If my job were to convince people to move to Paducah, I would use BBQ on the River as my sales pitch. The weather is usually perfect, the food is great and the folks are friendly. Most impressive of all, however, is the rockin’ music on the main stage.
Thursday, September 25
This year, the music begins at 7 p.m., Thursday, September 25, with Murray’s Murr-Vegas All Stars. MVAS is a great party band that plays soul, funk, disco and rock with an iconic front man and sleek horn section. MVAS has a loyal Paducah following, so look for Thursday to be a big party.Friday, September 26
The Friday lineup begins at 3:30 p.m. with local phenoms Special D. That’s a little early in the day for a band that usually headlines, but these guys rock 24/7. Front man Craig Felker is Paducah’s version of Mick Jagger — always demanding that the crowd is part of the show. Since he knows my ego, Craig always gives me a shout out from the stage. You’re reading this, right, Craig?
Next up at 6 p.m. is Partial Post. PP is a side project from members of 61 South who still want to play when Lew can’t. Look for PP to play rock and blues standards, while breaking into jam sessions.In case Partial Post doesn’t satisfy your rock and roll jones, The Cruisers hit the stage at 8 p.m. There is no way that I have to describe The Cruisers to a Paducah audience. These guys thrill tens of thousands of local fans a year. Lead guitar/lead vocals John Craft knows what I wanna hear. Better practice that Hendrix, Doc.
Saturday, September 27
On Saturday, after you finish the BBQ on the River 5k Run (hopefully behind me), head back town to the stage for a 12:30 p.m. performance by The Redding Brothers. The Reddings are out to prove that rock and roll can save the world — but we only need them to make those Paducah Symphony Orchestra beer garden refreshments go down a little more smoothly.
At 2:30 p.m., Bawn in the Mash will fire up the crowd and fill the front of the stage with their loyal groupies. Don’t call these guys “Bluegrass.” They’ve evolved way beyond that. BITM fuses bluegrass with folk and funk into what The String Cheese Incident could’ve been — if they’d only been from Western Kentucky.
Lew Jetton and 61 South rocks the main stage at 7 p.m. This year’s headliners are the real deal in blues. Public transportation promoter by day, Lew Jetton changes personalities on stage, becoming Paducah's bad man of blues to everyone’s delight. These guys are super-tight and are the perfect complement to the world’s best BBQ. Check out Lew's blog, too.That’s it! A weekend full of great and diverse music. And if you see your ol’ buddy DJUK at the PSO beer garden, you might loan him a ticket — there are no paying DJ gigs to be had when the live music lineup is this awesome.
