Central Memorial Park in the heart of downtown Sterling, IL, once again becomes the home for Sterling Main Street’s 6th Annual Music Fest, on Saturday, July 22, 2017. With presenting sponsors Midland States Bank and CGH Medical Center, this all-ages festival will be a “can’t miss” event of the summer.
Hailing from Salt Lake City, UT, currently recording for their next album, “Royal Bliss” will be headlining this year. They have made their mark in the music industry with consistent work, recording, and touring. This helped build the success of the band. Influences from singers like Johnny Cash to the band of Led Zeppelin, and everything in between, helped mold a unique sound. Their “Heartland Rock” style speaks to the common man, tells a story, and rocks out.
All of the sound is delivered by the deep and raspy voice of front man Neal Middleton. He is supported by scorching sounds of seasoned musicians Dwayne Crawford (bass), Jake Smith (drums), Taylor Richards (guitar) and Sean “Memphis” Hennesy (guitar/banjo), who combine to make Royal Bliss. Their journey is evolving; they are growing as a band. They making their way down a road pointing eastbound on I-40, from Salt Lake City to Nashville, TN.
Even though their set was cut short last year when lightening took to the skies, “Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts” will return this summer. Spending much of May and June touring in Europe, this Rockford, IL, band. will be welcomed home. Nielsen has spent nearly a decade enthralling audiences, with music that draws force from the prime years of Western-influenced rock music and classic 60’s soul. He claims influences as diverse as Otis Redding’s classic soul and Jellyfish’s cult power pop recordings. Nielsen has released three albums.
Rounding out this year’s Festival lineup are local and regional bands, including Pete’s Sake, 3 on the Tree, and Jaime Rojo.
Opening the event will be “Pete’s Sake” from Ogle County in Northern Illinois. Starting as the stray noodling of companions in their friends’ basements, “Pete’s Sake” has transformed into a group of serious musicians dedicated to putting on an energetic, fun show. Combining the styles of Bluegrass, Americana, Jam, Rock and Roll, and anything else that pops into their heads, “Pete’s Sake” loves to push the boundaries of what one might expect from traditional bluegrass instrumentation.
Led by Pat Jones, “3 on the Tree” is a trio of guys that love playing music…loudly and fast. Their rockabilly style is sure to get the crowd fired up, coupled with their on-stage shenanigans. Dancing is always allowed and recommended, at their shows.
Chicago, IL-based “Jaime Rojo” completes the lineup with their unique sound. Drawing inspiration from traditional Cuban music and Afrobeat, the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Each player contributes to an instrumental backing that forms a rhythm section in the truest sense of the word. Add character-laden dueling vocals, driving and atmospheric keys, and guitar riffs to fill in the cracks. It all comes together in a stew of indie-dance-disco, served piping hot for your hearing pleasure.
Tickets are on sale now for this all-ages event at www.sterlingmainstreet.org, through Eventbrite, as well as the link in the Facebook Event on the Sterling Main Street Facebook page. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Sterling Main Street office or at Scholl Insurance in Polo, IL. Additional ticketing sites will be announced soon.
For additional information on Sterling Main Street Music Fest, sponsorship information, or to volunteer, please call the office at 815-626-8610, visit www.sterlingmainstreet.org, or email info@sterlingmainstreet.org. You can also follow Sterling Main Street on Facebook, or Twitter @SterlingMainSt.