It’s hard to believe it’s already August! We’ve been through three months of shows already here at Riverbend, but don’t worry, it’s not over yet! We’ve still got August, September, and I even hear talk of a show getting added in October! Nothing’s set in stone yet, but we’ll see! It would be nice to have a nice cool October concert. We did have a great end to July though!
Sting made his way back to Riverbend on July 20 with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. I have to admit, I was a little worried that the show would be a bit of a downer. I’m used to hearing Sting as part of the Police or at least on his own with electric guitars and a full rock band. The show on July 20 featured Sting, vocalist only, with the RPCO behind him. Being a classically trained musician, I also worried about what the humidity would do to those instruments. The performances by Sting and the orchestra though were AMAZING. I was so impressed by how much I loved hearing the songs “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” and “Roxanne” accompanied by strings and horns instead of electric guitar and a drum set. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience to see Sting and his hits performed this way. If you missed this show, you definitely missed out. Sting’s still got it as a vocalist and as an amazing, creative artist.
Photos by Craig Weiglein

Next up we had two all day touring festivals. Mayhem Festival on July 21 featured over 20 metal bands including headliners Five Finger Death Punch, Lamb Of God, Rob Zombie and KORN. The concert was our first and only metal/hard rock concert of the year and Cincinnati definitely showed us they like metal! Next, on July 28, we had the Vans Warped Tour. The tour brings over 50 punk, ska, and pop rock bands on 6 stages. Tons of photos from tons of bands can be seen on our Facebook Page.
Lastly, we had one of the most enduring rock bands of all time on July 30, KISS! You’ve never seen such a spectacle that is a KISS concert. The band hit the stage with lights and pyro galore. Halfway through the night the stage fireworks began (yes, literally), including fireworks being shot out personally by members of the band. Gene Simmons spat blood and fire and Paul Stanley ziplined above the crowd to a satellite stage in the middle of the pavilion. Just another night for the four members of KISS but an amazing show for all of those who came to see this legendary band that Friday night.
Photos by Keith Klenowski

Coming up Friday we’ve got Rascal Flatts! And then a whole lot of August and September!