By: Kevin Shannahan
This past Tuesday, the Natchitoches Events Center was the scene of a one of a kind concert as the people of the parish joined with some of the finest musicians in the area, if not the state of Louisiana, to help-and honor-one of our own. The HardrickFest: “Rollin’ with the Rivers”- a Musical Tribute to Hardrick Rivers was started to help musical legend Mr. Hardrick Rivers who is fighting a battle with diabetes with his medical expenses.
The house was packed with an energized and dancing crowd as The Rivers Revue, Billy O’Conn, LaCour Trio, Badd Apple and Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs rocked the crowd. Former Natchitoches singer Paula Gebhardt brought her signature smoky jazz vocals all the way from New Orleans for the crowd’s entertainment. The Sidemen played an amazing set while Justin Merritt brought a touch of country to the event. American Idol contestant Joy Dove took the stage to sing for a special audience-her father Hardrick Rivers. Lastly, Hardrick Rivers came forward with his saxophone to play a set with Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, proving once again that you can’t keep a good man down. It was truly a great time for a great cause!