Organizers of the Sangamon River Music Festival have finally reached their goal of providing quality music throughout the festival.
“It’s always been our goal to bring the big names bands in,” said event organizer David Parsons. “It started a few years ago with bringing in the bigger sound stage, and now we’re there with a big country act.”
Headliner Steel Magnolias will take the stage August 23 from 10 to 11:30 p.m. After competing on the television show Can You Duet, Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones released their first single “Keep On Lovin’ You,” which climbed to the Top 10 on the U.S. Billboard How Country Songs chart.
In 2011 Steel Magnolia released their self-titled album, which debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 and number three on the Billboard Top Country Albums. Steel Magnolias was also nominated for several CMT Music Awards, Country Music Association and Country Music Association Awards.
Country Rock musicians in the Sampson Jones Gang will kick off the Friday night music from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Their first six songs, “The Weekend Sixer” was released last month.
Central Illinois favorite, The Feudin’ Hillbilles will play from 8:30-9:30.
“The Feudin’ Hillbillies have always been with us,” Parsons said. “They are kind of our band.”
Through a partnership with local churches and WBGL, contemporary Christian band Big Daddy Weave will perform on August 24 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. In 2012 their single “Redeemed” spent about four weeks as number one on the Billboard Christian Song charts.
Big Daddy Weave has produced nine albums since 2001.
Parsons said with all the money spent on the big names, they wanted to provide fun music on Saturday night.
Champaign rock band, Upshot, who released their album “City Noise” in 2011 will perform from 5:30 to 7 p.m. They will be followed by an 80’s and 90’s dance band, “PopRocks” from Effingham. Sangamon River Music Festival newcomer Matthew Cury and The Fury will end the night with blues music from 9:30-11 p.m.
Parsons said that the carnival atmosphere with great music provides something for everyone to do.
“It makes it truly a family atmosphere,” he said. “If your children are older they can go ride the rides while the adults listen to music.”
Carnival rides open at 5 p.m. on August 23 and 11 a.m. on August 24. The Ronald McDonald Magic Show at the Masonic Lodge will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Organizers are still accepting floats for the parade which begins at 10 a.m. at Lincoln Trail.
For more information on how to participate in the Sangamon River Music Festival contact Theresa Berry at 586-3165.
