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Monophonics – Psychedelic Soul (Friday Headliner)
San Francisco, CA

Monophonics San Francisco, CA

Since 2012, Monophonics has steadily built a reputation as a consistent band with a unique sound. Well-crafted songs and records match an energetic live performance. A heavenly signature style: pure timeless heavy soul and warm textures of psychedelic rock. This band revels in the past, taking you back to the stylings of the late ’60s and early ’70s while always keeping its feet positioned in the present, looking ahead to the future.

William Beckmann – Country, Americana, Latin (Saturday Headliner)
Del Rio, TX

Hailing from the small border town of Del Rio, TX, William Beckmann was raised on classic country and northern Mexico’s mariachi and Norteño sounds. He delivers a fresh blend of vintage country, Americana, and Latin music with a timeless baritone and an old soul maturity that belies his youth. He has spent the last year touring with artists including Parker McCollum, Koe Wetzel, Flatland Calvary, and Randy Rogers Band, sold out three shows at legendary Gruene Hall, and made his Grand Ole Opry debut in Spring 2023.

Papa Green Shoes Blues Rock (Sunday Headliner)
Springfield, MO

Papa Green Shoes Springfield, MO
Papa Green Shoes is a high-energy, four-piece band based in Springfield, Missouri. Rooted in modern blues with touches of soul, funk, and rock, PGS is one of the few bands where all four members are skilled soloists and lead vocalists.

Eric Stein Stage & Stage II Acts

Barnaby Bright – Indie Folk/Pop (4 total sets on Friday and Saturday)
Kansas City, MO

Barnaby Bright, Kansas City, MO

Not easily defined, Barnaby Bright is an alt-Americana trio with very contemporary influences that reflect their geographical journey from Brooklyn to Nashville to Kansas while calling on Nathan’s Oklahoma roots and distant relation to Merle Haggard. The band has accumulated a dedicated following that feeds on their ability to spin storytelling into sonic treasures. While opening for illustrious acts such as Norah Jones and The Lumineers, Barnaby Bright continues to mesmerize audiences and convert new followers one show at a time.

Zach Meadows – Country Folk Singer/Songwriter (4 total Sets Saturday/Sunday)
Nashville, TN

Zach Meadows Nashville, TN

Zach Meadows is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter with folk and country influences that have helped shape his sound as an artist. Heavily inspired by the sounds of the South after living in Florida and North Carolina, Zach spent a few years writing and working on his craft ambitiously, waiting to bring his songs to life. He now resides in Nashville, where he dreams of telling his stories to listeners needing honest and heartfelt songs.

The Freedom Affair –Soul Band; ‘60s/’70s style (4 total Sets Friday/Saturday)
Kansas City, MO

The Freedom Affair, Kansas City, MO
The Freedom Affair is a 9-piece soul juggernaut. Formed in 2017, the band has a vision of writing original soul music inspired by the traditions of the genre’s past with a universal message looking toward the future. Their live shows have proven to be soul-stirring, transformative events, physically and emotionally moving audiences to joy, tears, and elation. Crowds rave about the fireworks these folks bring to the stage.

The Cordovas –Roots Rock (5 sets total on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Nashville, TN

The Cordovas Nashville, TN

The story of the Cordovas is one of rock n’ roll seekers, hammering away in search not just for a platonic ideal of their freewheeling sound, but also for some greater truth about our experience as humans. Cordovas is a state of constant flow: Firstman, Soria, and their various co-conspirators gathering in their twin outposts – a farm in Nashville, and a hideout in the artist community of the Baja California town Todos Santos.

Superfónicos – Afro Columbian Funk (4 total sets on Friday, Saturday)
Austin, TX

Superfonicos Austin, TX

Superfónicos is Colombian Funk. Better yet, it is Caríbe Soul…fed by the Indigenous and African roots of the band’s Colombian heritage, telegraphing a politics of peace and unity from the stage to your ears. They only ask that you dance toward a place in your mind beyond struggle and strife.

Scott Mulvahill – Americana, bluegrass, folk, jazz, rock, and roots  (4 total sets on Friday, Saturday)
Nashville, TN

Scott Mulvahill Nashville, TN

Frontman. Singer-songwriter. World-renowned upright bassist. Multi-instrumentalist. For the past decade, Scott Mulvahill has left his unique mark on the exciting world of Americana, bluegrass, folk, jazz, rock & roll, and roots music. Already acclaimed for his work alongside icons like Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby, he turns a new page with Himalayas, a versatile solo album that celebrates the full spread of his abilities.

Wildermiss – R&B, Soul, Funk (4 total sets Friday, Saturday))
Denver, CO/Nashville, TN

Wildermiss Denver, CO/ Nashville, TN

Wildermiss is a Denver human indie rock band based in Nashville. Fronted by the human Emma Cole on vocals and synth, with fellow humans Joshua Hester on guitar and Caleb Thoemke on drums, their musical journey has taken them far and wide, accumulating more miles than you can imagine. With their undeniable talent and unwavering dedication, Wildermiss has become a beloved fixture in the hearts of their human fans. Prepare to be captivated by their forthcoming album, a testament to their creative evolution and a sonic adventure unlike any other.

Arty’s Stage & Roving

Duke Otherwise – Children, Educational, Folk, Interactive (5 stage sets, Friday-Sunday)
Madison, WI

Duke Otherwise, Madison, WI

Duke Otherwise is a playful wordsmith, a spirited performer, a skilled guitarist, and a captivating tap dancer.  Using his distinct baritone, he sings hilarious and imaginative songs that all ages will delight in together.  Duke’s energetic live show is filled with improvisation, audience participation, dancing, and outrageous fun!

Drum Safari  (1 stage set per day Friday, Saturday, Sunday + roving)
Kansas City, MO

Drum Safari Kansas City, MO

Brandon and Teryn Draper are no strangers to the Smoky Hill River Festival. This year, Festival-goers can expect onstage excitement, hands-on drumming participation, and the impromptu drum jams that make Drum Safari famous!

Jason D’Vaude (1 stage set per day Friday, Saturday, Sunday + roving)
Kansas City, MO

Jason D'Vaude Kansas City, MO

Dangerous objects! Perilous stunts! Feats of strength and balance! Jason D’Vaude, a self-taught one-man multiple-adjectived circus sensation, brings his comedic juggling, fire, and clowning shows to audiences worldwide, delighting them with his charming humor and distinct but refined awkwardness. After seeing Jason  juggle sharp objects, climb up precariously balanced objects, ride an extra-tall unicycle, or manipulate fire like a master, audiences are left speechless except to say, “That was AWESOME!”

Richard Renner (1 stage set per day Friday, Saturday,  + roving)
Lawrence, KS

Richard Renner, Lawrence, KS

Hedge People, the Recycle Cycle, and more. Richard Renner is bringing his wacky bag of tricks to the Festival this year! Each day, visitors will experience new characters and opportunities to interact. Why have a little fun when you can have TOO MUCH?!

Happy Faces Entertainment (1 stage set per day Friday, Saturday, Sunday + roving)
Kansas City, MO

Happy Faces Entertainment, Kansas City, MO

Dennis Porter will keep crowds laughing as he engages Festival fans, young and old, in various entertaining games and activities. Teaching, playing, and having lots of fun are what these shows are all about. Come give it a try!

Flint Hills Fairies (1 stage set per day Friday, Saturday, Sunday + roving)
Wichita, KS

Flint Hill Fairies Wichita, KS

Open your eyes to the magical world of the prairie and catch a sighting of a Flint Hills Wildflower Fairy! Their magic opens the door to the realm of native flora as characters, such as Milkweed, Indigo, or Sunflower, tell stories, play games, and give gifts.