I love Riverbend. I make no bones about it. Many look for ways to tear it down; I look for ways to love it, and it isn’t hard to find the positive in the festival. Look no further then Tin Cup Gypsy, my favorite act at Riverbend this year, so far. Playing under the bridge last night, they just killed the huge crowd that showed up. A few people showed up looking for the “mystery guest” and ended up falling in love with these young and talented musicians from Nashville. They were light years beyond good. They were great.

The crowd loved them, many not even realizing “their story.” Allow me to give you some details. When the two brothers were 8 years old, their parents took away their television. I don’t mean they took it away after 9 p.m. or on school nights. I mean they took the televisions out of the house. For six years. No TV. Instead, the family would play music, practicing the guitar, fiddle and mandolin. They did this as a family. They went to a charter school and graduated from high school at a very young age. They graduated from college when they were 18. One received his master’s degree when he was 22.

With college completed, their parents gave them a few bucks and a cell phone and told them they were adults and needed to go out in the world and make their own way. “Give us a call and let us know how things are going, but don’t call for money,” they told the boys. You see, they prepared the boys for life. Talented and educated, they were ready for the world. The young men went out and got jobs most would die for. One is with Josh Turner, and one is with Sara Evans band. Well done, parents. Oh yeah, despite having the opportunity to see their kids at some of the nation’s largest concerts, they chose to drive their motor-home from Arizona and stop in Chattanooga to see them.

And, lets not forget Cassandra. She has spent her young life learning to be talented, also. And beautiful. So folks, you have the rest of the story. Last year, Trombone Shorty was my favorite act; unless something happens, Tin Cup Gypsy has it in the bag for this year.