Musical Acts Ignite Wichita River Festival

Since 1972 the Wichita River Festival is the mid west largest social gathering.It is a 9 day event that celebrates the arts,foods,music,dance,sports and anything else in between that Wichita has to offer.Each year there are more than 160 sponsors that take part to make the Riverfest successful.The events themselves bring more than 350,00 participants from all over the state.Over 100 bands have performed through the years and in 2006 hit a record breaking 25,000 in attendance and I am sure this year we will see a match in attendance, if not exceed.

Kicking off the must see concerts at the West Bank Stage of Riverfest 07' on Friday May 11th is a band fronted by American Idols own "Rock sensation" Chris Daughtry.Number 3 album in the nation and number 6 top single "It's not over" Daughtry will take to the stage at 8:50 p.m.,the gates open at 5:00 pm. (hint:I would personally be there by at least 4:30 p.m.).

Saturday May 12th will be a classic rock night legends The Guess Who with long time hits such as "These eyes" and "American Woman" and John Kay &Steppenwolf with classics "Born to be wild" and "Magic carpet ride" will be performing.The gates open at 3:30 p.m. for this event and they will have two opening local acts KLATCH and Third Hill that will start at 4:00 p.m. The Guess Who and John Kay & Steppenwolf will take to the stage at 6:00 p.m.

Sunday May 13th celebrating 30 years of their successful career Little River Band responsible for 8 top 10 singles including "Reminiscing" and " Lady",gates open at 3:30 p.m. with 1 opening act RKO at 4:00 p.m. Little River Band will take to the stage at 6:30 p.m.

Remember if you plan on attending concerts at the West Bank Stage this is a outside all grassy area so be sure to bring a blanket or even lawn chairs to sit on,they do allow coolers inside but no alcohol,although you can use your food tickets to buy beer once inside the large fenced area as well as food from many of the vendors that will be set up.

Other musical acts not performing at the West Bank Stage but still during the Riverfest activities are,Wednesday May 16th country star Craig Morgan with hits such as "That's what I love about Sunday" and "Almost home" he has one opening act at 6:45 p.m. Carolina Rain,Craig will be taking the stage at 7:45 p.m.,Thursday May 17th a Mardi Gras concert starting at 4:30 p.m. the Buskers a band that performs a mixed style of gypsy,jazz,blues and folk,at 8:00 p.m. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy playing swing revival music,Friday May 18th "The king of twist " Chubby Checker and the Wildcats, they have one opening act Rain at 5:00 p.m. Chubby takes to the stage at 8:30 p.m. and closing out the musical acts on Saturday May 19th Patti Austin performing with the Wichita Symphony a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald starting at 8:30 p.m.

Plus there will be a array of local bands that will be performing throughout the week including Rudy Love & The Feelz Good Band,Package Deal,Henry Walker and the Regents,Solstice,Twist of Fate,Made from Scratch,Lip Servis,The Neons,Fragmented Minds,KLATCH,Sharon Rush Band and The Beat just to name a few.

So what is this onslaught of musical talent going to cost you?Would you believe that you can get into each of these concerts with a $5 Riverfest button?Yes that's right I said only $5!One button allows to get into any event for the full 9 days.If you are planning to visit Wichita,Kansas anytime soon this would be the time.You can get your Riverfest buttons at any Quiktrip city wide.