PERFORMERS
Countless Music Experiences
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80 Proof Alice Hays, KS
Hailing from Hays, Kansas, 80 Proof Alice is a high-energy trio that artfully fuses various musical influences to create their unique bluegrass sound. They have been making waves across the state, appearing on numerous Midwest festival lineups. The group features Tyson Lesage, whose dynamic flatpicking brings a spirited energy to their performances, and the 2022 Kansas State Banjo Champion, Jason Riegel, whose melodic banjo riffs add depth and texture to their music. Completing the ensemble is Aimee Riegel, whose steady bass lines provide a solid foundation, enriched by her soulful vocals and harmonious melodies that resonate with emotion.
Acme Fife & Drum Salina, KS
Authentic fife and drum music from the American Revolution, the Civil War, adaptations of Irish, Scottish, English folk tunes, and modern rudimental-style field drumming greet you at the Events Center Bridge and throughout the Festival.
Calibre Pesado Salina, KS
Playing a genre of music considered Mexican Regional, Calibre Pesado was founded in 2003 and has expanded and traveled all over the Midwest throughout the years. The group has developed their own sound within versatile musical styles ranging from norteña, cumbia, ranchera, merequetengue, zapateáda/huapango, corridos, and more. And now with several younger band members, Calibre Pesado continues, and will continue to thrive, generation after generation, with music from the Mexican Regional and the Mexican/American culture!
Carswell & Hope Lawrence, KS
SUNDAY HEADLINER AT STAGE II
From Lawrence, KS with a taste of Ireland, Carswell & Hope bring vintage rock sounds and sensibilities together with big harmonies, carefully crafted textures and inventive songwriting, to create a sound and experience all of their own. The band formed in 2012 when Irishman Nick Carswell arrived in Lawrence, KS with guitar in hand, ready to bring his unique voice and inventive songwriting to the US Midwest. He soon found Jason Slote, Austin Quick, Jordan Tucker, and the sound immediately began to form the cohesive yet difficult to define space that Carswell & Hope inhabits. The band has been compared to Elvis Costello, Radiohead, Fleet Foxes, Local Natives, and ELO.
Cash Hollistah & Friends Salina, KS
Cash Hollistah returns to the River Festival with his innovative “SHRF Mixtape”: a genre-bending musical mixtape, performed live on stage – in one take – collaborating with notable artists from Salina and the surrounding areas. This year’s special guests include Tony Bowell (of Sunset Sinners), Rich Thompson (of Bootleg Mercy), Dee Eazy, Jon’nea Soul, and more! Hollistah is a national hip-hop recording artist, musician, spoken word poet, arts educator, and community activist based in Salina. Hollistah’s live performances have earned him spots on high-profile stages, notably South by Southwest (SXSW), and billing with acts such as Common, Shaggy, Kirk Franklin, and Vince Staples. Currently, Hollistah sits on the board of directors of the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.
Clan Tynker Santa Fe, NM
Clan Tynker is a troupe of brothers and sisters who perform a stunning array of talents in a fanciful “Vaudeville” style of Circus. Their all-ages show presents an amazing menagerie of entertainment from “around the world” set to an exciting live musical soundscape.
Construction Junction Lawrence, KS
City PlayCorps is a non-profit group of trained advocates for children growing through play based in Lawrence, KS. Their Pop Up Playground provides an opportunity for child-directed play where kids get to problem solve, explore, and build using a variety of materials. While adults are around to facilitate and provide a helping hand, the child gets a chance to take the lead!
Children get to figure out things for themselves, find innovative ways to overcome obstacles, practice working with others, and have fun getting to pursue their own creative ideas. Imagine, Create, & Play!
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!
Drum Safari Presents: Arty’s BIG Party Kansas City, MO
Family fun for ALL AGES! Featuring a live DJ, drumming, dancing ribbons, hula hoops, and a few surprise guests…THIS is the place to be!
Drum Safari Roving Drum Circles Kansas City, MO
Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for this rhythmic flash-mob experience! When you hear the rumble, be prepared to get your groove on and JOIN IN the fun — percussion instruments are provided for ALL participants!
Duke Otherwise & Count Everybody 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. This year he brings along saxophonist and drummer, Count Everybody!
Everyday Lights Salina, KS
Everyday Lights is a group of Salina-based musicians with a love for folk and jazz rhythms. Their unique instrumentation and improvised harmony gives them a fresh, creative sound that is best realized in their original music.
Gabe Lee Nashville, TN
Storytelling has been an anchor of Lee’s music since the very beginning. Raised by Taiwanese parents in Nashville, TN, he left home during his teenage years and headed to Indiana, where he obtained college degrees in literature and journalism. Lee launched his career as a genre-bending musician after returning to Tennessee, quickly progressing from dive bar gigs to high-profile opening slots (including shows with Jason Isbell, Los Lobos, Molly Tuttle, and other artists who, like him, blurred the lines between roots-rock, country, and other forms of American folk music) to his own headlining shows. Throughout it all, he drew upon the narrative skills he’d sharpened as a student. If albums like Honky-Tonk Hell and The Hometown Kid often unfolded like autobiographical entries from his road journal, then Drink the River shows an even broader range of his storytelling abilities. Lee isn’t just writing songs about himself; he’s writing songs about all of us. And maybe, in doing so, he can bring us a little closer together.
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. Give it a try!
Jaron Bell Salina, KS
Jaron Bell is a worship leader, pastor, and comedian whose Texas roots run deep. His blending of genres and talents brings a unique voice to the stage–and to social media, where in 2024, his content racked up over 9.6 million views. He made a name for himself in the Texas/Red Dirt country music scene-playing honky-tonks, festivals, and even landing chart success. He still takes the stage with a high-energy show, performing country originals and crowd-favorite covers that bring people together through music, laughter, and real-life connection.
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 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!”
Jon Muq Austin, TX
For Jon Muq, a singer-songwriter born in Uganda and now living in Austin, Texas, music is part of a larger conversation he’s having with the world and everybody in it. Drawing from African as well as western musical trends and traditions, he devises songs as small gifts, designed to settle into everyday life and provoke reflection and resilience. “These days the world is sad,” he explains, “so I wanted to make happy songs. I wanted to write songs that connected with the listener in a very personal way. When someone listens to my music, it’s not just about me and what I’m singing. It’s about how they understand the songs individually. I think these songs can speak many languages, depending on what you want from them.” Muq’s experiences as a child in Uganda and as a man in America give him a unique perspective on the world he’s addressing. “I grew up in a very different life, where so many people pass through hard times just because they don’t have much. Our biggest issue was food scarcity. Then I came to a different world, which gave me a picture of how to write a song that can find balance with everyone wherever they are, whether they have a lot or not much.” With his May 31st debut album with producer Dan Auerbach and tours with Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Mavis Staples, Amythyst Kiah, Corinne Bailey Rae, and others, Muq is expanding the scope of his music to speak to more and more people.
Josué Estrada Band Wichita, KS
Josué Estrada: trumpeter and sound architect, born from Mexican immigrants, draws from a deep well of existential themes that he brings to bear across myriad artistic settings. Josué’s music draws from both his jazz background and his having toured half the globe, performing in projects rooted in bossanova surfpunk (Bellafonte) and then later, Dixieland-punk-bluegrass (Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy.) As realized in the original music played by the Josué Estrada Band, he has now found a wide audience for the transcendent “Chicano jazz” that only he can make: honoring the masters through time, incorporating inimitable style from his OG’s, avant-garde to boleros, and pulling spiritual jazz greats from the past into the present.
King Margo Nashville, TN
King Margo is a magnetic alt-country/Americana act based in Nashville, TN. Their album “Waters Rise” is filled with what Saving Country Music proclaims as “interesting and curious textures throughout, unique and unexpected approaches to songs, and inspired songwriting graced by soaring performances.” The heart of the group is duo Lucciana Costa and Rachel Coats, though they often bring their friends along for a full band experience. They can be found playing bass, dobro, keys and mandolin on the road with Gabe Lee, Susan Werner and Jason Eady, among others. King Margo is a road-tested band through and through, and they are known for putting on a high-energy show complimented by thoughtful songwriting.
Mattson and Weaver Salina, KS
Mattson and Weaver a long-time Salina folk duo, will rove throughout the Festival. Look for them amongst the bustle, or take a break for some of their music in an out-of-the-way shady spot.
Me Like Bees Joplin, MO
Formed on the heels of the 2000s indie rock scene, the band was started by college dropout, Pete Burton and former gas station clerk, Luke Sheafer in 2009. The pair met while playing high school football together in Kansas; only to lose touch and serendipitously end up at the same college town in southwest Missouri several years later. The duo shared a mutual affinity for the music of the aughts. Bands like The Strokes, Modest Mouse, The White Stripes, and Franz Ferdinand, would serve as the catalyst to the danceable, guitar-driven rock that Me Like Bees would become known for.
My Son The Hurricane Niagra, ON
SATURDAY HEADLINER
My Son The Hurricane is a multi-horn, multi-drummer, multi-singer brass funk beast from Niagra, ON. The 12-piece brass dance crew has toured over multiple countries, and played some of Canada, USA, UK, Scandinavia, Beligium, Mexico, Lithuania, and France’s biggest festivals. The band features trumpets, saxophones, trombones, drums, guitar, keys, percussion, and a wild front woman. We dare you not to dance! In 2023, My Son The Hurricane’s “Mr. Holland’s Locust” received over 30 million views online. In 2025, the band will take on an over 70-date Canada, United States, and Europe-wide tour with new singer, Sarah Faz. They’ve shared the stage with acts like Foo Fighters, Jason Isbell, I Mother Earth, and Colin James.
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.
Pretend Friend Wichita, KS
Pretend Friend is a nationally touring progressive bluegrass and folk band based in Wichita, Kansas. Focused on creating original music, Pretend Friend melds captivating lyrics and soulful melodies into timeless songs. The blending of traditional familiarity with improvised jams, driving bluegrass, vocal harmonies, and anthemic choruses only begins to encompass the soundscape created by the genre-bending acoustic group. Pretend Friend has opened for acts such as Bela Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart, Yonder Mountain String Band, Fruition, and Arkansauce, and their high-energy sets have been sought after by festivals such as Walnut Valley Festival, Blue Ox Music Festival, Hillberry Music Festival, Kaw River Roots Fest, McAwesome Fest, Lake Erie Folk Fest, and more.
Randy Baldwin Band Salina, KS
Randy Baldwin started out as a local boy, graduating from Salina South HS. He spent years in California with his original band Trial By Fire, signed a record deal, had radio airplay nationally, and toured the US on several occasions. The Randy Baldwin Band consists of local musicians Brett Pennington, Jeremy Goossen, Tanner VamAmburg, and Caleb Grandy performing original works by Baldwin and Trial By Fire.
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?!
River Puppet Palooza Salina, KS
Friends of the River Foundation’s river puppets are on the loose at the Festival. Watch for Bella Beaver, Bartholomew Bullfrog, Edna C. Channel Cat, and other characters from their educational outreach program as they share stories of the Smoky Hill River.
Salina Municipal Band Salina, KS
Now celebrating an impressive 140 years, this hometown band plays from the great American songbook and much more.
Salina South New Dawn Singers Salina, KS
Led by Jessica Hakoda, this ensemble will display surprising set choices, arrangements, and vocals.
StoneLion Puppet Theatre Kansas City, MO
StoneLion Puppet Theatre is a professional not-for-profit theater company dedicated to expanding the horizons of the young and young-at-heart through the art of puppetry in an interdisciplinary community of ethnic and cultural diversity with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Using multiple styles of puppetry, including marionettes, masks, shadow, mouth, and rod puppets, StoneLion Puppet Theatre brings the magic of world-class puppet shows right to your doorstep!
Thad Beach Salina, KS
All Aboard! for an engaging, musical excursion! Work together with Thad Beach to fire up the steam engine, punch your tickets, and head down the tracks on a joyful journey filled with songs, stories, and a homemade band. Watch as Thad showcases the tenor banjo, washboard, limberjack, harmonica, ukulele, jaw harp, and kazoo.
The Animeros Austin, TX
From the “Live Music Capital of the World”, Austin, Texas, The Animeros blends various Latin music styles that are sonically set somewhere between the lush jungles of Colombia, the palm-lined streets of coastal Mexico circa 1960, the small dusty cantinas of West Texas, and beyond. Their sound has resonated with listeners and tastemakers alike, and in 2025 their members were recognized as Austin’s “Best Latin Act” performing with their brother group Superfónicos.
The Blades Salina, KS
Salina’s own horned-based party band always has something new to offer – great vocals, amazing percussion, and a feel-good vibe.
The Freedom Affair Kansas City, MO
FRIDAY HEADLINER
The Freedom Affair is timeless soul music for the spirit and dancefloor. Fronted by three awe-inspiring singers (Paula Saunders, Shon Ruffin, and Seyko Groves), they make deeply funky message-music rooted in peace, love, and unity that touches souls and activates dancefloors. Building off the success of their debut album Freedom is Love with song placements in multiple TV shows, movies, and an Apple iWatch ad, they’re primed for a big 2025 with the release of a new album. The magic The Freedom Affair captures in the studio is exponentially magnified on the stage. Their live shows have proven to be soul-stirring, transformative events moving audiences physically and emotionally through joy, tears, and elation. Crowds rave about the fireworks this group brings to the stage, and the band is poised to continue bringing their brand of soul to new crowds across the world. This band is soul dynamite.
The Matchsellers Kansas City, KS
For more than a decade, The Matchsellers have infused traditional roots music with a modern, art-house twist. From outer-space operas to bluegrass bookclubs and electronic banjo music mixed with dystopian podcasts, the Matchsellers grapple with ideas of tradition, modernity and the Midwestern identity in fiery, beautiful and sometimes hilarious ways. Hailing from Kansas City, The Matchsellers’ songs are a rich tapestry of storytelling, humor, and sentimentality, offering a fresh take on timeless themes. Top notch harmonies, musicianship and idiosyncratic song & stagecraft have made the group one of the most original and sought-after acoustic groups in the Midwest and beyond.
The Swallowtails Kansas City, MO
The Swallowtails are a genre-bending acoustic duo that fuses rock, pop, and folk genres by-way of their unique instrumentation. Featuring Miki P on acoustic guitar/vocals, and Rachel Lovelace on bassoon/vocals, the songwriting duo from Kansas City is making waves throughout the Midwest and beyond. Established in 2018, they have released 2 full-length albums of original music: Right Where We Are (2020) & The World Still Spins (2023). In November of 2024, the band won “Best Band” in the Kansas City magazine The Pitch. The Swallowtails latest release is an EP named Lucky Penny (2024), marking the beginning of a new musical direction for the duo as co-songwriters. NPR’s 90.9 The Bridge says about the EP, “A lovely confluence of pastoral folk and baroque pop, these songs evoke the understated but poignant movements that we all encounter throughout life – in celebration, struggle, regrets and realizations.” Miki’s rhythmic guitar paired with Rachel’s soaring melodies creates an endearing and charismatic stage presence. The Swallowtails are redefining what a live music experience can encompass.
Wily Vela Y Sus Aguilillos Kansas City, MO
Wily Vela Y Sus Aguilillos is a norteña band based in Kansas City, MO. The name translates to Wily Vela and His Eagles. Música Norteña ensembles feature the accordion, bajo sexto, electric bass, and drums among other instruments.