we can control.” Rivertown Live was able to carry over the contracts of the artists to 2021 and once the light at the end of the tunnel became clearer, planning efforts began to ramp up. “We have made the best of it… and have received a lot of support from the community. We hope to make this year’s show a huge success,” Beissel added. RIVERTOWN LIVE will take place on Saturday, September 11, 2021, from 3pm – 11pm at the Hastings Riverfront and the line-up will be exactly as planned in 2020.

A few positive things happened during the pandemic delay that promises to make this event even more special. Country music fans may not have been overly familiar with Barrett in 2019, but they know her now. After a third-place finish on American Idol in 2018, Barrett has skyrocketed up the charts with her first single “I Hope” hitting number one and going 5x Platinum. Her current single “The Good Ones” also has topped the charts at number one. She earned the Country Music Television “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” in 2020 and was nominated for numerous other awards. In 2021, she won Billboard’s “Top Country Female Artist” and “Top Country Song of the Year,” “iHeartRadio Music Awards Best New Country Artist” and the “CMT Female Video of the Year” awards. Kroeze, runner-up on The Voice in 2018, continues to climb up the charts gaining a lot of recognition. He hails from Barron, Wisconsin which also adds a bit of local flavor to the mainstage. This triple billing combined with live music seemingly being “back” has a lot of people talking.

Leni DiMancari, President of Ten-13 Entertainment and Event Manager for Rivertown Live shared his feelings about the music industry and the big hit it took due to the pandemic. DiMancari is happy to see things getting back on track. “With the huge success of Moondance Country and Lakes Jam,” two recent productions he was involved with, “I think live events are making a huge splash and it’s great to working full-time again.” A side note, Barrett would not have been on the radar for the event if not for DiMancari. “While attending the IEBA (International Entertainment Buyers Association) conference in Nashville, I was invited to the Live Nation private party where Gabby Barrett performed acoustically,” he explained. Being very impressed, he introduced himself and said, “I might have some work for you in the future. Who knew she’d hit #1 and be up for tons of awards after that?”

Tom Montgomery, Scott Northard and Brian Schommer are this year’s “tri-chairs.” Montgomery is overseeing much of the general management, logistics and communications with the City of Hastings. Northard focuses on finance and budget while Schommer connects the dots between sponsorships and partnerships with the marketing committee as well other show aspects such as event catering, artist “riders” and strategic relationship development. Teran Harmon and Dan Rother head up the marketing and ticket sales efforts. Jim Weinzettel works with Schommer on generating and securing sponsorships while Tony Ciro works directly with the food/beverage vendors and beer/wine supplier. As the event will take place on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 Jeff Carlson and Bryan Schowalter are working on planning added recognition activities throughout the show. “There are a lot of moving parts, and we have some extremely dedicated people giving of their time and talent to make sure Rivertown Live showcases Hastings,” Schommer explained.

While Rivertown Live is presented by the Hastings Area Rotary Club, it would not be possible without help from countless partners, sponsors, and volunteers. “Hastings Automotive, which is Hastings Ford and Hastings Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep really stepped up big for us,” Weinzettel said of the Exclusive Presenting Partner of Rivertown Live. “Doug Erickson and his local team give back so much to this community, and we really appreciate them.” Other partners include The Ruth and George Doffing Charitable Fund, Treasure Island, The Coating Crew and Premier Bank. Partnerships from $5,000 to $15,000 are still available through July 31st. Sponsorships are also available for as little as $150. More information can be found on the sponsor page at www.rivertownlive.com by downloading sponsor and partner information or give Schommer or Weinzettel a call at 651.208.5361 or 651.592.9612 respectively.

If you are not familiar with Rotary, Beissel summed it up by saying, “Being a member of Rotary is about being a part of something bigger than yourself. It is great to be a part of an organization that does so many behind the scenes things in the community and worldwide. There are a lot of things going on in Hastings because of what the Rotary Club has done that most people do not realize.” On an international level, Rotary has over 35,000 clubs with 1.2 million members and is most known for humanitarian service, promoting goodwill and peace around the world. It is a non-political and non-religious organization that is open to all.

The largest visible contribution to the community in Hastings is the Rotary Pavilion on the Mississippi Riverfront which will be host to three regional bands during Rivertown Live. The Jake Nelson Band will start things off kicking out tunes from their new album “Worth It” as well as tracks from their first “self-titled” album as well as a few covers that are sure to get the blood pumping. The Shalo Lee Band has been captivating audiences across the Midwest for years and will perform their original music as well as some southern rock, country rock and even some classics. Fargo-based 32 Below will bring their rock’n country sound to the Rotary Pavilion Stage as well. They have opened for the likes of Montgomery Gentry, Justin Moore, Charlie Daniels, and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Two Stages, Six Bands… LOTS OF FUN!!

If you want to know more about the event, purchase tickets or volunteer to help, go to www.rivertownlive.com. Ticket prices range from $50 for general admission to $150 for premium reserved seats. If you have questions about volunteering, Beissel can be reached by calling 651-253-9002 or email him at [email protected] The Hastings Area Rotary Club is always looking for new members as well. More information about the club and the various activities and programs they offer can be found at www.hastingsmnrotary.com.