. This represents a discount of 40% off gate price! If you or your company is interested in the early bird program, contact: Karen Shostak 423-756-2211 or karen@riverbendfestival.com

·         The Market Place at Riverbend - Riverbend has a call to all artists and local merchants for the Market Place area at The Riverbend Festival. For more information contact: Karen Shostak 423-756-2211 or karen@riverbendfestival.com 

·         Club Riverbend for 2011 on sale! - Access to private pier area, great views of the Coca-Cola Stage with light snacks and beverages for a new twist.  For more information contact: Karen Shostak 423-756-2211 or karen@riverbendfestival.com 

·         The Skybox at Riverbend - Host your corporate party at Riverbend's Skybox! Up to 60 guests, in a private elevated area with great views of the Coca-Cola Stage. Light snacks and beverages provided. For more information contact: Tammy Sitton 423-756-2211 or tammy@riverbendfestival.com

·         The River Gorge Explorer - Enjoy an early evening cruise on the Tennessee River Gorge Explorer, then return to experience Riverbend as a VIP. For more information on this unique opportunity, contact: Tammy Sitton 423-756-2211 or tammy@riverbendfestival.com

·         Become a part of Riverbend - Corporate Partnerships are available for Riverbend 2011. Become a part of bringing Riverbend to the community. For more information contact: Tammy Sitton 423-756-2211 or tammy@riverbendfestival.com

·         Star Seating Available! - Star Seating in front of the Coca-Cola Stage is available for only $20 in addition to your admission to the festival. There are a limited number of reserved seats. Seating is provided for you so that you can enjoy the concerts before the Coca-Cola Stage begins at 9:30pm. For more information, please contact Barbara Agee at 423-756-2211 or email info@riverbendfestival.com

·         Follow us on our NEW OFFICIAL Facebook page & on Twitter - Follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we lead up to the 2011 Festival! Our social media is active all year with great giveaways, contests, and other surprises. Don't miss out on all things Riverbend: www.facebook.com/rbfestival and www.twitter.com/rbfestival.

For more info, check out www.riverbendfestival.com