Apr 20 Saturday
This is a Tim McGraw tribute performed by Nashville recording artist and Las Vegas entertainer, Adam D. Tucker, who accurately recreates the music and mystique of country music icon, Tim McGraw. Tucker recently won episode 3 on the new hit TV show “Clash of the Cover Bands.” He and his talented crew have opened for 42 national acts all over the United States, including Taylor Swift, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and Tracy Lawrence. The timeless sound of Tim McGraw proves appealing to audiences of all ages, bringing back memories and touching the hearts of all. This talented group of musicians showcase Tim McGraw’s' mega-hits from the 90's such as “Don’t Take the Girl,” “I Like It. I Love It,” “Everywhere” and many of his current radio hits of today!
Apr 26 Friday
Choosing songs about water--whether it is in rivers or streams, in the form of rain or tears, running wild or quietly soothing—from his vast repertoire of songs, Maakestad will entertain his audience while supporting the OBOC Festival and underscoring its theme.
The Shared Community Action Group is inviting residents to celebrate cross-communitycollaborations through the 2024 One Book One Community Festival (OBOC). The books chosenrevolve around the theme “water,” its beauty, its power, and its critical role for life on earth.
Final Friday Concert with Bill Maakestad, The Wine Sellers. Choosing songs about water--whether it is in rivers or streams, in the formof rain or tears, running wild or quietly soothing—from his vast repertoire of songs, Maakestad will entertain his audience while supporting the OBOC Festival and underscoring its theme.
Apr 27 Saturday
This concert by the WIU Community Music School String Ensemble will be directed by violinist Karen Martin in the COFAC Recital Hall on the WIU campus. It will feature classical music that reflects OBOC’s water theme.
May 01 Wednesday
The University Union Board and the Bureau of Cultural Affairs at Western Illinois University will host WestFest 2024 Wednesday, May 1 in the University Union Grand Ballroom. Doors open at 6 p.m. and entertainment will begin at 7 p.m.
This year’s entertainment will include headliner Corey Kent and special guest Alana Springsteen.
Kent started his music career early, taking the stage at age 11 as the lead singer for a touring Western Swing band. Kent hit early milestones opening for Roy Clark and The Oak Ridge Boys. In 2020, Kent released his “From the West” LP, which garnered 3.5+ million aggregate streams and set the stage for his next chapter. His song “Gold” and fan favorite “Ain’t My Day has nearly 15 million streams combined. In December of 2021, Corey released his sophomore album, ’21, to an overwhelmingly positive reception and landed on multiple playlists across streaming platforms with his single “There’s Always Next Year.” Both were released via Combustion Music. On March 4, 2022, Corey released his smash hit single “Wild As Her” and signed his deal with Sony Music Nashville and their RCA Nashville Imprint. Now, touring on the road with over 100 shows a year, he has made his way into the country music scene.
Springsteen is a 21-year-old emerging artist focused on storytelling. After learning to play guitar at seven, the Virginia Beach native began penning her songs at nine and soon started trekking to Nashville to co-write with industry heavyweights. In the tradition of powerhouse female Country stars, she grew up, she wrote the EP History of Breaking Up (part one) and now part two dropping soon. The song has surpassed 51 million streams and more than 5,000 playlists. She is touring heavily with performances at Faster Horses, TidalWave, CMA Fest and many more.
May 11 Saturday
Johnny Zatylny will amaze the audience with his vocal interpretation of the one-and-only Freddie Mercury of Queen. Mercury was no run-of-the-mill rocker. With his four-octave range, he could do it all from falsetto to baritone. His voice had an operatic quality and is not easily imitated. Zatylny is one of the few who can almost match Mercury note for note. Unlike many music imitators, Zatylny is under no illusion that he is Freddie Mercury reincarnated. “There was only one Freddie. All I can do is bring his spirit back to the stage.” The audience will revel in the visual and audio experience of this Queen tribute with hits like “We Are the Champions,” We Will Rock You,” Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” and “Another One Bites the Dust.”
Jun 01 Saturday
Join the Prairieland Barbershop Chorus as they celebrate their 55th anniversary with a stroll down memory lane. From Oklahoma to River City, Iowa and everything over the rainbow, we’ll climb every mountain and enjoy an afternoon of a capella music from some of our favorite movies, musicals and more!
The concert will also feature the Illinois District 2019 Quartet Champs, Center Ring Quartet.
Jun 22 Saturday
Back by popular demand, Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn summon the electrifying chemistry of their grandparents, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Audiences can’t believe their eyes and ears when these two talented grandchildren share the hits and stories from an era in country music that made history. But Tre and Tayla aren’t impersonators. Tre doesn’t groom seventies sideburns and perm his hair. Tayla doesn’t mimic her grandmother’s mannerisms. Rather, they are onstage celebrating country music, the lost art of duet singing, and the two beloved icons they refer to as “Poppy” and “Memaw.”
“Our show gives people an idea of what Loretta and Conway were like through their grandchildren’s eyes. It’s a special gift to keep that flame burning,” says Tre.
Jul 13 Saturday
A Legacy Theater fundraising experience starring Chenille (Saunders) Sheeran. Chenille will once again grace the stage at The Legacy Theater with her four-octave range delighting the audience with show tunes, ballads, opera, and gospel. This special event will bring the past and the present together in a special way that will touch those who knew Chenille when living and teaching in Carthage and who know Chenille now as a professional singer at Gospel Diva in Nashville, TN. This will be a musical experience the entire family will enjoy!
Sep 29 Sunday
One Night in Memphis, created and directed by John Mueller, is the number one booked andcritically acclaimed tribute to legendary Sun Records recording artists Carl Perkins, JohnnyCash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley. Over 90 minutes of authentic rockabilly, country,gospel, and 1950’s rock and roll. Experience rock and roll royalty with the music and talent thathas stood the test of time. True American music featuring acclaimed national talent starringformer cast members of the Broadway smash, “Million Dollar Quartet”.