Submitted photo
“> Jump, a Van Halen tribute band, will perform Oct. 6 at Riley Festival. Submitted photo
GREENFIELD – Brace for plenty of music at Riley Festival – free entertainment for the thousands of residents and guests that visit Greenfield during the street fair.
Local acoustic musicians, young dancers and regionally known rock and tribute bands will take three stages located throughout the festival in the four-day event Oct. 5-8.
Tony Seiler, Riley Festival board member that booked the talent, said he’s excited for the community to see what all there is to offer.
He said families will enjoy seeing their neighbors perform through local acts, as well as the larger bands paying tribute to musical acts such as Van Halen and Led Zeppelin.
“The bands we have, the main headliners are amazing,” Seiler said. “All three are touring bands, it’s what they do for a living.”
Seiler, who also arranges community concerts throughout the year at downtown Greenfield venues, said he was grateful for the connections he’s been building in the music industry. He was able to book performers in a time crunch.
Just after opening ceremonies Thursday, Oct. 5 will be The Woomblies Rock Orchestra, a group that has performed in Greenfield several times both at the Riley Festival and Depot Street Park.
Jump, nicknamed “America’s Van Halen Experience,” is the headliner for Oct. 6. Kashmir, a Led Zeppelin tribute, will perform Oct. 7.
All three will be at the Greenfield Banking Company Entertainment Tent, located at the Living Alley near Main and North streets. The venue will also have opening acts, as well as gospel groups and an awards ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 8.
Just down the road is the festival’s indoor venue: the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts. The historic theater will feature dancing acts and poetry readings at various times throughout the festival. There will also be a community open house, showcasing the Ricks’ new seats. Free theater tours are available from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7.
The acoustic stage, located near the city’s downtown fire station at South and State Streets, will feature mostly local acts. Father-son duos Bobby Wiggins X2, for example, will perform twice. Also performing are Drew Faber, Jeff Kinder and Sheri Davis, Chris Craney, Brad Turnbow, Colby Smith, Haley Joney and Nicole Bridgens, who performs popular songs from the Disney Company.
Seiler, who coordinates sound systems for the groups, said he’s looking forward to a busy festival, but you can be sure he’ll be seen with a bite to eat.
“I think it’s just a great vibe when you’re down there, it’s just awesome,” Seiler said. “I like the food, the vendors, it’s got such a variety of things you could purchase. I thought it was all about the entertainment til I looked around and realized no, it’s all about the food.”
