Riverbeat Music Festival Sparkles in Memphis for its Second Year
Riverbeat Music Festival returned to Tom Lee Park in Memphis for its second year with a incredible host of headliners and local talent for all ages and genres bringing Memphis back into the spotlight with the wonderful backdrop of the Mississippi River on one side and the downtown skyline on the bluffs on the other side.
The weather can always be a factor this time of year in the Mid-South, and Friday had everyone wondering if we were going to have a washout rainy fest as it rained all day up until when the doors opened. Other than a few sprinkles throughout the evening, all was fine. With four stages of music rolling continuously, Riverbeat Music Festival more that delivers by bringing such diverse and eclectic modern, pop, rock, rap, and new artists to Memphis May 2–4.
FRIDAY, MAY 2
Friday nights acts included the biggest DJ on the planet – Steve Aoki – and his massive following. Memphis rap OGs with members of Three Six Mafia and Al Kapone among many others treating the lucky few to the roots of Memphis rap with a plentitude of OG raps. Solo artist Mike brought his independent mix of many genre sounds with deep grassroot following. Busta Rhymes got the crowd going as the night progressed, and after his set Ludacris and company came to the stage, with Missy Elliot closing the night out with her entourage to a packed and delighted crowd. And, of course, there were plenty of food and drink options available, and lines were short through out the weekend.
SATURDAY, MAY 3
Saturday and the weather was wonderful for another day of non-stop music on the Mississippi Riverfront. Crowds were considerably larger on Saturday. The Hypos from Asheville NC got things going with their easy-listening sounds. Next up was monster bassist MonoNeon (one of Flea’s RHCP favorite bass players) with his funk-driven band sending the crowd groovin’ early on the river. Longtime local group Freeworld, 30 years in the business, led by Richard Cushing and horn section with a smoking lead guitar, rocked out to a hippy-filled crowd with their Grateful Dead-influenced songs and jams; look for their new album More Love.
Flo Milli and her ecstatic Raps and recent number one on Billboard’s Tik Tok Top 50 for many weeks, drew a large crowd the Budweiser Stage early into the afternoon. The Wailers and their musical Bob Marley tribute are touring the world with a new album in support.
Cage the Elephant and their heavy pyrotechno-backed act were hot hot hot and had everyone on their feet. Cage will be opening for Oasis this summer on their North American Tour.
Public Enemy – Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy lifetime achievement recipients, and well-know for speaking out on social justice – brought their OG classics for all the OGs to sing along with loud frenzied anger with the energy in and amongst all in attendance.
The Killers closed out Saturday night on the river and presented their 22 years of music, opening up with “Great Balls Of Fire” (Otis Blackwell, but better known by Jerry Lee Lewis) and proceeded to play 16 more songs including “Runaways,” “When We Were Young,” and “Spaceman,” ending the show with “Mr. Brightside.”
SUNDAY, MAY 4
Sunday, the final day, would be just as strong as the two previous with performances by 19-year-old pop/rock icon Gayle; her hard candy rock was packed with so much energy and pizazz. Definitely we will be hearing more from her and her band. Neil Francis and his eclectic keyboards and guitar-heavy tunes had the crowd on their feet from start to finish with harmonies and grooves sounding so pleasant and easy to dance to.
Benson Boone, fresh from his Saturday Night Live Musical Guest, delivered one of the most momentous sets with flips and flips, living up to all expectations and the cries of many, many young girls shouting out their love for him as he sang his smash hit “Beautiful Things.”
Up next, Khruangbin, the three-piece band from Houston, offered up very crisp dance music with light drums, accentuating the jazzy Spanish sounds they were playing throughout their set.
Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals closed out the three-day Riverbeat Music Festival with the Grammy award-winner and his rap songs. He is director, producer, songwriter, and artist, appealing to so many that love the messages and groovy beats.
Thank you, Mempho Presents, the staff, the volunteers, the Memphis police, and Shelby County officers for all you do to make this event safe and sound. Thanks, Mike Smith, for continuing to bring so much great music and food events to the city. Consensus opinion: Riverbeat music festival was great, looking forward to next year.
See Ya Then!