By Ben Cox
Photos Submitted
A couple of popular area festivals will take place this week, making for a lively schedule for music fans this week.
The Beardstown Fall Fun Festival runs from September 26-28. They will have a good lineup of local talent. All Lit Up! will headline the opening night on the main stage. Saturday, Sept. 27 will have music in the afternoon, starting at 2:30 p.m. with local acoustic player Shannon “Woody” Wood. He’ll be followed by solo artist Logan Crosby at 4 p.m. Then, on Sunday, Sept. 28, Feudin’ Hillbillies is the headliner.
Also running this weekend is the ever-popular Prairie Land Heritage Museum and Institute’s Steam Show & Fall Festival Days. On Saturday, The Elderly Brothers kick things off on the gazebo from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Heartland Heritage Community Band wraps up the music on Saturday starting at 2 p.m. Then, on Sunday, Sept. 28, Cross Over Country makes their return to the Steam Show after a few years away. They will play from 9 a.m.-noon.
But wait, there’s more …
A country music legend’s youngest son visits Twisted Tree Music Hall on Saturday, Sept. 27. Ben Haggard, the son of Merle Haggard, will headline. The youngest Haggard was born in 1992 and joined his father’s band at 15 years old. He learned from his father’s long-time band leaders and played shows with luminaries and contemporary stars alike. Prior to his father’s passing in 2016, he urged his son to continue on his own path in music. He’s done that but also acknowledges where he comes from. I would expect to hear a number of Hag classics coupled with some of his own music. Outside of a few EPs and singles, Ben hasn’t released a full-length album yet so I’m sure he’ll be testing the new material. The show will also have a returning favorite Tennessee Jet as a special guest. If you’re an outlaw country fan, you might want to show up for this one.
Elsewhere in the area, Pat Jones brings a solo set to KJB’s Pint Haus on Sept. 27 from 7-10 p.m. Jeff Young & the Bad Grandpas rock out at Kuhl Tyme Korner on Sept. 27 from 7-10 p.m. Springfield acoustic artist Zach Fedor returns to Waverly for a set at Patriot’s Pub on Sept. 27 starting at 8 p.m. Jeff Newman flies solo for an acoustic show at The Vault in downtown Jacksonville on Friday, Sept. 26 from 8-11 p.m. He’s back in action over in Meredosia as a part of The Mighty Quinns at the 104 Grill on Sunday, Sept. 28 from 4-7 p.m.
A couple of local blues artists also have gigs out of town this week. Check out The Smokestacks and Robert Sampson over in Loami this weekend if you want a little cruise out of town.
Only you can prevent empty music venues. Support local artists and venues!
If you have a show in the Jacksonville area or are a Jacksonville artist/band that would like to be featured here, email Ben Cox with your live music schedule or information at elmcityradio@gmail.com.
