A Flood Of Rock

Christian music festival celebrates 10 year anniversary

Ten years after a humble start as a local battle of the bands, Rock the River rolls on as a full-day music festival with several nationally known acts.

The annual Christian rock event returns on Saturday as an all-day takeover of the Fort Smith Convention Center, which has been home to the mini-festival for several years.

FAQ

Rock the River

WHEN — Noon Saturday

WHERE — Fort Smith Convention Center in Fort Smith

COST — $10 for children ages 4-10; $25 for general admission; $40 for VIP; available at 800-965-9324 or itickets.com

INFO — Hannah House at 782-5683

Fort Smith women's shelter Hannah House started the event 10 years ago as a fundraiser. For several years, Rock the River took place at the spacious Harry E. Kelley Riverfront Park. But a series of rain-outs prompted the move indoors, and the convention center proved the best fit. The convention center can fit about 2,500 concerts fans, and about 2,200 are expected to attend this year's festival, says James Wood, event coordinator.

Music begins at noon with a band to be determined. The opening slots at the festival are given to local and regional Christian rock acts, all of which have the goal of collecting donations for Hannah House. The band among the local fundraisers that collects the least in donations starts the festival. The band that collects the most performs just before the headlining set by Grammy-nominated Christian rock band Building 429. Other Christian-radio friendly acts scheduled for a Saturday appearance include Disciple, Shawn McDonald and Manic Drive.

Proceeds from the festival will once again go to Hannah House, a residential facility with a mission of providing young women in crisis situations free temporary housing and life counseling during their stay.

-- Kevin Kinder

[email protected]

NAN What's Up on 08/22/2014

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