R O R
Lots of Music & Fun at 55th Petunia Festival
By Peggy Werner he 55th annual Petunia Festival, always celebrated in conjunction with the Fourth of July, has grown into a major musical venue with a long list of other activities to mark the occasion. This year’s event will take place Tuesday through Sunday, July 2-7 in downtown Dixon and along the riverfront. Jenna Dempsey, vice president of marketing for the Dixon Petunia Festival, has worked with the festival for 14 years, serving as its president in 2012. Many of her childhood memories are related to Petunia Festival. “I always remember the festival as being very family friendly and that hasn’t changed,” says Dempsey. “We have just grown through the years, mainly in our ability to bring more and better entertainment to our community.” At least 24 artists will perform at this year’s event on two stages; the
T
16
Smart Living Weekly
Bud Light Stage on the corner of River Street and Galena Avenue; and the Slain Construction Stage, in front of the President Ronald Reagan statue on River Street and Hennepin Avenue. Headliners this year include American singer/songwriter Marc Broussard, who combines his southern style with a mix of funk, blues, rhythm & blues, rock and pop music, performing at 8 p.m. Wednesday. The popular Two White Crew of Chicago is unlike any other group, with its six-piece band, it’s own Master of Ceremonies, and dancers that pay tribute to the hip hop and party anthems of the ’80s, ’90s, and 00s. They will perform at 9:30 p.m. Thursday and are sponsored by Ken Nelson. Friday is Country Night, sponsored by River Country 101.7, and will spotlight North Carolina’s Chris Lane singing his brand of modern country songs at 8:30 p.m. Lane launched his career
June 26 To advertise call 815-316-2300
as one of Nashville’s new artists in 2016 with his album, “Girl Problems,” and is on a national tour promoting his second album, “Laps Around the Sun,” which reflects his quest for self discovery through song. Fifteen-year-old guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer has played with some of the country’s most prominent musicians and has built up his own reputation in the music world. He will perform at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, sponsored by Sky 95.7. Classic Country star Lyle Grobe, performing for more than 50 years, will be back with his Rhythm Ramblers at 5:30 p.m. Sunday followed by the seven-piece ensemble, Downtown Rhythm Kings, one of the area’s premier Rhythm & Blues bands, performing at 6:30 Sunday. All headliners will be at the Bud Light Stage. Arthur’s Garden Deli is also a music sponsor Wednesday and Sunday.
