Musical accompaniment for the Aug. 14 River Ruckus will come from the United States Air Force Band of Liberty Concert Band.
At 40 airmen and women strong, the band is known throughout New England and other eastern states for performing a variety of pop and classical music.
Besides instrumental pieces, the USAF Band of Liberty Concert Band will feature a number of vocal soloists singing hits approved by Uncle Sam.
The USAF Band of Liberty will perform on a stage in the parking lot behind The Tap restaurant, in front of the new Haverhill Boardwalk, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
The performance is prelude to a laser light on the Merrimack River from 9 to 9:30 p.m.
Their concert won't be the only musical attraction downtown, however.
Several regional bands will be playing in the same lot throughout the day's festivities. Bands will also be performing at Columbus Park and by Riverfront Place in addition to the main stage behind The Tap.
Performers will include Los Sugar Kings, the Paul Prue Blues Band and a number of street musicians.
"We wanted performance groups that people hadn't seen or heard before," said River Ruckus committee member Eric Karlstad. "We want to present a program that is distinctly different."
In addition, food vendors from Haverhill and the surrounding communities will operate an outdoor cafeteria around the park lot with a selection of food that, according to Karlstad, will be slight more upscale than most festival foods.
"We're trying to attract vendors different from the usual steak tips and hot dogs," he said.
Karlstad said all of the new experiences that Team Haverhill is bringing to the River Ruckus are part of an effort to connect Haverhill to the greater Merrimack Valley. He said performances by concert bands such as the USAF Band of Liberty were chosen to make sure the atmosphere of a traditional family celebration wasn't lost.
"You want to present some new ideas while not trying to push people too fast," he said.
The USAF Band of Liberty concert couldn't take place, however, without the sponsorship of Pentucket Bank.
Scott Cote, president and CEO of Pentucket Bank, said he is proud that Pentucket Bank could sponsor the band and a part of the River Ruckus.
"I love the way Team Haverhill has developed a city pride," he said. "It's great to see a (grass roots) group doing something like this. It's people right from the community."
No stranger to working with Team Haverhill, Pentucket Bank has sponsored and taken part in Team Haverhill's Shoe-la-bration and downtown mural projects in past years. Cote said all the projects have been part of "revitalizing" downtown Haverhill.
"The more we can promote the river, the better it will be for the downtown revitalization," he said.
Note: Incorrect registration and starting times were given last week for the River Ruckus classic car parade and show. Registration and line up will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Academy Lanes. The classic car parade to Washington Street will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the show will begin at 11 a.m.
