This is your chance to check out some of music’s rising stars! Performances are included in festival admission. We have tables and chairs set up in front of the stage, but you are more than welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Please be courteous and pick a spot that won’t obscure the view of others.
Click here for a printable music schedule or scroll down for complete details.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7:
Eleyet McConnell – Dulahan – The Usual Suspects – McGuffey Lane
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14:
Muleskinners – Wayfarers – Steve Free – Paul Kovac Big Grass Band
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21:
Honey Compass – LA Band – New Basics Brass Band – Chardon Polka Band
Eleyet McConnell
September 7, 2024, 12:00-1:30pm
Immersed in a multitude of genres for over 40 years, Angie Eleyet possesses a talent that will captivate you from the first moment she sings. Fierce. Soulful. edgy. Her musical tastes are so diverse, yet you will hear the many influences in her sound from Beth Hart, Led Zeppelin, Heart, Janis Joplin, and Bad Company to Merle Haggard, The Eagles, and some gospel freats. Her stage presence will draw you in quickly and she takes you on a journey you will never forget.
Well-known to the local music scene Chris McConnell has developed his musical expertise over the last 50 years. He has years of experience in live performance, touring, and studio work. His journey as a musician began at the age of 10 and continued through the years in countless projects including winning a regional star search and a home-grown album with WTUE in the early 80’s. He has a passion for writing and is a strong vocalist in his own right.
Together, their ability to tell stories through their lyrics captivates listeners. Their chemistry is palpable whether playing in an intimate, storyteller-type venue or with a full powerful band. Their songs attract music lovers from all backgrounds
Dulahan
September 7, 2024, 2:00-4:00pm
Dulahan’s music is a Celtic/Americana hybrid that pays homage to the traditional but incorporates all the varied musical influences of the four members into its unique sound. The result is a unique blend of creative songwriting and musical energy that draws on contemporary genres and traditional Celtic but also contains subtle hints of a Roots/Americana feel as well.
The interplay of the multiple layers of instrumentation, combined with the powerful 3- and 4-part vocal harmonies within the band’s original compositions generates a sound that connects with fans of the traditional and the contemporary and draws new fans wherever their music is heard.
The Usual Suspects
September 7, 2024 – 4:30-6:30pm
The Usual Suspects and The Repeat Offenders Band has been playing music in central Ohio since 2009. We are a high-energy group bringing back the excitement of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and beyond with a 10-piece band creating a new music experience at every show. An exceptional 5-piece horn section consisting of 2 saxes, 2 trumpets and 1 trombone anchor the band’s fat full sound. We cater to almost every age and music style. Dance to the blues, southern rock, Motown and funk, featuring artists like The Blues Brothers, Bruno Mars, James Brown, Santana, Clapton, Commodores, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tower of Power and Chicago. We are constantly adding new and exciting songs to our library. We get people to dance, so get those shoes on and come out to see a show!
McGuffey Lane
September 7, 2024, 7:00-9:00pm
Come be part of the 50th Anniversary Tour! McGuffey Lane is a country rock band from central Ohio. In 1972 founding members Steve George Reis (bass/ vocals) and Terry Efaw (steel guitar/ gut string guitar/ electric guitar) were a duo called “Scotch and Soda”. When they added Bobby Gene McNelley (vocalist/ guitarist) they renamed themselves McGuffey Lane after the street of Steve’s Athens Ohio home. As their popularity grew they added Dick Smith (drums/ vocals) and Stephen “Tebes” Douglass (keyboards/ harmonica/ vocals). In 1977 McGuffey Lane started playing at Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon and soon became the house band. At that point they added John Schwab (vocalist/ guitarist) who was opening for them as the sixth and final member of the original McGuffey Lane.
McGuffey Lane played at Zachariah’s through 1980. In August of 1980 they released their first self-titled album on Paradise Island Records selling 40,000 in the first three months. The album reached #1 in Columbus during the fall of 1980 which gained the attention of Atlantic Records. Atlantic released the album nationally on its Atco Label with sales of 175,000. During the early 1980’s McGuffey Lane was a national act touring with Charlie Daniels, the Allman Brothers, The Judds and Marshall Tucker Band. In 1981 they released their second album “Aqua Dreams” followed by their third album “Let the Hard Times Roll” released in 1982. In early 1984 Tebes Douglass was killed in an automobile accident returning home from a show in Dayton. They released their fourth and final album for Atlantic “Day by Day” and dedicated it to Tebes. After the release of “Day by Day”, Bobby Gene McNelley left the band to pursue a solo song writing career.
In 1985 McGuffey Lane went back to their Ohio roots playing clubs, concert halls, fairs and festivals. In 1986 they released “A McGuffey Lane Christmas”, a fundraiser for the Central Ohio Lung Association. In 1990 McGuffey Lane disbanded after a tour through the state and a last night at the Newport Music Hall. In 1993 they did a “one time show” at the Newport and in 1995 they released “Greatest Hits Live and More”. At that point McGuffey Lane regrouped featuring John Schwab, Terry Efaw and Casey McGowan from the 1980’s line up. They were joined by veteran Columbus area musicians including Molly Pauken (mandolin, acoustic guitar, vocals). In 1998 they released “Call Me Lucky” . It was during 1998 that current McGuffey Lane members joined the band. Randy Huff (drums/ vocals) joined in the summer of 1998 and Kevin Reed (harmonica/ vocals) joined at the end of 1998.
In 2001 McGuffey Lane organized the First Annual Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon Reunion featuring themselves and other acts that performed during the Zach’s days. In 2002 they released all acoustic CD “Wood” which included popular concerts songs from the late 1970’s but never previously released. In 2003 the Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon Reunion moved to Promo West Pavilion and has been held there (now Kemba LIVE!) every year since. Finally in 2006 after years of fighting with Atlantic over the rights to their first four albums recorded in the mid 1980’s, Rhino Records released them in 2 albums sets. The first self-titled album and “Aqua Dreams” in one set and “Let the Hard Times Roll” and “Day by Day” in the second set.
In 2010 McGuffey Lane released their 10th CD “10” on Lick Records which was co-founded by John Schwab. In 2011 “Bartender” from the “10” CD was released as a single. It reached #50 on the national country charts (Music Row Magazine). In June 2017 McGuffey Lane released their 11th and latest CD “Legend of the Red Eye” on Lick Records. In a review of “Legend of the Red Eye” Dave Culbertson writes: “If you like the “country” side of The Lane…you should love this one. It is an interesting mixture of originals and masterfully-done covers of some of the country and country-pop classics from a variety of artists…all well done…many times, better than the originals.” In November 2017 “Cowboys Like What Cowgirls Do” by Steve George Reis from the new “Legend of the Red Eye” was #1 on the Alternative Country Music chart. The 2023 Zachariah’s Red Eye Reunion was held on Saturday January 21st at Kemba LIVE in downtown Columbus Ohio to another capacity crowd.
McGuffey Lane’s history mirrors one of the songs from their 2002 “Wood” album. “I’ve been up and down and all around my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground. Don’t you worry baby don’t you worry about me. Cause I’ve survived everything that comes and goes. I still know which way that old north wind blows. After all these years I’m “Runnin’ Wild and Free”. McGuffey Lane is still going strong with the three original surviving members (Steve George Reis, Terry Efaw and John Schwab) in the band. McGuffey Lane still performs about 20 concerts annually. The Journey Continues and “It’s A Good Day”.
Muleskinners
September 14, 2024, 12:00-1:30pm
Formed in 1985, The Muleskinner Band’s first performance was at Market Place ‘85 in Urbana, Ohio. Since then, the band has traveled to 5 different states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and extensively throughout Ohio. Strong vocals, slick instrumentation and light-hearted interaction with their audiences make them crowd favorites. They have recorded 6 projects and each of the members has been asked to guest on other recordings.
Raised by two members of the “greatest generation”, Bill Purk has been pickin’ and singin’ since “Ike” was in office. Proficient on 6 instruments, Bill usually relies on his trusty Martin D-28 to help him entertain. Donning one of several Stetsons in his collection, he delivers many jokes, stories of a time foreign to many to today, but oh so vivid to many in his audiences. He incorporates tunes from the 30’s/ 40’s/ 50’s and 60’s plus a good healthy dose of Gospel music and sing-a-longs.
Wayfarers
September 14, 2024, 2:00-4:00pm
Hailing from rural Southeast Ohio, The Wayfarers emerged onto the scene in early 2010 playing their own form of American Roots music. While much of their repertoire is drawn from the Appalachian tradition they revere, The Wayfarers fuse tight musicianship – centered largely by the fiddle – with the high energy that characterized early mountain music. With old-time radio shows setting the example, their style encompasses Appalachian dance music, traditional mountain fiddle tunes, and pre-bluegrass music of the 1920’s – resulting in a dose of nostalgic Americana. Their spirited approach to live performance is infectious, and people of all ages are drawn in to the sounds of thumping washtub bass, driving guitars, sawing fiddles, and rich harmonies. Whether it’s at a large festival or barn square dance, a rock venue or a busy street corner, The Wayfarers continue to carry this music forward with creativity and authenticity, making it contemporary and fun.
The Wayfarers have been featured on the national PBS television series “Song of the Mountains”, toured much of the Midwest and Southern Appalachians, released 4 studio albums, and have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in bluegrass & country music; including Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Dailey & Vincent, Lonesome River Band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Rhonda Vincent, Marty Raybon, Jerry Douglas, and many more
Steve Free
September 14, 2024, 4:30-6:30pm
Music is an emotion that each of us can experience. The mood of times. . . thoughts unspoken . . .
Steve Free writes music that evokes imagery, reflects life, its simplicity and to reveal something about ourselves that is hidden.
Between the notes is where we live and today is ours for but a moment. Steve’s music covers the gamut of folk, rock and country. Stop and listen and explore his world. A Free World!
Steve Free is an internationally acclaimed award winning singer/songwriter/recording artist. The winner of numerous Music Industry Awards including 9 ASCAP AWARDS, a Platinum Record and a GRAMMY nomination he has charted over 30 songs on the National & International, Americana, Country & Billboard Charts, including 15 #1 songs, while remaining one of Music’s Top Folk Artist both in the U.S and in Europe.
In 1996 he was named International Independent Recording Artist of the Year, in 2008 he won the Governor’s Aard as the #1 Artist in his home state of Ohio and in 2009 was honored by The Kentucky State Senate for his musical contributions to Appalachia. He is an Ohio Arts Council and Midwest Arts Council “Ohio Artist On Tour “.
In 2000 he received a lifetime achievement award from Airplay International in Nashville for his decades of international airplay. His song ‘SEIGE AT LUCASVILLE’, about the 1993 Ohio prison riot was filmed by CBS TV’s 48 Hours in 1996 and his song OUR HOMETOWN is featured in the PBS Documentary ‘BEYOND THESE WALLS’.
In 2009 he was honored by being named an Official “Ohio Treasure“.
In 2014 he has performed on PBS, NPR and THE NASHVILLE NETWORK and been featured in The AFM International Magazine, GTE Music Magazine in Nashville and numerous other music industry magazines and newspaper articles.
Paul Kovac Big Grass Band
September 14, 2024, 7:00-9:00pm
Musician Paul Kovac is a skilled multi-instrumentalist, singer, bandleader, and songwriter who can apply himself to a wide variety of music styles.
Here are some insights, highlights and accomplishments of Paul’s career:
Early Days:
Born September 29, 1956 into a musical, Slovenian family.
Raised on the Family farm in Geauga County, in Northeast Ohio.
Played drums at early age with family and friends in first band, The Limit.
Got old worn 45s from the jukebox in his parents tavern (’61-’67).
Learned guitar from his older sister, Carol (Oberlin ’70-’74).
Quickly moved to banjo and mandolin, playing Bluegrass and Old-time.
One Year at Hiram College, Hiram OH, 1975-76
Formed Hotfoot Quartet 1977. Recorded first LP.
Recorded first ever Punk/Bluegrass crossover 45rpm record, 1978.
Played two shows as Bill Monroe’s banjo player, July 5, Geneva, OH, 1981.
Toured USA and Canada with Hotfoot Quartet, 1977-1981
1980’s
Lived in Santa Monica, CA and worked in film production (Hollywood, CA) 1982-83.
With D.G.A. director Harry Wiland, met and filmed 16-year-old boxer, Mike Tyson, 1983.
Formed duet with fiddler, Denny Jones, 1984, which lead to the Clear Fork Bluegrass Quartet.
Made four recordings with Clear Fork, 1986-present.
Ohio Arts Council, “Ohio Artists on Tour” artist, 1988-present.
Scored several videos for Sportsmen On Film, Calabassas, CA, 1985-1995.
1990’s
Performed with Chet Atkins and Garrison Keilor on Keilor’s “American Radio Company,” NPR, 1990.
Accompanist for fiddlers Chubby Wise, Byron Berline and Vassar Clements.
Formed Americana act, Hillbilly IDOL (HBI) in 1991, with Dave Huddleston and made three recordings.
First two HBI recordings on national Gavin Americana Chart, each for 13 weeks, 1999 & 2002.
HBI music used on Morning Edition, Car Talk, and All Things Considered.
Performed with the Fiddle Puppets 1992-1994, and toured Europe, Japan and North America.
Performed live on NHK television, 1994.
Married dancer/musician, Laura Lewis, 1994. Two children, Helen and Jack.
Performed in Pit Orchestra of Cleveland Playhouse’s, “Quilters,” 1995.
Performed as Lewis & Kovac, 1994-1999.
Wrote, produced and performed in a guitar instructional DVD with Roy Clark, 1995 for Mel Bay.
Joined Critton Hollow String Band 1995 and made one recording, Cowboys & Indians, Yodel-a-hee 032.
Formed Tony Ellis Trio and played the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA, 1996.
Toured Shetland Islands with Critton Hollow & Laura Lewis, 1998.
Coordinator of Bluegrass Week for the Augusta Heritage Center, Elkins WV, 1996-2007.
Staff member at numerous music and dance camps (Pinewoods, Augusta, Common Ground, etc.)
Produced and played on “Light Enough to Find my Way,” Jones & Leva, Rounder 0407, 1996.
Co-produced “Nova Town,” Rick Good, 1997.
Produced “Let Us Play,” The Monks, Yodel-Ay-Hee #023, 1998.
2000’s to Today
Back up band for Country Music Hall of Fame member, Hank Thompson in concert, 2001.
Played banjo and mandolin with the Hazel Dickens Band, 1998-2002.
Played in the Dirk Powell Band with Ginny Hawker and Tracy Schwartz, 2000.
Appeared on National broadcast of Michael Feldman’s “Wad’ya Know”, 2002.
Several appearances with the Kathy Kallick Band of Oakland, CA, banjo and mandolin, 1996-2001.
Sideman to Ann Arbor singer/songwriter, Dick Seigel, 2003-present.
Instructor at Swannanoa Gathering Old Time Week, 2008-present.
Recorded “Cataloochee,” with Carol Elizabeth Jones, 5-String Productions #5SPO8001, 2008.
Multi-instrumentalist with Rhythm In Shoes, 2007-2010.
Formed ShoeFly with Rick Good and Sharon Leahy, 2008-present.
Formed Americana duet, “Jen Maurer & Paul Kovac”, 2011.
Grows Christmas trees, blueberries and makes maple syrup on his farm in Chardon, OH.
Collects old instruments, old vinyl and is a history student of American Country music.
Writes songs, sings, plays a little fiddle, and appreciates every day.
Honey Compass
September 21, 2024, 12:00-1:30pm
A heartland favorite, Honey Compass has toured the Ohio region and beyond for 12 years. This duo plays many genres and eras by request, and has released a second album “The Collection” on all streaming platforms in May of 2023. Dan and Gina have opened for Little Texas, Canaan Smith and continue to bring sweet music every direction they perform.
Honey Compass is a very dynamic country duo with their own music, as well as request books for hours of fun with crowds that get to request what they want to hear. (included in repertoire full of 70’s rock, old school country and current, top 40)
Gina’Rie and Dan Snodgrass have been performing together as Honey Compass for 7 years and married 5! Don’t miss a chance to have some live music fun with the country music couple!
LA Band
September 21, 2024, 2:00-4:00pm
Thank you for considering our band for your event. We know that your event is special to you, maybe even a once in a lifetime occasion that you should be able to look back on very fondly. Our band has helped make special memories for countless people looking to impress clients, family, and friends. Our experiences have taken us along many paths and we have played our music for a very diverse cross-section of party throwers and party goers for over 40 years. During that span of time we have played for John Mellencamp, Little Anthony, Peabo Bryson, The Ohio Players, and Rick James. We have opened up for many famous rhythm and blues and jazz musicians across the country. We believe we learned a few things along the way, the most important being to help our clients have the best dance, party, wedding or concert that they can imagine all the time taking all the worry out of the music side of things so that they may enjoy that experience while it’s happening. We are dependable, on time and ready to provide music that is fun, danceable, and professional. We have a base band of 3 musicians that we can expand to 8 including female vocalist and horns. Any thing musically you could need we can supply. But the only way to find out for sure is to give us a listen and a try. Hoping to see you at “the party”…sincerely Greg Parsley for The L.A. Band.
The L. A. Band is very versatile. Although we perform songs from artists like Bruno Mars and The Weeknd, we still cover all the hits by artist such as: Earth Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Isley Brothers, Gap Band, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Cameo, Prince, Doobie Brothers, Peter Gabriel, the Motown Sound and many many more.
New Basics Brass Band
September 21, 2022, 4:30-6:30pm
In the fall of 1995 some tenderfoot college music students convened to try their hands at playing music that echoed America’s oldest sounds while stepping fast-footed with modern soul and urgency.
The past couple decades have burnished the band. After hundreds of live shows, four studio albums, and recording with legends like Bootsy Collins & The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, New Basics is in prime form.
They have done what few bands succeed in doing – enduring. And while navigating the ebbs & flows, and twists & turns, they have remained excited to do what they’ve done since day one: sharing feel-good music
Chardon Polka Band
September 21, 2024, 7:00-9:00pm
THE CHARDON POLKA BAND
A modern polka band bringing polka music to a new generation.
In 2003, 16-year old Jake Kouwe was told there was no place for an accordion in his local high school’s marching band. In response, Jake recruited a group of five mismatched teenagers to form a genuine oom-pah style polka band. This group, known as “The Chardon High School Polka Band”, was a rather motley group of teenage musicians that included in the line-up an accordion, tuba, clarinet, saxophone, electric guitar, and trumpet.
The group quickly found a following in the most unlikely of places- local nursing homes. Despite their ripped jeans, high school lingo, long (and even pink) hair, piercings and tattoos, senior citizens and nursing home residents turned a blind eye to their looks and fell in love with the polka-playing teens. However, the polka phenomena wasn’t lost on their own generation. Soon, “Support Your Local Polka Band” t-shirts were being worn in the halls of Chardon High by fellow classmates and fans.
Now, seventeen years later, the band continues. What was once a high school project has turned into a career (not a good job… but a full-time one). Though the band’s unique membership has changed a few times over the years, their eclectic style and uniqueness has never wavered.
Despite the band’s sometimes gruff appearance, this delightfully eccentric gang is both friendly and outgoing. They are among the greater Cleveland area’s most recognizable performers at local parks, festivals, parades, parties and fund-raisers, and still perform regularly at local nursing homes. The polka band has a faithful fan base, ranging from senior citizens to small children, teens, and twenty-somethings.
Ohio isn’t the only place that these polka-punks are a hit. The Chardon Polka Band has become a well-known act in the fall “Oktoberfest circuit”, headlining at some of the nation’s largest seasonal events. This includes festivities in Indianapolis (IN), Helen (GA), Chicago (IL), Myrtle Beach (SC), Vernon (NJ), Tampa (FL), Alamogordo (NM), Tulsa (OK), St. Louis (MO), New Braunfels (TX), Mount Angel (OR), and many more. The band travels throughout the nation playing various other festivals and events. Their showmanship and humor has won them many fans outside the polka genre.
The band’s range of style is as equally eccentric as its members. The Chardon Polka Band plays traditional polkas reminiscent of The Lawrence Welk Show, a style that has endeared them to traditional polka fans, but sometimes morphs into punk-rock renditions of the same songs, modified to bring in a younger audience. They throw in comedic renditions of oddball favorites, bizarre audience participation songs, and even polka-rock covers of anything from Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” to Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” to Lady Ga Ga’s “Bad Romance”! The Chardon Polka Band also has an ever-growing library of original tunes, many of which are featured on their popular studio albums
In the “Member Bios” section of this website, you can view details and trivia regarding the different members of the ensemble. The members of the band, though not all related by blood, are truly an eclectic family. They have a common goal of creating music that others can enjoy and participate in. Each member of the group has something of their own to add to the mix.
