Rockin’ on the River! Conway’s Riverfest 2009
Calendar of Events / Coast Cover Feature / Conway / Entertainment / Featured Story / Happenings / Social Events / South Carolina Events / myrtle beach
By: Staff Writers
June 19, 2009 2
By Dariel Bendin
This year the historic town of Conway, S.C. gives a whole new name to its former Around the Fourth Celebration. Riverfest 2009 takes place on June 27, from 3 to 11 p.m. along the city’s stretch of the beautiful Waccamaw River.
The Festival will feature country music along with beach and boogie. There will be children’s entertainers; a playground pavilion of inflatables, pony rides, festival food and more (at Riverfront Park); an Artisans Market underneath the arches; and the annual bass fishing tourney. Captain Jim is offering boat tours along the Waccamaw. Tennis buffs won’t want to miss the three-day USTA-sanctioned tennis classic. Add to that kayak races, a homemade river raft race at 4 p.m., a boat parade at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. and you’ve got a full day of fun for the whole family. Don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs.
In fact, festival planners have gone out of their way to make the Festival accessible to all ages.
Free tram service is available for seniors. The Lil’ Blue Choo is a trackless train traveling from area to area to assist festival-goers. For families with babies and toddlers, a diaper changing station will be located at the playground pavilion.
Festival activities will be taking place at two basic locations – the area by the Peanut Warehouse and Riverfront Park. Look for live entertainment on two different stages: the Family Stage at Riverfront Park and the Main Event Stage under the bridge.
Some of the region’s hottest performers will be on hand to help celebrate – Brad Long, Southern Blue, Doug McCormick, The Too Tight Band, Jessie Rice, Russell & Kristi Johnson, Gabbie Rae and a number of the city’s own Conway idols.
Country, pop and rock vocalist Brad Long is a Myrtle Beach boy. He started his career playing drums and guitars along the Grand Strand and has been the front man for both Cheyenne and Black Label. Now enjoying a solo career, Long has opened for Rodney Atkins, Tracey Lawrence, Dwight Yoakam, Chris Cagle, Little Big Town and other.
Founded by Daryl Anderson of Conway, S.C., Southern Blue will be playing original tunes along with your favorite southern rock classics. The band’s huge local following has seen them open for Lynyrd Skynyrd, David Allan Coe, Molly Hatchett, Confederate Railroad and other national acts.
Patrons of South Carolina venues like the Beachwagon in Myrtle Beach, Little John Coliseum in Clemson and The Handlebar in Greenville, no doubt recognize rising country artist Doug McCormick
His sound has been compared to Garth Brooks, Gary Allan and Keith Whitley. This Carolina boy released his debut self-titled CD last fall.
Named 2008 Country Band of the Year, Deepstep will wow you with smooth, multi-part harmonies and an exciting stage show.
Conway born Jesse Rice lives in Nashville now, but the singer/songwriter is proud of his Carolina roots and you can hear it in songs like “The Days We Lived Back Then” and “That’s What’s Up Down South.”
Conway’s Christian music duo Russell and Kristi Johnson travel the country spreading the word through song and spirit. Their latest CD is All Things Now and features Russell on keyboards and both Russell and Kristi on vocals.
Too Tight Band
The Too Tight Band, a dynamic seven-man group delivers a range of beach, variety and R&B – sure to bring you to your feet.
Gabbie Rae is known as the little girl with the big voice. She performs throughout the Grand Strand, often with her band, Gabbie Rae and the Wow Factory. Singing since she was six, Gabbie Rae is now at the ripe old age of ten.
At press time, this is the entertainment schedule:Anderson Brothers Bank Family Stage (Riverfront Park)
3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Conway Idol Performances 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Christ United Methodist Church’s “Big House”
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Oxygen Network Karaoke Contest
Gabbie Rae
8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Gabbie Rae
9:30 p.m. Fireworks, Presented
by The Conway National Bank
9:45 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Russell & Kristi Johnson
The Chandler Law Firm Main Event Stage (Under the Bridge)
3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Jesse Rice 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Too Tight Band
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Deepstep
Deepstep
8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Southern Blue
9:30 p.m. Fireworks
9:45 p.m. - 11 p.m. Brad Long
If You Want To Go
What: Riverfest
Where: On the river in historic
downtown Conway, S.C.
When: June 27, 2009. 3 - 11 p.m.
How Much: Free
Info: Conway Chamber of Commerce;
I want to come to this event as a resident of this area. This is my first year is this on Sunday or Saturday. The radio says Saturday but the internet says Sunday June 27th. Please advise.
Saturday, June 27.