Six Riverbend shows to catch this season

Riverbend Music Center, located just off 275 at 6295 Kellogg Avenue, is Cincinnati’s premier outdoor concert venue. Originally built as a location for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to perform outdoor concerts during the summer months, Riverbend has become the hot spot for big name, nationally touring acts. It opened in 1984 and has since provided a stage for the likes of Grateful Dead, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Pearl Jam, Oasis, and countless others.  With a good sized pavilion and huge lawn area RMC holds 20,500 people (most of which are held in the grassy knoll).

Every summer Riverbend Music Center brings a killer lineup to their stage and these are the top 6 shows you will want to be sure to catch in the 2009 season.

1. Coldplay
With the 2009 Grammy-winning smash Viva la Vida Coldplay is absolutely one of the top acts appearing at Riverbend this summer. Selling over 50 million albums this British rock group brings energy, creativity, and not to mention incredible songs to the stage. Coldplay comes to town at 7:30 p.m. June 4^th and ticket prices start at $23.

2. Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band has become a staple at Riverbend over the last several years and it is no wonder because he always provides an excellent show. Though Dave may not have acquired any Grammy’s this year it makes no difference in his career because his talent is untouched and his fans are loyal. DMB will take the stage at Riverbend roughly 2 months into their 2009 tour on June 12^th at 7:00 p.m. and tickets currently go for as cheap as $31.

3. Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley is quickly taking over the country music scene with his well written songs and phenomenal electric guitar skills. This year alone he has taken home 2 Grammy’s and 3 CMA’s and continues to pour out hit after hit. This summer Brad will be appearing at Riverbend on June 19^th along with opening act Dierks Bentley and tickets start at $21.

4. Jimmy Buffet
Jimmy Buffet always seems to provide one of the most fun, talked about shows of the Cincinnati concert series. “Parrot Heads,” the popular name for Buffet’s super-fans, typically make it an all day event and by the time Jimmy takes the stage (this year at 8:00 p.m.) the crowd is well on their way to Margaritaville. Boats fill the river to hang out and catch the music from outside the venue providing a party in every direction from the stage. So throw on your flip-flops and head to Riverbend August 6^th to catch Buffet for as low as $43.

5. Rascal Flatts
With a regularly sold-out show Rascal Flatts provide an evening of hit after hit. It is a show that fans of all genres of music can get out and enjoy and this year Rascal Flatts are throwing another well-known (maybe not well-respected) name on the bill, Jessica Simpson. They will share the stage on August 8^th at 8:00 p.m. so if you want to catch this show get your tickets (starting at $27) early before they are gone.

6. Blink 182
Blink 182 has been on hiatus from touring for the last five years and decided that 2009 will be the year of their return to the road. Blink fans all over the country are thrilled to see Mark, Travis, and Tom back together doing what they do
best.  The trio will hit the stage at Riverbend on August 13^th so all you punk fans, get your tickets quick and get them for as little as $20.

There are all kinds of other shows appearing at Riverbend Music Center this summer so check out their website for a full list of who is here when. But do your best to catch one or all of these six shows because they will be well worth your time and money!