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City Stages 2009: The lineup

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First announced acts heavy on classic rock

city stages

Just about a year ago to the day, City Stages announced a lineup that included the Flaming Lips, Diana Ross and the Roots.

Today, the first seven major acts for the 2009 downtown music festival include classic rock and well, classic rock. Organizers changed booking agencies, from AC Entertainment to AEG Live/The Messina Group.

The performers (year of last Top 40 song), so far:

  • Doobie Brothers (2001)
  • Indigo Girls (1999)
  • Jane’s Addiction (2003) (appearance canceled)
  • Neville Brothers (never)
  • REO Speedwagon (2008) (no original members)
  • Styx (1999) (no original members)
  • 38 Special (1997)
  • Young Jeezy (2008)

A couple more dozen acts on the lineup include En Vogue, Guster and the Whigs.

George McMillan, festival president, says the festival remains about $400,000 in debt.

The festival takes place Father’s Day weekend (June 19-21). Tickets go on sale Monday through Ticketma$ter and Legacy Community Credit Union:

  • three-day pass: $37.50 ($40 to $55 later);
  • one-day pass: $28;
  • children age 12 and younger: free.

What do you think of the initial lineup? How does it compare to the Crawfish Boil or Bonnaroo? Tell us in the comments.

Plus, video previews after the jump …

Doobie Brothers, ‘China Grove’

Indigo Girls, ‘Watershed’

Jane’s Addiction, ‘Just Because’

Neville Brothers, ‘Tell It Like It Is’

REO Speedwagon, ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’

Styx, ‘Come Sail Away’ (as performed by Cartman)

Young Jeezy, ‘I Luv It’

Also:

• • •

Complete City Stages coverage.

5 Yips for “City Stages 2009: The lineup”

  1. City Stages 2009: Acts announced, website unveiled | The Terminal - Birmingham AL's hub
    Sunday, March 29, 2009, 7:27 am
    1

    […] the first acts for City Stages 2009 be announced and dissected (courtesy of The Birmingham News and Wade on Birmingham respectively). So, what else can we […]

  2. Louise Dover
    Thursday, April 2, 2009, 10:04 am
    2

    The 2009 lineup will most likely not help alleviate any of City Stage’s debt. In fact, I would venture to guess that it will only sink further into the hole. I certainly won’t be buying any tickets.

  3. Wade
    Thursday, April 2, 2009, 2:07 pm
    3

    Do you think the next wave of lineup announcements will change your mind about buying a ticket?

  4. Louise Dover
    Thursday, April 2, 2009, 9:21 pm
    4

    Probably not. The acts are either ancient or I’ve never heard of them. Not worth the ticket price to me. I do plan to attend the Saturday night session of Riverfest in Gadsden where Little Big Town, Josh Gracin and Kevin Derryberry are performing, for only $25 for the entire weekend.

  5. Quaker Steak sizzles for summer with top bands - The Morning Journal | Columbus Blogs
    Friday, April 3, 2009, 5:16 am
    5

    […] Wade on Birmingham » Blog Archive » City Stages 2009: The lineup […]

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