By Gil Kaufman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

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• Riverbend Schedule

This summer's Riverbend Music Center lineup presents more than the usual time warp to the era of classic rock and pop.

Mixed in with such sure-fire boys of summer as Jimmy Buffett (Aug. 31), Chicago (June 15), Dave Matthews Band (Aug. 5) and Toby Keith (Sept. 19) are shows celebrating disco (June 11), the hottest emo punk bands (May 19), and the return of Huey Lewis & the News (Aug. 7).

Despite the preponderance of male-fronted acts, the key word for Riverbend's 20th anniversary is "diversity," according to marketing director Rosemarie Dalba.

"I think this is the most diverse group of artists we've ever had," Dalba said.

She expects at least a half dozen more shows to be added but warns fans that Buffett and Matthews will definitely be making one-night stands.

The initial 20 dates announced today will kick off May 19 with an emo punk package that includes Dashboard Confessional, Thrice, the Get Up Kids and Say Anything. Many of the same fans will likely turn out the next night for suddenly serious pop punkers Blink-182 along with the Used and Taking Back Sunday.

The summer party season will get a proper kickoff June 11, when the Discomania tour hangs up its mirrored ball for a night of music by KC & the Sunshine Band, the Village People, the Trammps and Evelyn "Champagne" King.

The slate is a bit light on the usual assortment of classic rock legends, though contemporary performers such as Kid Rock (June 24), John Mayer (Aug. 4),

3 Doors Down (July 7) and Barenaked Ladies with Alanis Morrisette (Aug. 9) qualify as heritage acts these days. Pop opera phenom Josh Groban - who played a sold-out show at the Aronoff on Friday - will bring his big pipes to the stage Aug. 10.

Other highlights include Linkin Park's Projekt Revolution Tour with Korn, Snoop Dogg and the Used; the skateboarding and punk Warped tour; and country stars Tim McGraw (July 1) and Kenny Chesney (July 8).

Dalba said the 20,000-capacity facility has added 40 bathrooms and a new concession stand. Pavilion tickets for announced events range from $28 for Dashboard Confessional to $95 for a show by Sting and former Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox (July 25). Riverbend will offer $20 lawn tickets to select shows, with the incentive of no ticket limit. Buffett is the only show that has sold out.

Ticket information: Ticketmaster, 562-4949; Riverbend, 232-6220