2008 Woodie Awards
Riverbend Woodstock returns
Matthew Schroyer
Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: A&E
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The "Riverbend Woodstock Music Festival" starts at 6 p.m. Friday and ends at 9 p.m. Sunday at VFW Post 7678 in Cottage Hills.
The event opens with a star-spangled tribute to veterans with the help of VFW groups and American Legion groups, a color guard and speakers from the USO.
Bethalto quartet "Asland" plays at 11 a.m. Saturday. They bill themselves as "unique and straightforward, with crisp, catchy melodies."
"They are playing the rock of today's youth," event organizer Don Lanier said.
Asland's music was inspired by the groups The Used, AFI and Story of the Year. Asland has also shared stages with The Vanity Affair and Bear Hug Jersey.
Classic rock group "Train Wreck" will take the stage at noon Saturday, followed by blues guitarist Melissa Neels.
Rogers, Nienhaus and Crawford will bring original acoustic music with three-part harmonies at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. RNC features Scott Nienhaus, who filled in for Michael Clark after his untimely death, and accompanied The Byrds on a 3-week European tour. Also Saturday, Alton's Mondinband will play a tribute to the Allman Brothers and Steely Dan.
Sunday is dedicated to Christian music, and features Narrow Way Praise Band and Surrender. Lanier said he was happy to host the largest Christian music festival of its kind in the area.
"There's some excellent musicians in the religious environment," Lanier said. "I think there are some bands that play in a church that are as good as any band playing in a concert."
The festival finishes up with two hard-rock bands, Rebel Train and Jagertime.
The rock festival also doubles as a charitable event; RWMF collects donations for Fisher Houses and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which goes to help injured soldiers and military families in need.
"We felt we had to support the soldiers," Lanier said. "No matter how you feel about the war or politicians, you still have to support the troops."
Admission for RWMF is free, but a donation of canned food is strongly encouraged. A $2 donation will also be accepted.
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