Country music, especially the older variety, is often called “the music of the common people.” Maybe that’s true, but for those who love this traditional style of music, it’s not just a preference, it’s a passion. That’s why fans come from all over Nebraska, Kansas and other Midwestern states to celebrate this form of music during a three-day event known as the Miles of Memories Country MusicFest.
It all happens September 5, 6 and 7 at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Hastings, Nebraska.
Concerts, theme shows and barn dances will feature headline performers Les Gilliam, known as The Oklahoma Balladeer; Roger Tibbs, New Zealand’s favorite country singer; and John Walker, country-blues artist from Lincoln, Nebraska. Les Gilliam is a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and has won several impressive awards for his performing, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gene Autry Oklahoma Film & Music Festival. Roger Tibbs is a member of the National Traditional Country Music Association Hall of Fame and has received numerous awards in his home country and neighboring Australia. John Walker, a retired philosophy professor, is a touring performer with the Nebraska Arts Council and has appeared twice at the Kennedy Center.
Mary Channer-Paul from Belgrade, Nebraska; Jackie Shewey from Cortland, Nebraska; Julie & Mike Couch from Norfolk, Nebraska; Ginger tenBensel from Hastings, Nebraska; fiddler Gary Johnston from Nevada, Missouri; steel guitarist Curt Shoemaker from Ionia, Kansas; Maynard Zipf from North Platte, Nebraska, plus members of the Miles of Memories Band all join host entertainers Tex & Mary Schutz for three full days of country entertainment.
“There are lots of folks in the Midwest who have a passion for the older style of country music and it just isn’t readily available on television or radio these days, ” said MusicFest producer Mary Schutz. “The Miles of Memories Country MusicFest” provides almost 40 hours of this beloved music through a strong cast of performers and creative programming.”
Now in its tenth year, the Miles of Memories Country MusicFest welcomes folks of any age who appreciate traditional music. MusicFest activities, all held indoors in the air-conditioned facilities of the Adams County Fairgrounds, begin at 10 a.m. each day and continue until about 11:15 p.m. Mornings are filled with various theme shows. Afternoon sessions begin at 1 p.m., and include a mix of concert sets and selected theme shows, such as the patriotic show (held Saturday afternoon). Evening concerts begin at 7 p.m., followed by barn dances at 10 p.m. A learning session for RVers is scheduled for Saturday at 9 a.m.
Topics for theme shows this year include tributes to George Jones, Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, and, salutes to honky-tonk music, TV/movie music and country blues, plus a “Hometown Opry” show and a “Super-pickers” exhibition. The entire Thursday evening concert will celebrate country gospel music during the “Gospel Music Gatherin’.” A showcase for adult country singers will be held Friday beginning at 1 p.m. and a similar showcase for young entertainers (age 16 and younger) is scheduled forSaturday at 1 p.m. (Persons who would like to participate must call ahead for one of the limited time slots in these showcases.)
Three-day passes for the MusicFest are priced at $45 per person, and day passes, afternoon passes or evening passes are also available. Food concessions are available on-site. The Fairgrounds has numerous RV sites and several motels are located nearby. Attendees can join the fun for the entire three days, just one day or a portion of a day. For more information, call 903-467-9545 or e-mail [email protected]. Additional details may also be found at www.texandmary.com andwww.milesofmemoriesmusic.com.