Hey, Folks! The first annual Moss Point RiverFest was a wet success. Check out what all of the local media outlets had to say about our concert!

RiverFest turns wet
Sunday, September 02, 2007
By AMBER CRAIG

MOSS POINT -- Stormy weather threatened to put a hold on the city's first RiverFest, but the show went on last night for about 500 audience members who showed up to enjoy the concert.

The show featuring the Gulf Coast Symphony started later than scheduled because of rain that started about 6 p.m. Then a downpour sent people scattering for tents, trees or other shelter, but the first act, Chickin' Daddy and the Hotwings, was performing on a barge over the Escatawpa River by 7:10 p.m.

Kathy Scarbrough, RiverFest chairwoman, said organizers originally expected 2,000 people to show up for the evening of concert with musicians playing Southern gospel, jazz and blues styles, but the weather Saturday and in the previous week likely kept some people at home.

"I do believe the unpredictable weather we've had all week has caused people not to attend," Scarbrough said.

Rosetta Jones and her mother, Myra Wilson, were not afraid to brave the weather with Jones' two children, ages 5 and 6, for the inaugural concert.

"We just wanted to enjoy the music," Jones said. "Despite the rain, we still wanted to come."

Jones said before the concert started that the family would stick it out, rain or shine.

"We are still going to have fun," Jones said.

Wilson said events like RiverFest are important to the community, because they give children a good way to occupy their time.

"If they have something to do, there won't be so much crime," Wilson said.

Tonya Jones, who was sitting underneath a tree with two of her three children, said a little rain couldn't have kept her and her family from the event.

Jones said she was looking forward to hearing the Gulf Coast Symphony and enjoyed hearing them play at Pascagoula's annual Sounds By The Sea on Memorial Day.

"We will enjoy ourselves, no matter what," Jones said.

Scarbrough said the "silver lining" to the concert's rainy start was that it cooled temperatures down for those who braved the weather.

Reporter Amber Craig can be reached at acraig@themississippipress.com or (228) 934-1428.

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RiverFest maintains in rain
By LEIGH COLEMAN
SUN HERALD
MOSS POINT --
As the crowd chanted, "rain, rain, go away," Moss Point RiverFest organizers on Saturday night said they were determined the show must go on despite the heavy rains, and it did.

With umbrellas and rain gear in tow, Moss Point RiverFest attendees enjoyed an interesting evening of blues, jazz and a symphonic mix of entertainment on the Moss Point riverfront despite the bad weather.

Heavy thunderstorms caused crowds to seek shelter under the many tents that lined the riverfront and delayed the event for an hour, but Moss Point Mayor Xavier Bishop said because of the importance of the festival, they had to deliver to the public.

"You cannot believe the obstacles we had to overcome just organizing this event," said Bishop. "The threatening weather is a very mild challenge, by comparison, and this event is right in line with the two-year anniversary of Katrina as a stress reliever, and this show will go on."

The outdoor summer music festival featured music by the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Gospel Choir, the Jerry Ball Jazz Quintet, the Moss Point High School All-Stars Jazz Band, Keith Hunter & the Hotwings, and the Gulf Coast Symphony.

"This is our first RiverFest, and the ideas behind it are all a part of making this area a level one destination for tourists," said Chairperson Kathy Scarbrough.

The title sponsor for the event was BP, and platinum sponsors were Navigator Credit Union, the Sun Herald and VT Halter Marine.

As the rains lifted, the crowd grew and so did the activities, including facepainting, lots of food, and family fun.

"When Mayor Bishop approached BP about sponsoring the family event, we wanted to be a part of it because we have a local footprint here," said Al Davis, BP Damage Prevention team leader for the Gulf of Mexico .

"We have been looking forward to this event for weeks, and the rain won't stop us," said RiverFest attendee David Smith. "Besides, this is a beautiful place on the riverfront, and the location is great. What is a little more water, anyway?"

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Riverfest Makes a Splash in Moss Point
WLOX-TV

The rhythm of raindrops couldn't stop Moss Point's first RiverFest concert for long, but it did have 7-year-old Corey Crockett singing a different tune.

"Rain, rain, go away, come again another day," Crockett sang.

And after less than an hour, it was show-time. The concert's smooth blend of blues, jazz, classical and gospel made it the city's largest music festival ever, showcasing four bands and reeling in hundreds of fans.

"Any age can love classical music or jazz. You can just get up and dance to it and have fun," said 10-year-old Raven Steede.

To Stephan Triplett, RiverFest feels just like home.

"Moss Point is one of the few places left in America where it is community and family. So, today is like a big gathering of music and family and fun," Triplett said.

The contagious tunes had people clapping their hands, but it was the picturesque backdrop that brought one couple to their feet.

For many of attendees, RiverFest was a much needed gathering. One that hopes to display the city's progress, two years after Katrina.

"We lost everything in the storm, but that really doesn't matter, because we still have each other, and that's all that does matter," Triplett said.

Rain or shine, Triplett says this community has plenty to celebrate.

The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra headlined the concert, and RiverFest also treated visitors to a beautiful fireworks display.

By Keli Rabon

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