5 minute read
Summer of Fun
from News4U June 2021
SUMMER SUMMER of Fun!
Sweet relief: The tri-state's biggest events are back and not a moment too soon
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There's no getting around it - last summer was a total
bust with Covid concerns resulting in the cancellation
of just about every big event around the tri-state. But
somehow we made it through and the community's
determination to get back to normalcy has paid off
with a full schedule of marquis music festivals, fairs,
concerts, car shows and more beginning this month
and stretching through late September. All of your
favorite events are back so be sure to check the dates
and clear your calendar - don't miss a moment of the
SUMMER OF FUN!
WC HANDY BLUES & BARBECUE FESTIVAL
HENDERSON, KY / JUNE 16-19
Headlined by Samantha Fish and Walter Trout, one of the nation's biggest FREE music festivals returns with four days of incomparable live blues music performances - and insanely delicious BBQ - in Audubon Mill Park. Also scheduled to take the stage: favorites like Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, Eric Gales, Joe Louis Walker, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers and many more.
HAUBSTADT SOMMERFEST
HAUBSTADT, IN / JUNE 17-1 9
They don't call it the Busch Light capital of the world for nothing. If you're looking for a wild time this summer, make a beeline for Haubstadt. This hugely popular festival is back and guaranteed to be bigger than ever after taking 2020 off. Along with a bierstube, food booths, rides and a parade, catch rocking sets by Ben Nation and Torpedo Vegas.
ELLIS PARK RACING
HENDERSON, KY / JUNE 27-SEPTEMBER 4
And they're off! If you need proof that life is returning to normal, this is it. A tri-state tradition like no other, Ellis Park truly embodies the summer season with exciting racing and gaming, bringing together the best of both worlds for the ultimate community experience. Come out and cheer on the horses and put your bets on a favorite or two!
ZZ TOP
FORD CENTER / JULY 21
You're not mistaken - ZZ Top really IS coming to Evansville. Seemed like big concerts were a thing of the past but the Ford Center is back in business and continuing to ramp things up with one of rock's most legendary groups. From "Tush" and "La Grange" to "Gimme All Your Lovin'" and "Sharp Dressed Man," this Texas trio is the real deal.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY FAIR
VAND. CO. 4-H CENTER / JULY 26-31
Celebrating a century of fun, the Vanderburgh County Fair returns with a full schedule of events, including a headlining performance by country star Granger Smith - aka Earl Dibbles Jr. Other highlights include BKA cart racing, a car show, demolition derby, ice cream crank off and plenty of fair food. Don't miss this centennial anniversary event!
SUMMERLAND TOUR
FEAT. EVERCLEAR, HOOBASTANK, LIVING COLOUR & WHEATUS VICTORY THEATRE / JULY 28
Just recently announced, this package tour has area music fans buzzing with excitement. Talk about the cream of the crop of 90's rock heavyweights - you're not going to find a more stacked lineup, featuring the writers of such indelible hits as "Santa Monica," "The Reason," "Cult of Personality" and more. Get your tickets early or you might be out of luck.
FEAT. SEBASTIAN BACH, LITA FORD & BULLET BOYS BEAVER DAM, KY / JULY 31
Speaking of package tours, this is the '80s version, featuring three of the most badass acts of the hair metal era. Sebastian Bach is rock royalty, having fronted Skid Row during the band's heyday, and everyone knows Lita Ford as a powerhouse guitarist and vocalist. Add in the all-original lineup of Bullet Boys and you've got an evening to remember.
RIVER BASIN BLUES FEST
NEWBURGH, IN / JULY 31
The River Basin Blues Society (RBBS) won't be denied this summer in its quest to stage the best live blues performances in the tri-state. Changing venues to Friedman Park Amphitheater in Newburgh, the annual RBBS Blues Fest will feature Ryan Rigdon & Gary Jines, Blues 4U, Boscoe France Band, Big Al & The Heavyweights and the Keesha Pratt Band. Admission is FREE.
FROG FOLLIES
VAND. CO. 4-H CENTER / AUGUST 27-29
Attention car nerds: Frog Follies is back and ready to blow your mind with a dazzling display of over 4000 street rods - automotive heaven, in other words. In addition, enjoy activities, games and dances throughout the weekend, plus shop the vendor area with over 600 spaces and swap meet section that's filled to the brim with used parts.
GUNS & HOSES
FORD CENTER / AUGUST 28
The gloves are back on in 2021 as area first responders prepare to battle it out in the boxing ring to raise money for a long list of community organizations that do fantastic work. To date, Guns & Hoses/911 Gives Hope has donated over $1 million to help the likes of Boys & Girls Club of Evansville, Evansville ARC, SMILE on Down Syndrome and countless others.
LADY A "WHAT A SONG CAN DO" TOUR
FORD CENTER / AUGUST 29
Just recently announced, here's another exciting addition to the summer concert schedule featuring one of country music's biggest acts known for such iconic hits as "Need You Now" and "We Owned the Night." Special guests include Carly Pearce, Niko Moon and Tenille Arts.
BLUES ON THE ROCK
ROCKPORT, IN / SEPTEMBER 5
The RBBS presents its second live blues event of the summer with the return of Blues on the Rock featuring headliner Shaun Murphy plus local faves 2 Miles Back and the Stillwell/France Blues Band. Also on the bill: regional acts King Bee & The Stingers and Clarksdale, MS native David Dunavent. Enjoy craft beer on site, food vendors, arts & crafts booths and more.
ROMP FEST
OWENSBORO, KY / SEPTEMBER 15-18
The tri-state's premier folk & bluegrass festival makes a welcome return to Yellow Creek Park with a star-studded lineup featuring Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Robert Earl Keen, Sam Bush and many more beloved acts. In addition, you can take part in instrumental workshops, jam sessions, arts & crafts demonstrations and enjoy the delights of organic food vendors.
FERDINAND FOLK FESTIVAL
FERDINAND, IN / SEPTEMBER 18
The pride of Ferdinand, this environmentally-friendly music festival may just be the most scenic of the outdoor events. Expect a typically diverse lineup of primarily acoustic acts playing original music out on the lawn in beautiful 18th Street Park. Plus, enjoy fun, interactive music programs, yoga for kids, a dog and clown show, storytelling and much more.
ST. MEINRAD ROCKS FEST
ST. MEINRAD, IN / SEPTEMBER 24-25
Last but certainly not least, this family-friendly, FREE annual music festival featuring local and regional acts always draws big crowds over a celebratory weekend that signals the final hurrah of summer. Best of all, it's just an hour east of Evansville. Follow the festival on Facebook for updates on band listings and other activities scheduled.
