Judging by the enthusiasm of both the performers and the crowd, the first “Down by the River” music concert at the old Victory Stadium site was a big success. Local performer Corey Hunley was joined by fast up–and-coming singer songwriter Paul Thorn and well established blues / rock troubadour John Hiatt. All three musicians wooed the crowd to their feet by the end of their respective sets with Hiatt ending the night as the majority of fans danced in the aisles.
Gary Jackson, the promoter at Kirk Avenue Music Hall who put on the concert, said that “the turn-out was great – 1250 total . . . and the artists loved the whole vibe; John [Hiatt] commented that he could feel the love.” Jackson also said tickets for the Down By the River Festival being held July 11 on the same site are now on sale at the Jefferson Center Box Office. The concert will feature Derek Trucks, The Susan Tedeschi Band, Southern Culture on the Skids, Mountain Heart, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Cyrus Pace Roanoke Allstars and Bebop Hoedown.