SECONDARY STAGE SHOWCASES TALENTS OF LOAL BANDS, SINGERS

Riverfest's main entertainment stage allows area residents to see nationally known performers, while also providing an opportunity for local bands to showcase their talent before large crowds.

More than 50,000 people are expected to visit downtown Cape Girardeau during the 13th annual Riverfest this Friday and Saturday. Many of those undoubtedly will make their way toward the entertainment stage at the corner of Spanish and Themis streets.

Greg Talbut, vice president of entertainment and special events for Riverfest, said many people will come to Riverfest solely to hear "headliner" entertainment slated for Friday and Saturday night. Friday night's "headliner" entertainment is a tribute to The Beatles. Riverman and musician John Hartford will play on the main stage Saturday night.

But Talbut said four local bands will take the main stage prior to the primary entertainment.

"Generally, we try to get local bands so they can get some exposure," he said. "They're used to playing in clubs and weddings and we may get a couple thousand people down there, so it's a good opportunity for the bands.

Friday night's "secondary" entertainment will feature the soul-filled, blues riffs of Cape Girardeau's Blues All-Stars. The band will take the stage at 5 p.m. and will "warm up" the crowd for the main entertainment, a tribute to The Beatles.

Saturday's entertainment will include the country and western sounds of Southland and Manitou, and the band, Horizon, which Talbut classified as "classic rock." The bands will play from 5 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Talbut said that the riverboat excursions this year should draw even larger crowds to the event than usual.

"You get more folks who'll come in from out of town on Saturday night, especially with the fireworks," he added.

Talbut said the local bands, coupled with the main entertainment, should provide a variety of music for any taste.