Clarksville, TN – The first day of the 2011 Rivers and Spires festival opened with simply amazing weather. Sunny and Clear with warm temperatures. Crowds gathered to enjoy the afternoon kickoff which featured musical performances by local favorites, along with other musical talents. The Festival runs through Saturday evening.
On the Public Square Stage, the Roxy Regional Theatre opened with a preview of the Civil War Musical, which promises to be an outstanding show to see at the Franklin Street Theatre. They were followed by the urban musical duo of The Bucket Boys, who use a collection of everyday items such as trashcans, pots, pans and street signs to crash and bang out thunderous grooves, extraordinary cadences and hip-hop, funky dance beats. The amazing Mr. Speed, a KISS cover band closed out the evening with rousing concert at the Public Square stage. The group has one goal to give the fans a realistic KISS experience. In this they totally succeeded.
The Clarksville Young Professionals along with the Chamber of Commerce held the Business After Hours event at the Rivers and Spires Festival. The event combines fun, food & networking for area professionals. Hooters girls were on hand serving delicious hot dogs and wings to the members. Mr. Speed, the KISS cover band, also stopped by for a meet-n-greet before they went on stage at 8:00pm. If you are interested in joining the Clarksville Young Professionals a membership is just $50.00.
Patchwork Premiere opened with the Quilts of the Cumberland , which according to one attendee was truly a feast for the eyes. On the Patchwork Preimere Stage music was provided by Still Water, the Queen City Quartet, and the evening closed out with the smooth stylings of the always popular Groovefellas. This stage featured a dance floor to allow couples dance along with the musical entertainment.
The Green Zone was fully ramped up with informational booths covering topics on how to save money by updating your lighting, to Mission Clarksville which hires local youths to grow much needed food for the less fortunate in the community; combining paid work with community service. The area was created and managed by the Madison Street United Methodist Church Creation Care Committee, which donates the use of their parking lot for the event. Many of the Green Zone booths had activities and small giveaways for children, which was good since the Kids Zone will not open until Friday evening.
The second day of 2011 Rivers and Spires Festival promises to be even better provided the weather holds off. The forecast is calling for high winds, rain, and possibly severe thunderstorms. According to the National Weather Service:
A strong cold front is expected to move across middle Tennessee during the evening hours on Friday. ahead of this cold front,strong southerly winds will develop along with increasing instability and moisture. With afternoon high temperatures around 70, and strong winds throughout the atmosphere severe thunderstorms may develop. Damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes will be possible Friday afternoon and evening.
For more information see: Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across Middle Tennessee on Friday
We will keep you apprised of the latest weather developments and their impact on the festival, as they arise.
Friday kicks at 5:00pm off with the Aspire to Stardom competition at the Fun Zone Stage, along with Nine Inch Neils on the Public Square stage, and Better Choice Of Living Band at the Third and Main Stage. Events continue throughout the evening. The complete schedule is available at http://www.riversandspires.com/schedule.php
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