I have to say “hats off” to Trent Williams and the River Days committee for what I think is one of the best entertainment lineups I have seen in years.

I don’t want to be a name dropper, but — Firefall, Survivor, Bucky Covington, Midnight Special, Direct Energy, Union Rose, Steve Free, Doc Roc and the Remedies, Mighty Fine, the Shane Runion Band, City Heat and Larry Pancake, just to name a few — speaks for itself.

What the River Days committee has done is selected a great cross section of genres’ and that should result in a large turnout on the river front.

I don’t want to single anyone out, but if you haven’t heard Mighty Fine, featuring an old friend, Danny Ratcliff, and a new friend, Joe Poole, you are going to want to see and hear them. They play some of the early rock stuff that very few are playing anymore. Another friend, Larry Pancake, will also be performing. He does some great stuff. Then, there’s Steve Free. We go back a long way. He is always entertaining, creative and just great for good time music. Doctor Clyde Fenton and his crew (Doc Roc and the Remedies) have been entertaining folks in this area for years. Yes, Becky Climer rocks! See for yourself. Go check out Doc Roc and the Remedies.

The names Firefall and Survivor speak for themselves, while most will remember Bucky Covington as an American Idol finalist.

River Days is a great event. There is something for the entire family. I think Labor Day weekend is the best weekend of the year because it is sort of that

step from summer into a little cooler fall season.

Let me also throw something in here. There has been somewhat of an issue in the last couple of years with a conflict between closing an area of Second Street for the rides and possibly hindering businesses in that area. The people in the Main Street Portsmouth group or Boneyfiddle merchants have found that challenging. So here is what I would like to urge you to do. Go to River Days and have a great time, and while you are browsing the area, make your way to some businesses that have been inconvenienced in years past, and shop some of those great stores with unique items. Always remember, when you spend money with the merchants in the Boneyfiddle area, your money is circulated back into the local economy.

I, for one, am looking forward to River Days and the great entertainment lineup. Come on down to River Days during Labor Day weekend and rock on the river.

FRANK LEWIS may be reached at

(740) 353-3101, ext. 232, or flewis@

heartlandpublications.com.