Rock Candy

So the line-up for Riverfest, May 23-25, is just about set. Advance, $10 tickets are now onsale at Harvest Foods.

I'm not especially fired up about any of the headliners (after the jump) save the Hag. But aside from line-up being a little nostalgia heavy, I can appreciate that it's sure to pack in the throngs.

While the Jazzercisers are getting down to "Power of Love," I'll be hanging in the Arkansas Music Tent on the North Little Rock side, where some of the best in the state, from all genres, will be showcasing their talents. The open-air tent will be set-up like a club, with chairs and tables and ample room to dance. Plus, it's right next to the specialty beer tent.

Here's the nearly complete line-up. Contracts haven't been signed, so there's a remote chance someone could wig out and not play, but everything has been verbally agreed upon.

Friday
6:30-7:30:  Grand Serenade. Shimmering pop-rock.
8-9: The Nobility: Acclaimed power-pop from Nashville, Tenn. by way of White County.
9:30-11: The Moving Front: Visceral post-punk par excellence.
 
Saturday
3-4: McClellan High School Drum Line: Rhythmic acrobats.
4:30-5:30: Michael Perkins & the Melody Makers: A gospel group that believes in praising the Lord by getting down.
6-7: Ted Ludwig Trio: Arguably the best jazz combo in the state. Led by Ludwig, a seven-string guitar whiz from New Orleans.
7:30-9: TBD.
9:30-11:  Epiphany & One Night Stand: Smart, catchy hip-hop driven by live instrumentation.
 
Sunday
2-3: TBD
3:30-4:30: Sara Thomas Band:  Literate folk-rock.
5-6: The Salty Dogs: Local honky-tonk heroes bringing the Bakersfield sound to Little Rock.
6:30-7:30: Boondogs: Nationally acclaimed low-watt pop.
8-9:30: Jim Dickinson: A famed Little Rock-born producer and session player, who's solo work is a zany and infectious mishmash of Southern roots music—Hill country blues, Memphis soul, swamp rock, and '70s psychedlia.

When I'm not in the Arkansas Tent, I'll be watching dozens of top-notch local talent on the main stages (booked by Rock Candy homie Ben Jones. That's two shout outs in one day!). Check the list after the jump. Again, everything's only verbal.