After being shut down last year due to the pandemic, local music event Rock’n On The River is back and ready to kick-start the season with a double header May 21.
The concert series will feature a performance each month from May until October at 1122 Person St. (behind Deep Creek Grill) in Fayetteville. The May show will feature two tribute bands — Mostley Crue, playing Motley Cure hits, and Shoot To Thrill, who will pay homage to AC/DC.
“The event will benefit two local non-profits - Karen Chandler Trust and Kidsville News,” said Greg Adair, organizer of Rock’n On The River. “Half of the proceeds from the event will go to these non-profits.”
The Karen Chandler Trust is a local nonprofit helping those battling cancer. Kidsville News Foundation is an education and literacy nonprofit in Cumberland County.
Mostley Crue will perform from 6-8 p.m. Shoot To Thrill will kick off at 8:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
“We are a pretty high energy band and bring a lot to the show,” said Scott Koempel, lead guitarist for Mostley Crue. “It will be a lot of fun and will be a great night if the weather is perfect.”
Based out of Raleigh, Mostley Crue started about 13 years ago and currently has four members and a growing following.
“They are there to laugh and have a great time,” he said. “The band we are playing with, we are great friends, they are a great band and, in the music community, a lot of the community is like family, we support each other.”
Shoot To Thrill, another Raleigh native, consists of five members and is an all women rock band covering AC/DC that has been around for the last eight years. Shoot To Thrill is known for their fun stage show that incorporates the
audience.
“Even though we like to dress up, rock out and put on a show, we really like to play well,” said Wendy Brancaccio of Shoot To Thrill. “We are so excited … it was so fun when we played two years ago.”
The Rock’n On The River events will feature food and drinks for purchase at the venue.
“Deep Creek Grill is the partner that will offer different diner type foods like barbecue, hotdogs, the typical southern diner food,” Adair said. “This is also a Healy sponsored event, and they will be selling beer, four different types of beer and drinks. No outside food or drinks will be allowed.”
Rock’n On The River began in 2018 when Adair felt the need for a local event for the people of Fayetteville.
“I just found the place down there and wanted to bring the river back, it wasn't being utilized the way it should and it's a really pretty place,” he said.
The music series will feature other bands like Reflections II, Trial by Fire, Heart Breaker, Joyner Young & Marie and more for the rest of the season.
“It's a great set up that gives a chance for a lot of new people to discover bands that may not have seen or go to see usually,” Koempel said. “It's a win situation for the vendors, the event, the bands and people.”
Parking for the show begins at 5 p.m. and costs $3 per person in any vehicle. Food and beverage sales also begin at 5 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets. No pets are allowed at the event.
For more information, line-up updates on Rock’n On The River, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/Rockn-On-The-River-271048666818630
May 21
6 p.m. Mostley Crue (Motley Crue Tribute)
8:15 p.m Shoot To Thrill (AC/DC Tribute)
June 18
6 p.m. Reflections II (variety)
8:15 p.m. Trial By Fire (Journey Tribute)
July 16
6p.m. Joyner, Young & Marie (Pop/Variety)
8:15 p.m. Heart Breaker (Heart Tribute)
Aug. 27
6 p.m. Throwback Collaboration Band (R&B/Dance)
8:15 p.m. North Tower (Beach/Boogie)
Sept. 17
6 p.m. Cool Heat (Variety/Beach/Dance)
8:15 p.m. Bad Inc. (Bad Company Tribute)
Oct. 22
6 p.m. Rivermist (Classic Rock/Variety/ R&B)
8:15 p.m. Tuesday's Gone (Skynyrd Tribute)