Music at Poage Landing Days
Kathy Clayton
The Ashland Beacon
Music has always been a big draw at the Poage Landing Days Festival with nationally-known acts interspersed with well-known local bands. This year is no different with a weekend full of all types of music for any taste but featuring a classic country lineup on Saturday night.
“We’re running entertainment on two stages,” said Christy Meade, President of the Poage Landing Board of Directors, “the main stage on 16th Street and the Armstrong Stage on 14th Street. Saturday’s will feature Nashville recording artist Mark Chesnutt. Rodney Crisp and his Honky Tonk Dance Band will open for him.”
Meade continued, “We want to stress that these concerts are free to everyone. We want everyone to be able to come out and enjoy our family environment with free entertainment. People who don’t have the means to buy concert tickets have the opportunity to enjoy free concerts here. They can bring a chair, relax and enjoy the music.”
Live music will begin at noon on Friday on the Armstrong Stage featuring Chain Reaction at noon, Against the Grain at 6 p.m. and the Jason Mays Band at 7:45.
Action on the Armstrong Stage will continue beginning at noon on Saturday, with a new act every hour. Performers include Brady Ross and Route 23, Lee Dean’s Swinging with Elvis show, Barry Frazee, Roscoe and Tilly Mae Riverton, Angie Fletcher, and finishing out the afternoon’s entertainment is Blue Sky.
Saturday evening’s entertainment will be a treat for country music lovers. Rodney Crisp and his Honky Tonk Dance Band will give fans music to dance to leading up to the featured performer, Mark Chesnutt.
“Mark Chesnutt is one of country’s true musical treasures,” said publicist Megan Kelley. The singer has had 14 number one singles, four platinum albums and five gold records, and is recognized as one of the most played artists on the radio during the 1990s.
Fans may recall such hits as “Bubba Shot the Jukebox” and “Blame it on Texas.” According to a press release, his main love has always been performing for a live audience. “It’s the music and the fans that have kept me around this long,” Chesnutt said. He is considered a country music singer in the old-school tradition and has received praise from such notable stars of the genre as the late George Jones and George Strait.
Sunday’s music will follow the Christian fellowship theme, with performances on the Armstrong stage beginning with Bended Knee at 1 p.m., followed by Sonya Newman, Janetta Blevins, Tyler Waller, and closing up with Outrider at 5 p.m.
“The volunteers work year-round to make sure we put on a good festival with something to please everyone,” said Meade. “This year’s Poage Landing Days Festival will be a great time, and we hope to see everyone there.”