Editor’s note: Todd Mickley submitted this article.
To combat thoughts of continued cold temperatures in mid-April, know that the Whiteside County Fair is only four months away, and we have an impressive lineup of summer entertainment. Get ready for not one, but two, entertainment groups in front of the Grandstand on Wednesday night, August 15, 2018. Singer/songwriter Keith Anderson is the featured performer, starting at 8:00 p.m. The family-friendly Martin Family Circus musicians open at 6:30.
Anderson will be sure to get you on your feet during his show. His latest song, “I’ll Bring the Music” sums up Anderson to a T. One thing you can always say about this academic athlete from Miami, OK, who has always excelled at anything he put his mind to, is he will bring the Music. Anderson has co-written hits for other artists, most notably “Lost in This Moment,” the number one smash for Big & Rich. The song garnered Anderson a CMA and ACM Song of the Year nomination. He also co-wrote the Grammy-nominated, “Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?)” for Garth Brooks and George Jones, “The Bed” for Gretchen Wilson, and “Barn Burner” for Jason Michael Carroll.
His debut CD, “Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll,” was certified Gold and garnered two Top Ten hits (accompanied by two number one music videos), “Pickin’ Wildflowers,” and “Every Time I Hear Your Name,” along with two Top 30 hits, “XXL” and “Podunk.” This success prompted music trades Billboard and Radio & Records to name him country music’s Number One New Male Artist of 2005 and the Top New Solo Country Artist of the Year.
Taking the lead with other gold and platinum artists, Anderson decided to take the reigns this time, by launching his music his way and letting the fans help drive his music and passion. “‘I’ll Bring the Music’ has had a huge resonance with the fans,” says Anderson. “As I tour all over the Country, that is the song that gets them on their feet and is the song they are still singing as they head out the door. It reminds me of how ‘Pickin’ Wildflowers’ moved them.” Now Sirius XM Radio is “Dancin’ to the beat,” as it has been added to The Highway channel 59’s program, “On The Horizon.”
One thing is for sure–Keith Anderson will bring the music to Whiteside County Fairgoers!
Opening before Keith Anderson at 6:30 p.m. will be entertainment by the Martin Family Circus. Just as one might imagine a circus to be–upbeat, unexpected, accomplished, and exciting–Martin Family Circus aims to bring that same joy to every audience. Their offer heartwarming and lively “music that makes you smile.” This self-contained, vocal-driven, melodic band of two parents and four kids packs a punch. They combine rich harmonies in a soaring blend that Rolling Stone magazine dubbed “exuberant.”
Fueled by a mutual passion for many genres and longing for a fun, family-friendly, musical experience for their kids, Paul and Jamie Martin began singing together in 2010 with their four children: March (19), Kell (16), Texas (11), and Tallant (10.) They quickly realized that the kids showed an uncanny ability to hear harmonies and pitch. They also exhibited proficiency for playing instruments.
So where did it all begin? Grammy Award-winning artist Paul Martin was lead singer/guitarist of country-pop group Exile. He met and married Jamie Allen, daughter of Duane Allen of Country Music Hall of Fame members, The Oak Ridge Boys. Growing up, their four children were exposed to four generations of rich musical heritage. They watched as each child showed God-given musical talents.
Regional performances began to boom, leading to appearances on National television shows like The Oak Ridge Boys’ American Legion Christmas Special; The Marty Stuart Show; Country’s Family Reunion; Gaither Homecoming; Larry’s Country Diner.
Thank you for supporting the Whiteside County Fair. There is no doubt without your continued patronage, our fair could not remain as we have enjoyed over the past years. We appreciate your ongoing support to keep our fair going strong, so we can continue this important part of our County’s heritage, for years to come. The Fair opens on Tuesday, August 14, and completes after five amazing days on Saturday, August 18. You won’t want to miss it. The 148th annual fair is held at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison, IL. Check our website for more information at www.whitesidecountyfair.org or Facebook @whitesidecountyfair.