Midcentral States

For more on Illinois > Click Here

Touch of Music Festival

The DeMotte Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Touch of Music Festival on Saturday, Aug. 14 at Spencer Park from 2 - 10 p.m. This year’s event is presented by DeMotte State Bank with their 10 locations over five counties. The traditional Touch of Dutch Festival is getting a little downgrade due to Covid-19. “We wanted to make sure to bring this event back after the state shutdown of events last year.” said Chamber President, Mitch Mullen. “Safety, of course, is number one, so we decided to scale it back a bit this year.” he added. The planning for this annual event begins each January. But with the uncertainty of the potential 2021 mid-summer state mandates, the Chamber needed to work closely with local officials to be sure safety was key.

There will be nearly ten food vendors, along with a beer garden accommodating an over 21 corn hole tournament. A musical extravaganza will take place on the band shell stage with country, rock and acoustic acts performing. Justin Sumler will bring his soulful acoustic talent from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Radio Gypsy is NWI’s newest premier party cover band, performing a wide variety of music. They have something for everyone and will perform from 4:005:30pm. Country music band, SouthRidge will be on stage from 6 - 7:30 p.m. And NAWTY will return to perform everything from Motown on up, you can’t go wrong with this ever-changing Band. They will be on stage from 8 -10 p.m.

Fireworks will be featured to begin at dusk.

For those that think this festival is forever changed, think again; the name will return to the Touch of Dutch next year and moving forward. Craft vendors and the Touch of Dutch Parade will not take place this year; however, the committee has already begun planning for 2022! If you would like to become a volunteer for the Touch of Dutch, email or call the Chamber at info@demottechamber. org or 219-987-5800.

For more event information you can tune in to the DeMotte Chamber website at www.DemotteChamber.org or like them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/touchofdutch. For more information on Indiana,

Go, Do, See The Bob Ross Experience

MUNCIE - Many who enjoyed watching the artist Bob Ross paint his “wet on web” scenery on television, have no idea those instructive shows were never filmed in Hollywood. Instead, from 1983 until 1994 “The Joy of Painting” was produced in Muncie. The studio was set up in the historic Lucius L. Ball home - now part of the Mennetrista Museum campus.

Until Aug. 15 visit Minnetrista to view and enjoy many Bob Ross original paintings never before seen on public view. Bringing together paintings from private individuals, artwork from Minnetrista’s own museum collection, and photographs of Bob Ross, this exhibit will be a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss!

This special exhibit, “Bob Ross at Home - Artist, Teacher, Friend,” brings together paintings, memories, and rare historic photographs from Bob’s friends and the Minnetrista Heritage Collection. Twenty-nine paintings are featured, including 21 original Ross paintings-many of which have never been on public display. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that shares a deeper look at Bob’s life and work during his many years in Muncie. You don’t want to miss it!

Open hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 per adult and $12 for ages 12 and under. Ages three and under are free. years.. However, all scheduled classes are sold out through the end of the year. A certified Ross instructor leads participants through a scenery paiting with all supplies furnished. More information can be found at httpsminnetrista.net. Phase II is under construction to expand the Bob Ross Experience to the second floor of the L.L. Ball home. A dedicated painting workshop and art gallery will be housed in the new section with plans scheduled to open this fall. The airy second floor workshop is being designed specifically with built-in technology to support instructor-led workshops as well as TV paint-alongs. Original demonstration paintings that Bob created for his instructional videos will adorn the walls, inspiring artists to embrace their own fearless creativity. The gallery will be a dedicated space to present more of the original Bob Ross paintings for the public to view. Specially curated shows can highlight specific themes of his work. More information is at htps://minnetrista.net

For more information on Indiana,

Official Bob Ross painting workshops are offered at Minnetrista right o the site where Bob painted for >CLICK HERE

Things to Do: Enjoy Power of the Past

There is a great power in preserving history for generations to come.

The members of the Greensburg Power of the Past Club are taking this task seriously by working to educate the community of the historical, technical, and social value of antique farm items. They do this with their annual machinery show and it’s back this year!

The Greensburg Power of the Past 32nd Annual Machinery Show will be held at the Decatur County Fairgrounds this August 18-22. There will be individual antique tractor, garden tractor, and adult pedal pulls Thursday and Friday evenings. A pony pull and horse pull will be held Saturday evening. View more than 300 tractors of various styles on display as well as steam engins and garden tractors. All tractors and equipment that are 40 years old or older are welcome at the show. Come and see all the antique machinery used as the days gone by like; plows, disks, combines, planters, cultivators and many more. Not only will you be able to view the antique machinery, you will also get the opportunity to watch these machines operate.

There will also be a toy tractor show, a huge flea market and an auction to enjoy. Dont miss the parade Saturday and check out the different games.

The featured tractors for this year will be the Minneapolis Moline Tractors and Garden Tractors. This farm and industrial machinery producer was based in Hopkins, Minnesota and was the product of a merger between three companies in 1929. This company pioneered the concept of the closed -cab farm tractor in 1938. Among other projects was the 1950s Uni-Tractor which was a three-wheeled powered unit used to drive other units.

In keeping with the farm equipment theme, several demonstrations will be ongoing during the reunion. Those planned are threshing, corn bind-

ing, plowing, corn treshing and a sawmill. Live musical entertainment will be a welcome event with a fiddle contest on Saturday afternoon, offering four different age divisions and six place monetary awards in each division. Wullenweber Family Bluegrass will bring oldtime gospel music to the Sunday morning worship service. The Barnstormin’ Bluegrass Band will feature old gospel music during Tom Thiel released a song in 2021 called “Minneapolis Moline” referencing the farmers and tractors from his hometown of Mackville, Wisconsin: “He used to sit at the wheel and pretend he could drive, sittin’ out in the weeds that model 335, he got it runnin’ again, that Minneapolis Moline.”{ } a Vesper service. Visiters will not go hungry while at the Power of the Past Show and Reunion. A variety of food vendors will be on site sharing their entrees ranging from breakfast to dinner to delicious snacks. Camping is available on-site. So come and enjoy the whole weekend of fun, food activities and fellowship of the Greensburg Power of the Past. For more information, visit https://www.greensburgpowerofthepast.com/ For more information on Indiana, >CLICK HERE

The riverfront in Madison will rock again to the soulful sound of blues and the smoky aroma of BBQ on Aug. 20-21. The 19th annual event features regional and national blues bands, barbeque competitions, family fun and more. Fill your plates, lick your fingers and settle in for the Craig Toyota Blues Bash – the best of live bluesfeaturing nine great blues bands on Friday evening and all day Saturday. Ghost Town Blues Band will kick-off Friday night at 6 p.m. with a combination of modern blues and Memphis attitude. Followed by The Reverend Shawn Amos & The Brotherhood, bringing joyful blues and American Roots music, and ending with headliner John Mayall – “The Godfather of British Blues” and Blues Hall of Fame inductee by The Blues Foundation. On Saturday, music starts with soulful voice artist The “Famous” Amy Noel Band at 11:30 a.m. Followed by TheRevelators, Jay Jesse Johnson and The Joe Louis Walker Band with special guest Bruce Katz. Settingthe stage up next is blueswoman, Shemekia

Ribberfest BBQ & Blues Copeland, delivering powerful soul, R&B and blues. Top the night off with Tab Benoit, one of today’s most creative and skilled Blues artists, he’ll sure deliver an energetic and fun filled show of blues. Watch competitors both days in three BBQ competitions: Kansas City Barbeque Society, Backyard BBQ Blast, and the Kidz “Q”. Barbeque lovers get to see over 45 professional barbeque teams from around the country compete in the Indiana State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off for cash/prizes and a chance to represent Indianaat the Kansas City Barbeque Society’s world championship. Amateurs may compete in the Backyard BBQ Blast and youngsters can compete in the Kidz “Q”. Wristbands are now on sale for $30 (without food coupons) from through August 19th. On August 20th & 21st wristbands are $35 at Gate and online, good for both days. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult. Watch our website www.madisonribberfest.com for event updates.

People to See: Iowa State Fair

The Grandstand Entertainment for this year is second to none. Reserve your tickets now before it’s too late.

Casting Crowns

Aug. 12 - With special guest, Jordan Feliz. Tickets start at $25. With more than 11 million albums sold to date, Casting Crowns remains Billboard’s topselling act in Christian music since 2007. Chart-topping songs include “Who Am I,” “Voice of Truth,” “Praise You In This Storm,” and “Until The Whole World Hears.”

Blake Shelton

Aug. 13 - With special guest, Matt Stell. Tickets start at $45. Blake Shelton continues to add to his superstar status. His single “Happy Anywhere” featuring Gwen Stefani marked his 28th No.1 on the country airplay charts and topped the Country Digital Song Sales chart with nearly 27,000 tracks sold in the first week alone.

Sam Hunt

Aug. 14 - With special guest, Kip Moore. Tickets start at $40. This multi-platinum-selling, award-winning hitmaker recently introduced fans to his new song, “Kinfolks.” He is also known for his GRAMMY-nominated smash, “Body Like A Back Road.” Previously slated last year, purchased tickets will still be honored.

Boys II Men

Aug. 15 - with special guest Bell Biv Devoe. One of the most truly iconic R&B groups in music history. The group redefined popular R&B and continues to create timeless hits that appeal to fans across all generations. The group’s four Grammy Awards are just the tip of the iceberg. Hits include: “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” and “One Sweet Day.”

Cole Swindell and Dustin Lynch

Aug. 16- Cole has racked up nine #1 singles. 11 #1 singles as a songwriter, a one billion+ audience reaching single for “You Should Be Here,” eight Platinum singles and more. Hits include “Chillin’ It,” “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” and “Let Me See Ya Girl,” and most recently “Love You Too Late.”

Dustin Lynch has already scored seven #1 singles, four Top 5 albums, eight Gold and Platinum certifications, and membership in the historic Grand Ole Opry. But his current album, Tullahoma, marks a true moment of arrival, a leap from rising star to career artist.

Aug. 17 - The Beach Boys

Aug. 18 - Styx

Aug. 19 - Chris Stapleton

Aug. 20 - Five Finger Death Punch

Aug. 21 - Dan and Shay

Aug. 22 - Doobie Brothers

For tickets and more information, visit https://www.iowastatefair.org/ entertainment/grandstand

For more on Iowa >Click Here

Places to Go: Smoky Hill River Festival

Come celebrate and experience the arts River-Festival style, Thursday to Sunday, Sept 2-5 in Salina. Enjoy the stage-act headliners: Cowboy Mouth on Friday, Phantom Blues Band on Saturday and Sunset Sinners Sunday. Other top acts include SunDub from NYC, That 1 Guy, returning from Las Vegas, and Jarabe Mexicano from San Diego. Roving and Arty’s Stage acts include Up, Up & Away balloon artists from Kansas City and Magic Bubbles from San Francisco.

More than 130 visual artists from 19 states will exhibit and sell their work at the Festival’s Fine Art & Craft Show. On-site Demonstration Artists include artisans from Iowa, Minnesota, Lawrence and Salina, including mixed-media artist Julie Cates, also designer of the 2021 Festival T-shirt. More than 20 site-specific, outdoor Art Installations will delight and surprise Festival-goers across Oakdale Park. The River Festival’s Art Patron Program offers art lovers and collectors a change to sign up for special perks including admission to the Thursday-nightPREMIERE cocktail party, a Friday-morning preview hour of art-showshopping and more. Sign up by calling 785-309-5770.

New this year is the Riverside area, formerly the Bravo stage and area, featuring talks with Festival artists, musicians, writers and other creatives. The Game Show Party, hula lessons with Martika Daniels and hands-on art creating are other Riverside activities.

Artyopolis for the kids will be Creation Crossing make-and-take crafts, Button Boulevard, Game Street, Lego Lane, Mistical Oasis, Paintchoo Plaza, and Arty’ Stage acts.

General Festival hours are Thursday from 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. *The River Festival’s Food Row is a ‘must stop.’ New foods for 2021 include frog legs, meatball sliders, coconut shrimp, baconwrapped sausage on-astick and soft pretzels. Food vendors are open daily. Menus are available at riverfestival.com For the first time, admission to the 45th-anniversary River Festival is by weekend Wristband ($15 in adv, $20 at the gate) Children 11 and under get in free. www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/ .

For details, visit riverfestival.com or call 785-3095770.

For more information on Kansas, >CLICK HERE

For more on Michigan >CLICK HERE

Places to Go: State Fair Grandstand

ST. PAUL– The Minnesota StateFair is pleased to announce the complete lineup for the 2021 Grandstand Concert Series Each will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is all reserved seating unless otherwise noted.

Aug. 26 - Miranda Lambert with special guest Lindsay Ell. Tickets: $65, $55, $40

Aug. 27 - Maren Morris with special guest to be announced. Tickets: $65, $55, $40

Aug. 28 - The Current’s Music On-A-Stick featuring Lake Street Dive with special guests Low Cut Connie and Kiss the Tiger 6:30 p.m Tickets: $38, $28

Aug 29 - TLC and Shaggy with special guest Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. 7 p.m. Tickets: $57, $47, $37

Aug. 30 - The Spinners with special guests Little Anthony & The Imperials and The Grass Roots 7 p.m. Tickets: $31

Aug. 31 - The Doobie Brothers – 50th Anniversary Tour featuring Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons, John McFee with special guest Dirty Dozen Brass Band. 7 p.m. Tickets: $65, $50

Sept. 1-Tim McGraw with special guest Midland Tickets: $88, $78, $60.

Sept. 2 -The Chainsmokers with special guest GASHI 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $70, $60, $50

Sept. 3 - Music, Movie and a Conversation with Kevin Costner with special guest Modern West. 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $75, $45, $35, $25

Sept. 4 George Thorogood & The Destroyers “Good To Be Bad Tour: 45 Years of Rock” with special guest Night Ranger Tickets: $46, $36 Sept. 5 - MSF Amateur Talent Contest Free! (general admission) Sept. 6 - Darci Lynne: My Lips Are Sealed (Except When They’re Not) with special guest Okee Dokee Brothers. 4 p.m. Tickets: $25

Tickets are available through Etix at etix.com or call 800-514-3849. For additional State Fair information, call 651-288-4427. The Nightly Fireworks Spectacular follows all Grandstand shows, weather permitting. Pre-fair discount admission tickets are on sale at www.mnstatefair. org/tickets/admission-tickets/

For more on Minnesota >Click Here

Things to Do:

Back to the Farm

Members of the Missouri River Valley Steam Engine Association are busy making arrangements for their next Steam Engine Show. This 58th annual farm reunion will be held this year in conjunction with the International Harvester Chapter 1 State IH Show on Sept. 9-12. Set at the Brady Farmstead Showgrounds in Boonville, the McCormick-Deering 15-30 and the IH Scouts and Cub Cadet lawn tractors will be the featured items. Other tractors, classic cars and trucks, antique hit & miss engines, and miniature tractors will be on display.

The International Harvester Company (often abbreviated by IHC or IH, or shortened to International) was an American manufacturer of agricultural equipment, automobiles, commercial trucks, lawn and garden products, household equipment, and more. It was formed from the 1902 merger of McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and Deering Harvester Company and three smaller manufactures: Milwaukee; Plano; and Warder, Bushnell, and Glessner (manufacturers of Champion brand). In the 1980s all divisions were sold off except for International Trucks, which changed its parent company name to Navistar International. Several ongoing activities will take place to keep all who attend entertained. Tractor owners will line up Friday morning for a 39-mile cruise. An advance $30 entry fee will include lunch. A MATPRA tractor pull and MRVSEA truck pull will be Friday evening, both starting at 7 p.m. A garden tractor pull is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, starting at 1 p.m. Historic farm demonstrations will show off molasses making, dyno horsepower testing, quilting, life skills, blacksmithing, threshing and rock crushing with steam. For the kids there will be a kids train, a petting zoo, and tractor-related games.

Don’t miss browsing through the general store, flea mark and food concessions. You can also take a Brady farmhouse tour to view the ways of farm life.

The Saturday evening live musical entertainment will be presented by Marty Oetting with Bluegrass music. For more, visit https://mrvsea.com/

For more on Missouri >Click Here

Things to Do: Boone Dawdle

COLUMBIA, - There are so many things to enjoy about Columbia in the summertime. There are the leisurely bike rides on Columbia’s celebrated trails. There are the numerous outstanding outdoor concerts. There’s delicious and seasonal locally-sourced food and Columbia’s distinguished farmers markets. There’s kicking back and enjoying a good movie in a cool theater or in a pretty park. And, of course, there’s the ice-cold, locally-crafted adult beverages and the requisite yard games at the city’s different award-winning breweries and winery. Columbia’s annual Boone Dawdle, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, combines all of the summer favorites - biking, music, food, fun, nature and film - in one enjoyable and entertaining event. take one’s time and that’s the best way to experience this lazy summertime expedition from Flat Branch Park in downtown Columbia to Les Bourgeois Vineyards’ Blufftop Bistro in Rocheport. This summertime staple doubles as a fundraiser for the Ragtag Film Society and the internationally-acclaimed True/False Film Fest and also as a stop-gap for those that are eagerly awaiting the 2022 True/False Film Fest scheduled for March 3-6, 2022 (the Dawdle is kind of like a distillation of the entire documentary film festival into one mobile summertime event).

After a one-year hiatus for the Dawdle as a result of COVID-19, Barbie Banks, co-custodian of the Ragtag Film Society and one of the organizers for the True/False Film Fest, is very much looking forward to the 2021 Boone Dawdle.

“The Boone Dawdle returns!” says Banks. “This event brings together some of the best things in life and it is designed to pair the inherent beauty of Mid-Missouri with the exceptional arts programming that the True/False Film Fest is known for. After having to cancel the Boone Dawdle in 2020, we are ecstatic to bring back one of our favorite events.”

For more on Missouri >Click Here

CLAY CENTER - The Clay County Historical Society is proud to announce plans are underway for the return of the annual Old Trusty Antique and Collectors Show. With so many family - friendly activities on the schedule for this 39th event, be sure to mark your calendar for Sept. 11 -12.

The Clay Center Fairgrounds will be the host for the exhibits featuring antique tractors, equipment, cars, trucks and even military vehicles. The brand to be featured this year is the International Harvester Company. See the demonstrations of working heritage craftsman as well as the collectibles at the indoor/outdoor flea market. Some of the historical topics to be shared will be candle making, weaving, rope making and broom making. Farm exhibits will show threshing, shelling and plowing.

There will be a parade each day at 1 p.m., a quilt show at the museum, and live entertainment both days. Join in the fun of Friday’s trail ride and tractor drive. Don’t miss the draft horse and mule show Saturday morning. There is even a daily pedal pull for the kids to participate in. The fun will begin both days at 8 a.m. Admission is to be $7 each day. Feast on the country BBQ open for lunch and dinner Saturday and Sunday after the 9 a.m. church service.

Saturday evening rock to the 50s and 60s hits performed by the Revival Band on the main stage beginning at 7 p.m. Traditional Irish, celtic, and folk music will be presented by Blue Clover Sunday at 11 a.m. For more information visit https://www.oldtrusty.org/

Things to Do: Save Yesterdays for Tomorrow For more on Nebraska >Click Here

Things to Do: Rainbow Fish Musical

So many fans seem to love the international bestseller and award-winning book, “The Rainbow Fish,” with its wonderful message of friendship and belonging. Now you can bring the magical, colorful world of the deep blue sea to life on your stage! This large-cast musical features a variety of charming school and sea-creature characters who admire the famous Rainbow Fish, the most beautiful fish in all the ocean.

When Rainbow Fish refuses to share his (or her!) vibrant, shimmering scales (played by separate actors who become a chorus for solo songs), the whole ocean seems to turn against the vain creature. Unhappy that no one adores him anymore, the Rainbow Fish seeks out the wise Octopus, whose tentacles can also be played by separate actors. Octopus helps the young fish learn that it’s far better to be admired for being kind than for being beautiful. With a bubbly, energetic score and a script that invites wonderful creativity and flexibility, the universal message at the heart of this one-of-a-kind musical becomes much more than just a simple children’s story.

This play will be presented August 5-7, 12-14 by the Shade Tree Players at Bismarck-Mandan’s Community Theatre.

Dakota Stage was founded in 1978 by a group of local residents with education and experience in the theater arts. They pledged their time and talent to enrich our community with the culture and creativity of the theater. The mission of Dakota Stage Ltd. is to provide quality community theater through the talents of artists in the Bismarck/Mandan area for the enjoyment of our audiences. Today, we work with local theater artists to produce theater productions that engage local artists, volunteers, and audiences.

Shade Tree Players was founded in 1970 by Sister Barbara Ann Gehrki of the University of Mary as the Priory Community Center Children’s Theatre. The group presented one outdoor touring production each summer. In 1991, the organization merged with Dakota Stage under its current name and has grown to include as many as nine fullscale summer children’s theater shows annually. Shade Tree Players provides opportunities for children of the Bismarck-Mandan area, ages 7-18, to develop and grow their theatrical talents. Our mission is to provide as many children who are interested a chance to participate in the performing arts in front of their family, friends, and community. Performing with others fosters teamwork and communication, promotes confidence and motivation, and instills professionalism, responsibility, and commitment. These skills will benefit the participants in their personal and professional lives for years to come. For more information, https://www. dakotastageltd.com/

For more on North Dakota >CLICK HERE!

People to See

Performing Artists at the Ritz Theatre

TIFFIN - The Ritz Theatre is proud to announce another outstanding season of events for 2021-2022 consisting of music, comedy, magic, community theatre and family entertainment. Subscriptions for all events on The Ritz Theatre’s 2021-2022 season go on sale beginning August 2 and individual event ticket sales begin August 30. For ticket and subscription information contact The Ritz Theatre Box Office at 30 S. Washington St., call 419.448.8544 email info@ ritztheatre.org, or visit online at ritztheatre.org.

Four shows have been rescheduled to the new dates listed below. Tickets are currently available for all four performances. If customers had previously purchased a ticket and still have their original valid ticket, they are still good.

Trace Adkins

NEW DATE: Friday, Oct. 8, 2021 - 7:30 PM

A Nashville icon for more than two decades, Trace Adkins has made his mark on the country music industry. 11 million albums sold. Time-honored hit singles. Momentous, fiery and always memorable live performances, GRAMMY nominations, CMT and ACM awards and nearly 200 million plays on YouTube. Even a slew of movie and TV roles have come the Grand Ole Opry member’s way. Working with some of Nashville’s most respected songwriters, Adkins continues to find ways to connect with his fans through music while recording what he describes as autobiographical songs throughout his career. Hits include “Ladies Love Country Boys,” “You’re Gonna Miss This” and “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing.” $95, $85, $75, $65 – Not included with subscrip-

tion packages. Sponsored by Roppe Corporation & Republic Lumber

Chicks with Hits

Terri Clark, Pam Tillis & Suzy Bogguss

NEW DATE: Friday, Oct.15, 2021 - 7:30 PM

Enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing three of the biggest female artists in country music on stage together performing an intimate night of acoustic music. And, with 36 top ten singles and over ten millions records sold between them, there’s a lot of material to pull from. Three guitars, three stars, singing together all night. Terri Clark - “Better Things to Do,” “Girls Lie Too” and “I Wanna Do it All”Pam Tillis - “Don’t Tell Me What to Do,” “Maybe it Was Memphis” and “Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)” Suzy Bogguss - “Drive South,” “Letting Go” and “Hey Cinderella” $45-75. – Not included with subscription packages. Sponsored by Blanchard Valley Health System

Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone

NEW DATE: Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 - 7:30 PM

At the age of 15, Peter Noone achieved international fame as lead singer of the legendary ‘60s pop

Performing Artists at the Ritz Theatre

band, Herman’s Hermits. His classic hits included “I’m Into Something Good,” “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” “I’m Henry VIII, I Am,” “Silhouettes,” “Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat,” “Just a Little Bit Better,” “Wonderful World,” “There’s a Kind of Hush,” “A Must To Avoid,” “Listen People,” “The End of the World” and “Dandy.” Ultimately, Herman’s Hermits sold over 60 million recordings. In all, 14 singles and seven albums went gold. The Hermits were twice named Cashbox’s “Entertainer of the Year.” $30-60 – Not included with subscription packages. Sponsored by Blanchard Valley Health System

REZA / Edge of Illusion

NEW DATE: Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 - 7:30 PM

REZA is recognized as one of today’s most highly sought-after entertainers in the touring illusion industry, delivering innovative, engaging and spectacular performances worldwide. REZA infuses state of the art production elements, masterful comedic timing, and numerous interactive & inspirational moments, allowing the audience to experience the magic first hand. REZA is intriguing, engaging, and captivating. He isn’t just a magician. He is an entertainer. Tickets $10-40.

Head Games / The Foreigner Tribute

Saturday, October 2, 2021 - 7:30 PM $15-35

Jukebox Saturday Night

Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 - 7:30 PM

Celebrating America’s Swing Era, performing the greatest hits by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Lunceford, and more. $25-45

The Texas Tenors / LIVE IN CONCERT

Friday, October 29, 2021 - 7:30 PM $30-60.

Chicago Festival Ballet

The Nutcracker Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 - 7:30 PM $25-55

Nobodies of Comedy

Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 - 7:30 PM $10-25 (Intended for mature audiences only)

The Frontmen of Country

With Richie McDonald (Lonestar), Larry Stewart (Restless Heart) and Tim Rushlow (Little Texas)

Friday, Feb. 4, 2022 - 7:30 PM $35-65.

Winter Dance Party

John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party® is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour.

Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 - 7:30 PM $25-55

Kansas

The Point of Know Return Tour

Saturday, March 5, 2022 - 7:30 PM $95, $85, $75, $65 – EV, MS, SP

Thomas Pandolfi, piano

Saturday, March 26, 2022 - 7:30 PM $25, $20, $15, $10 – EV, MS

Michael Bolton

Sunday, May 1, 2022 - 7:30 PM $96, $86, $76, $66 – EV, MS, SP (prices includes a $1 donation to Michael Bolton Charities)

Friday Night Live

The National Theatre at The Ritz will feature two or three regional entertainers. All tickets $10.

For a complete list, schedule and description of performances, visit www.ritztheatre.org.

For more on Ohio >Click here

Things To Do: Remember The Machinery

GEORGETOWN - August 12-15 marks the dates of the 51st reunion of the Ohio Valley Antique Machinery Show. The featured models this year are to be the Cockshutt and Oliver Tractors, Oil Field Engines, and Jacobsen garden tractors. The organization will be hosting the state meet of the Buckeye Chapter of the Cockshutt Co-op Collectors during the show also.

As it’s objectives,the club member’s focus is to revive and spread nostalgic interest in the Steam Engine - that great source of power which made America so agriculturally strong;A lot of fun activities, interesting exhibits and educational demonstrations are in store for all attending.

Live musical entertainment will also be featured each evening. The Kenny Welch Band will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday. Jess Kellie Adams will take the stage at 1 p.m. Friday with Country Thunder performing that evening at 7 p.m. On Saturday, listen to the sounds of the Liberty Band at 10 a.m., Back Up and Push at noon, and The Michelle Robinson Band at 7 p.m. The Queen City Cloggers will take the stage Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

The very popular Great Lakes Timber Show sill take place daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. (only 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday). Complete with laughs and lures, the Great Lakes Timber Show relies on audience participation, so be prepared to join in. The show gives a humorous twist to the very colorful and exciting events that have evolved from the logging Industry of the 1800’s. There will be a flea market and craft space for shopping. Tractors and other farm equipment will be on display throughout the event. Tractor parades are also planned.

Join in the action of the horseshoe tournament at noon Saturday.

Regular admission is $6 each day with children 12 and under free. Memberships are available for $12, which will allow you admission for the entire weekend at no extra charge. On Thursday, a discount for active military, seniors, veterans and first responders will be offered at only $4.

For more information or a complete schedule of events, see the adjoining ad on the next page, visit https://ovams.com or find them at www.facebook.com/OhioValleyAntiqueMachineryShow.

People to See: South Dakota State Fair

The South Dakota State Fair is held every Labour Day weekend in the town of Huron. It dates back to 1885. Five days of live performances by big-name entertainers, exciting rides, special competitions and six stages of entertainment will offer something for everyone. The fair is famous for its car races and the largest carnival midway in the state. Carnival rides are generally available from noon to midnight.

The fairground hosts South Dakota Women’s Expo, Wheel Jam, the BBQ Championships, and so much more. See the state 4-H and FFA exhibits and championships, agriculture and livestock shows. The admission fee is $6.

Exciting competitions at the South Dakota State Fair include Arm Wrestling, Cake Decorating, Cowboy Mounted Shooting, Homemade Beer and Wine Competitions, a Homemade Pie Competition and Miss State Fair Pageant.

Grandstand entertainment starts off with the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash. Featured two nights, this action-packed event brings high energy, family-friendly fun. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for youth

For rock-n-roll lovers, Bret Michaels will take the stage Friday night, Sept. 3. Originally the front man of Poison, more than 50 million records were sold worldwide and numerous hit singles. Equally as successful as a solo artist, Bret Michaels’ career has charted its own course with multiple solo albums. His album, Custom Built, topped the charts, reaching #1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock list. Jammin’ With Friends, featured a myriad of legendary artists, and his latest single and video “Unbroken” was co-written and recorded with his youngest daughter, Jorja Bleu. The band Warrant will open for Bret. Tickets are $45 reserved seating.

Dustin Lynch will perfrom Saturday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. Since his debut with PLATINUM-certified “Cowboys and Angels,” Dustin Lynch has “steadily built one of the most consistent recording careers in modern country music” (Billboard). With his red hot live-performances and growing fan-base, Lynch continues to affirm his place among Country’s cutting edge. With seven #1 singles, four top five albums and eight gold and platinum certifications, his fourth album “Tullahoma,” is burning up the charts with his single “Thinking ‘Bout You.” Ross Ellis will open for Dusting. Tickets are $45.

Jon Pardi’s focus has been making country music that will last through decades, bringing an oldschool flare back to mainstream country. His concert is Sunday evening at 7 p.m. In 2017 Pardi took home the Country Music

Association Award for New Artist of the Year and the Academy of

Country Music Award for New

Male Vocalist of the Year. He has since been nominated for three more awards, including Album of the Year for his albums California

Sunrise and Heartache Medication.

Larry Fleet will open for Jon and

tickets are $45.

The final night of the fair, The ATV Big Air Tour brings laughs, screams, and excitement to the grandstand with 14 action-packed scenes, each bigger than the previous. Admission is free. For more informaiton, visit www.sdstatefair.com

For more on South Dakota > Click Here

Places to Go Fireside Theatre

After 16 months without a Broadway musical on our stage, the opening of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA on July 22nd was a joyous occasion indeed! Since then, our loyal guests have been just as excited to return and share The Fireside experience with their family and friends again. Cinderella will be performed through Sept. 5, 2021.

About Cinderella:

Fresh from the success of OKLAHOMA, SOUTH PACIFIC, and THE KING AND I, Broadway’s greatest composing team wrote an original musical comedy – the first of its kind – to be performed live on TV in 1957. It was the most watched program in television history in its original airing starring Julie Andrews. There have since been two more spectacular TV productions over the years starring such greats as Lesley Ann Warren, Ginger Rodgers, Whitney Houston, Whoopi Goldberg, Jason Alexander, and many more. Now you can enjoy this live stage production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical adaptation of one of the world’s most enduring love stories. This is a show designed to delight the child in all of us. Whether you’re eight or eighty you’ll be captivated by its humor, its romance, its beauty, and its great, great music.

Caitlin Borek and Michael Dikegoros shine as Cinderella and the Prince. We’re also thrilled to welcome back more Fireside favorites including Michael Haws and Mary Ehlinger as the King and Queen plus Laura Cable as the Fairy Godmother and Rhonda Rae Busch as the Stepmother. Melissa Buriak and Tara Feeley join in fun as the hilarious step-sisters, Portia and Joy – whose demeanor is anything but joyful! Caitlin Borek and Michael Dikegoros shine as Cinderella and the Prince. We’re also thrilled to welcome back more Fireside favorites including Michael Haws and Mary Ehlinger as the King and Queen plus Laura Cable as the Fairy Godmother and Rhonda Rae Busch as the Stepmother. Melissa Buriak and Tara Feeley join in fun as the hilarious step-sisters, Portia and Joy – whose demeanor is anything but joyful! Since 1964, The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin has been the premiere entertainment destination in the Midwest for superb musicals featuring Broadway performers, fine dining, and boutique shops in a one-of-a-kind setting. Consistently named as a top destination for travel tours across the United States, The Fireside is owned by the Klopcic family, who were awarded the distinction of “America’s Best Restaurant Family” by Jones Dairy Farm and the Culinary Institute of America in 2006.

The featured menue is currently a signature salad of fresh fruit over fresh garden greens and sprinkled with sesame croutons and Papaya Chutney dressing; Chicken Kona Kai, served with stir-fried rice with Jones cherrywood smoked Canadian bacon and snap peas with roasted red peppers, freshly baked breads, and pecan treasure pie. On Thursdays, an evening signature buffet is served.

Tickets are $84.35 for tshow and dinner. For more information on The Fireside, visit firesidetheatre.com, or call 1-800-477-9505.