Riverfest

As we moved down the boardwalk, we were met by contrasting images. A vendor was selling confederate flag paraphernalia while Beyonce's "All the Single Ladies" was blasting from a tent a few feet away. We eventually made it to the VIP tent where we ate BBQ to the sounds of the Marshall Tucker Band.

I have written on several occasions that a music festival--City Stages--drew me back to Alabama. Well, Riverfest in Gadsden, AL also made me feel proud to be southern and to live in Alabama.

If you check out the official Alabama Tourism site, Gadsden is located in the river region. I have made several trips to Gadsden over the years. When I was driving back home from Charlottesville, it marked the last hour of my trip. It is home to Top of the River--only THE best catfish in the country.

A friend mentioned the band lineup didn't seem to fit my musical taste. There was a local band at the beginning that we missed that played RnB. The Marshall Tucker Band was amazing to listen to live. Anyone who includes woodwinds in their lineup is alright with me. The guitar and bass solos were outstanding. I am not sure who was on electric guitar, but I might put him in the same league as Carlos Santana.

We took a walk along the Coosa River. Many Alabama landmarks retained Native American names. It was beautiful. Despite intermittent rainfall, the river was decorated with pontoons, speed boats and other water vehicles. There was even a one year old in his Pac n Play on one of the boats.

We made our way back to the tent that was blasting Beyonce earlier that night. You know the one near the confederate flag vendor? Walk It Out...A Two Step...Do the Stanky Leg...These young teens were workin' it out to the latest hip hop music. BTW-Most of the dancers were white.