Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1508412
8 UCW SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 Best of Fayetteville Best Local Band RIVERMIST 910-797-7140 or www.rivermistband.com Fayetteville's favorite home- town band is once again Rivermist. Since starting in 2014 as a classic rock cover band, Rivermist has lost and gained members, and even added new genres of music to its repertoire. The band consists of five members, all from different back- grounds but united in their love of "God, family and country." Greg Adair, drummer and vocal- ist, is a proud husband, father and new "Pops." Flowing on the keys and the mic, Allen Pier's raspy voice and melodic work on the keyboard provide the perfect note for classic rock hits, R&B and Funk. Cliff Bender, one of the best improv guitar players anywhere, plays lead guitar. Music store owner and guitar/ bass teacher Tony Harrison is great on the bass guitar. Wrapping up the band as the latest addition, and what members claim is the final piece of it, is John Griffin school band director/teacher Rick Starling on percussion and keyboards, and another great vocalist. The members of Rivermist, their wives and their kids all consider each other family — supporting each other not only in their music endeavors, but also in their lives. It is a characteristic unheard of in a band, at any level of success. This kind of camaraderie is felt and recognized by their fans. The group gauges success by their connection with fans. "When we see peo- ple, … we hug them at the end of every show or when we can see them before the show ... we are really thankful for them," says Adair. The band maintains a consistent schedule, ensuring fans have the opportu- nity to rock out and grab a laugh and a hug on the way out. While they consider themselves a cover band, they have a collection of original songs. They recently released a new song, "Right Place, Right Time" available on their website, Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music and Pandora. Tour dates, mer- chandise and booking information can also be found on their website. Best Solo Artist Michael Daughtry www.michaeldaughtrymusic.com/ Michael Daughtry, a former full-time music teacher of more than ten years, decided to step out of his comfort zone and follow his passion as a recording artist. At the age of three, he discovered his grandmother's piano, which sparked his deep love for music. Despite never receiving the drum set he once asked for on Christmas, Michael con- tinued to nurture his musical devotion throughout his childhood. Having achieved magna cum laude honors upon completing his studies in Songwriting at Berklee College of Music, he has had the opportunity to perform as an opening act for a wide range of artists. These include Edwin McCain, Lit, Dale Baker (formerly of Sixpence None the Richer), Marc Davis (from Hootie and the Blowfish), Bleu, Sponge, Mary Gauthier, John Ford Coley and Tyler Barham. Furthermore, he spent nearly two years opening for Blue Man Group during their shows at the Charles Playhouse in Boston. At home and during his travels, Michael is dedicated to his musical mission. He imparts his knowledge of piano, guitar, voice and songwriting to people of all ages. Michael is a regular presence at festivals and events along the eastern seaboard. It is worth mentioning that since 2013, he has had the privilege of partnering with (and performing for) the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series. This organization shares his commitment to philanthropy. As part of his contribution to society, a portion of the proceeds from Michael's upcoming album sales will be donated to the Child Advocacy Center in Fayetteville. "Our 1 st Year in business has been AWESOME!" THANK YOU FAYETTEVILLE! PHONE: (910) 339-5196 ADDRESS: 2725 FREEDOM PKWY DR SUITE III, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28314 HOURS : MONDAY - SATURDAY 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM SUNDAY 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM