This year’s Ozarks Celebration Festival will kick-off with two groups who got their start right here in the Ozarks.
The HillBenders
The HillBenders will be the festival’s headlining entertainment and will perform during the Ice Cream Social & Concert Under the Stars event on Sept. 11.
The dynamic bluegrass quintet is known for its high-octane shows, tight harmonies and stunning instrumental prowess, and they are blowing audiences away with their bluegrass rendition of the famous rock opera, “Tommy.” The band brings a new perspective to it with sounds of banjo, dobro, mandolin, bass and guitar, while paying total respect to its creators.
Recently signed to Nashville-based roots music company the Compass Records Group, the HillBenders will release their new album “Can You Hear Me?” on Sept. 25.
In the Band
- Jim Rea — Guitar/Arranger
- Nolan Lawrence — Mandolin
- Chad “Gravy Boat” Graves — Dobro
- Mark Cassidy — Banjo
- Gary Rea — Bass
- All vocals: The HillBenders
The Blackberry Winter Band
This local band that give life to the “Winter’s Bone” soundtrack will open for The HillBenders during the concert.
Homegrown in the Ozarks, Blackberry Winter is a folk/bluegrass ensemble that bills itself “those amazing musical hillbillies.” Lead singer and Missouri State alumna Marideth Sisco formed the band at the request of “Winter’s Bone” producers who were looking for authentic Ozarks musicians for the film’s soundtrack.
After the award-winning movie, the group stayed together. According to their website, their live performances include a mix of original and traditional tunes, and the band has released two albums. They recently finished a coast-to-coast U.S. tour.
In the Band
- Marideth Sisco — Vocals
- Linda Stoffel — Vocals
- Dennis Crider — Guitar
- Van Colbert — Banjo/Vocals
- Tedi May — Upright bass/Vocals
- Bo Brown — Mandolin/Dobro/Vocals
Concert details
Date: Sept. 11
Time: Ice Cream Social at 5:30 p.m.; Blackberry Winter Band at 6 p.m.; The HillBenders at 7:30 p.m.
Location: John H. Keiser Plaza and (West Mall) Amphitheatre
Admission: Free and open to the public
Festival details
Date: Sept. 11-13
Time: Festival hours run 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 12 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13. All events will be held on the grounds east of Carrington Hall.
Location: Missouri State campus
Admission: Free and open to the public
More info: More than 300 craftsmen, exhibitors and musicians, along with four entertainment stages featuring music, storytelling and dance, will be on display Sept. 12-13. Visit the website for the full schedule.
Contact: Barb Jones by email or at 417-836-6605