Blackwater Music Festival

You asked, we listened. Riverfront Park Concert Series is BACK, and it’s better than ever. This time, get ready for Blackwater Music Festival 2022, a 2-day music festival at Riverfront Park presented by the Academy Center of the Arts and The Sonny Merryman Family.

Featuring local, regional, and international country music artists from around the globe, this festival highlights the deepest roots of the city of the Seven Hills. Headlined by Parmalee on Friday night and Hunter Hayes on Saturday, August 26th and 27th are sure to leave you dancing on Jefferson Street all weekend long.

The Academy is only selling 2-day weekend passes + 2-day VIP weekend passes to Blackwater Music Festival right now. If anything changes, the public will be made aware through our website and social media.

About the Artists

Parmalee:

2016 ACM “New Vocal Duo/Group of the Year” nominee Parmalee is one of Country music’s most successful acts: the Platinum-selling band of brothers is one of only four groups since 2001 to earn three consecutive Top 10 singles from a debut Country album. Since their debut at Country radio, Parmalee has earned nearly 500 million on-demand streams. Heralded as “Country music’s most solid hitmakers” by People, Parmalee has supported Brad Paisley and Jake Owen on national tours while finding time to perform on NBC’s TODAY show, The Late Late Show, FOX & Friends All American Summer Concert Series, MLB Central’s Studio 21, The Queen Latifah Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show and more. Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), cousin Barry Knox (bass), and life-long friend Josh McSwain, the North Carolina natives recently returned to the top of the charts with their PLATINUM-certified international No. 1 single with Blanco Brown, “Just the Way.” Their romantic new single that “will undoubtedly make the list for wedding songs this year,” (Sounds Like Nashville) “Take My Name,” from their new album, For You is on Country radio now.

Hunter Hayes:

Multi-instrumentalist and platinum-selling recording artist Hunter Hayes relentlessly puts his fans first and he renewed that promise with the long-awaited deluxe release of his highly acclaimed studio album Wild Blue (Complete). The Louisiana native has garnered over 2 billion on-demand global streams since the release of his platinum-certified debut album, along with six gold and platinum-certified singles. In addition to his legendary headlining shows, Hayes has also toured with superstars like Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and has headlined sold-out shows across the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. With over 50 award nominations and wins, including five GRAMMY© nominations, the multi-instrumentalist is just getting started.

The Lacs:

Hick-hop? Rap-rock? Nah, categories are way too confining. Collectively as the LACS, Baxley, Georgia’s renegade redneck rap duo Clay Sharpe and Brian King create the kind of music that created them; a hybrid of elements drawn from raw outlaw country to southern rock to crunk hip-hop. That’s quite a fusion indeed, and one that captured the hearts and ears of those yearning for something fresh and relatable. “I call it the mix CD era, you put a little bit of everything on it,” Clay says of the eclectic vibe. “I feel like that’s how our music is and how it’s evolved.” It’s been a long yet worthwhile wait. The Lacs have delivered a symposium of sounds that are sure to please everyone.

Craig Campbell:

A consistent balancing act of traditional values and modern industry trends, Campbell is considered by many to be one of the most talented yet under the radar stars, across all genres. His “It’s About Time” single marked Campbell’s first independent release on his own Grindstone Records and highlighted the first track the charismatic charmer co-produced, along with playing acoustic guitar and piano and singing his own harmonies. He also released “All My Friends Drink Beer,” the music video which featured his notable friends like Jaren Johnson from The Cadillac 3, Randy Houser, Granger Smith, and other familiar faces who recorded their own segments during last year’s quarantine. In the summer of 2018, Campbell released his first new music in five years with his See You Try EP on Broken Bow. The title track became an instant crowd-pleaser with its confident, flirty lyrics and boot-stompin’ melody. The EP also found a home for both an electric and acoustic version of “Outskirts of Heaven.”

Sacha:

Making a name for herself in the US and Canada since the release of her EP The Best Thing in July 2020, SACHA is one of country music’s fastest rising stars. Becoming an iHeartRadio’s “Future Star” following the success of her latest single “Standards”, SACHA has since been named as a member of CMT’s Next Women Of Country 2021 class and earned her first GOLD single alongside The Reklaws with their viral hit track “What The Truck,” which was the fastest-ever Canadian country song to go GOLD in the streaming era (under 16 weeks). She recently performed the track alongside The Reklaws to close out the national broadcast of the 2021 Canadian Country Music Awards. Featured in major television, print, and online press including CMT, Music Row Magazine, American Songwriter, Rolling Stone Country, Billboard, and The Boot, SACHA has also appeared on A-list editorial playlists (U.S. and Canadian) on Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music.

Tenille Townes:

Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician Tenille Townes released her new project Masquerades on April 22 via Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville in partnership with RCA Records. A meditation on duality, self-reflection, and embracing flaws, Masquerades follows her acclaimed debut album The Lemonade Stand, which was named Country Album of the Year at the 50th JUNO Awards and Album of the Year at the 2021 Canadian CMA Awards, where Townes also earned her third consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year trophy. The two-time ACM Award-winner is also the first female artist in Mediabase Canada history to achieve two No. 1 singles (Music Canada Gold-certified “Jersey On The Wall (I’m Just Asking),” Music Canada Platinum-certified and RIAA Gold-certified “Somebody’s Daughter”). Following standout support runs with Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Brothers Osborne, George Strait, and Reba, Townes recently wrapped her first headlining U.S. trek, the VILLAIN IN ME TOUR, and will head out this summer opening for the likes of Jake Owen and Brad Paisley, before heading out in Europe this fall.

Zach Burnette:

Zach was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, and took to playing music at an early age. He has been performing since 2011, playing with several music acts. Recently he has started a solo career with his own band playing live events and recording original music. Zach’s “Down to Earth” and comical personality bridge the divide between entertainer and audience. With high energy sounds and unique vocal textures, his take on Country music is something fresh yet recognizable. With reverence to all things Country, this earned him a performance on WSM Grand Ole Opry radio. He also has opened for many national acts including Ashley McBride, Trace Atkins, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, John Conlee, Canaan Smith, Lori Morgan, and Pam Tillis. Zach released his first studio album “Nothing But Everything” in the Spring of 2021. He has received lots of love and support from fans and listeners and will continue to provide personable and quality music.

Note that the event producer and Artist may change dates, times, and/or venues depending on the current COVID-19 environment. Ticket buyers will be updated by the Academy Center of the Arts staff, should any change to schedule or venue occurs.