Salina Arts & Humanities announced the entertainment line up Tuesday for this years Smoky Hill River Festival, June 11th-June 14th at Oakdale Park.
River Festival Buttons go on Sale May 1st. For more information go to https://riverfestival.com/
Entertainment:
Bring your lawn chair and stake out a spot at one of four Entertainment venues – Eric Stein Stage, Stage II, Arty’s Stage or Bravo Salina Stage. The 39th annual Smoky Hill River Festival promises to deliver the musical styles you love and new music you’ll discover. Rock, funk, salsa, bluegrass, jazz, hip hop, swing and more — it’s here for your enjoyment!
Headliners:
Twelve Against Nature Friday 8:30p.m. Eric Stein Stage
Join this group of twelve Nashville musicians for a very special tribute to an iconic ’70s group. You’ll be transported back to a time when music meant everything and image meant next to nothing. Twelve Against Nature brings the rich, classic sounds of Steely Dan to the stage for an unforgettable evening. Intoxicating rhythms, playful guitars, and soulful horns along with diverse lyrics, ensure that fans of the Dan won’t leave disappointed
The Band of Heathens Saturday 8:30pm Eric Stein Stage
One of Austin, Texas’ hottest acts, The Band of Heathens brings smartly written lyrics, excellent musicianship, and high energy to the stage. They transcend a single musical category, combining guitar and rhythm work that includes influences from classic rock, jazz, country, blues, and folk. Be prepared for a surprise, as this group takes Festival- goers on an incredible musical journey.
Bon Ton Soul Accordion Band Sunday 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.
The name says it all as this Festival favorite returns, this time as the Sunday-afternoon finale. Recently accepted in the Kansas Music Hall of Fame, the Kansas City-based zydeco group promises to make a musical assault in Oakdale Park, to have everyone on their feet swinging and dancing before the day is over.
Audio Web Site Performer Web Site
THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND . . .
Acoustic Eidolon – Acoustic Eidolon, featuring Colorado musicians Joe Scott on double neck guitjo and Hannah Alkire on cello, have graced stages throughout the US, Europe, Australia and Canada. These masterful artists and Festival favorites continue to captivate audiences worldwide with their signature ”new acoustic ” sound and boundless possibilities in blending Celtic, folk, world & Latin-music influences. Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Beto & the Fairlanes – Let your imagination run as Beto & the Fairlanes high flyin’ horns, explosive percussion and easy sense of humor take you to a celebration of musical traditions both north and south that meet naturally in the beat of their music. Their sound is an original and refreshing new dialect of Texas Salsa music sure to keep you moving. Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Boxley Brothers – Only good things can happen when guitar, mandolin, bass, and harmonica are combined with a diverse repertoire from the ‘60s to present day. Fred Green, Dan Miller, and Dean Daily present amazing acoustic sounds that promise to be a joy to experience. Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy – This Wichita-based band is a high-energy, acoustic brass-and-grass group whose sound has been described as “ a stagecoach in overdrive ”. The five-piece band’s eclectic blend of punk, bluegrass, and Dixieland jazz consistently plays to packed bars, basements, and festivals across the U.S., with a unique live show every time they take the stage. Friday, Saturday, Sunday
David Basse Orchestra – For the past 20 years, David Basse has been at the forefront of the music scene in the legendary jazz capitol of Kansas City. Basse carries on a tradition started 50 years ago by jazz icons Charlie Parker, Count Basie and Jay McShann. Basse has played his special brand of Kansas City jazz at concerts, clubs and private parties throughout the world, to the delight of many. Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Jakubi – Jakubi is a Melbourne, Australia-based band composed of two brothers, two cousins and a friend who were brought together by their love of making music and propelled forward by their talent. Jakubi’s unique flavor comes from an irresistible combination of jangly guitars, hip-hop beats and sailing synth rhythms. Flawlessly melding the sounds of a “ talk box” one minute and reggae-inspired guitar the next, the band’s infectious, experimental songs are guaranteed to get everyone dancing. Friday, Saturday
Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun – Prepare for something special as this violin and guitar duo takes the stage. Erase your preconceptions and let the sounds of Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun engage you with their unique blend of styles, from jazz to folk and world beat to rock. It’s always a surprise what emerges from their sound. Friday, Saturday, Sunday
The Wendy Woo Band – After many years away, The Wendy Woo Band returns to Salina and the River Festival for a special musical treat. Woo has more than 100 original songs to her credit and brings to the stage an entertaining mix of folk, jazz, blues, funk, rock, and pop. Woos background in classical guitar and percussion help shape an engaging musical experience for her audiences. Friday, Saturday, Sunday
BRAVO! SALINA STAGE North of the Statue of Liberty
The Bravo! Salina Stage features great performances, master classes, and other participatory activities presented by talented folks who live in the area, and by performers from Salina schools and cultural organizations.
ARTY’S STAGE Northwest of the Tennis Court
A merry introduction to the performing arts for the young and young at heart, the Arty’s Stage presents a grab bag of smiles, songs, and silliness, designed with families in mind.
Drum Safari Friday, Saturday, Sunday
During this high-energy, interactive performance, children are invited to join in on a musical “ safari” in which they meet different African animals whose names are set to rhythm. The only requirements are a sense of adventure and fun, for the jungle jam to begin! Also be on the lookout for roving Drum Circles all weekend long across the Festival grounds.
Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Come to the land of Eulenspiegel for an amazing puppet show that combines excellent storytelling, animated puppets, and maybe even a few of your friends who helped create one of the shows being performed on stage! Dont miss this fantastic experience that will transport you to a place where imagination reigns supreme.
Happy Faces Entertainment Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Dennis Porter is sure to keep crowds laughing as he engages Festival fans young and old in a host of entertaining games and activities. Teaching, playing and having lots of fun is what these shows are all about. Come give it a try!
Mr. Stinky Feet & the Hiccups Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Kansas City’s own Jim Cosgrove will delight audiences by making children the stars of his shows. His music becomes more accessible and fruitful when kids and adults participate together. His approachable style and ability to immediately connect with children has made him a cool favorite wherever he and his group perform.
Richard Renner Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Why have just a little fun when you can have WAY TOO MUCH fun instead?! Join Richard Renner as he entertains in a multitude of ways to make Festival-goers laugh, giggle, clap and guffaw as they are awed by the merriment he creates. Whether Renner is on stage or strolling across Oakdale Park, kids and families will enjoy him as a returning Festival favorite!
Up, Up & Away with John & Johnna Perry Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Festival favorites Johnna and John interact with the crowd while twisting and turning plastic balloons into artistic 3-D creatures, hats and more as they rove throughout the park. Even our youngest Festival Goers will be the stars, as the balloon masters deliver one-of-a-kind creations to enhance the Festival celebration!