Trails West! City and Family stage artists, food vendors and more have been announced.
According to a press release, there will be several artists performing on the City and Family stages, 17 fine art vendors, 20 folk art vendors and 14 food vendors. For more information about Trails West! August 17 – 19, click here.
On the City Stage:
Friday, August 17, 2018
5:30 p.m. – The Symbols. The Symbols are a popular female-fronted blues/funk/rock trio from Fort Collins, Colorado. The band was formed in 2011 by guitarist Jasco, a former guitar player for Grammy-nominated Blinddog Smokin’, and vocalist/songwriter/bassist Mer Sal.
6:30 p.m. – The Instamatics. Out of Kansas City, they perform some of the best music from the ‘60s and ’70s. The Instamatics play subtle and layered synth-pop with an alt-rock edge.
Saturday, August 18, 2018
10:15 a.m. – The Dance Arts Center. This dance studio was founded in 1985 by Ms. Lynn Fankhauser. Marla Heeler has since took over the studio and teaches students the beautiful art, discipline and joy of dance. From tapping their toes on the stage floor to standing pointe, The Dance Arts Center offers a wide variety of dance.
11:15 a.m. – St. Joseph Arts Academy. Since 1993, the Jason Riley Guitar Studio has helped hundreds of students begin and continue on their musical journey. Now, it has transitioned to become the St. Joseph Arts Academy. Jason Riley’s professional experience includes recording, composing, teaching and performing. He has produced and released four solo CDs and his teachings will push children to have the same dream.
12:30 p.m. – Erica McKenzie. Kansas City-based Contemporary Singer/Songwriter Erica McKenzie is developing a reputation as one of the finest voices from the Midwest. Erica’s style is soulful with hints of Country, R&B, Folk and Jazz. Her energy surprises audience members with a buttery tone. Erica’s lyrics are clever, catchy, deep and relatable. Erica currently plays several shows a week and averages over 150 gigs per year.
1:30 p.m. – The Trace. The Trace plays hometown music from their roots in Independence, MO. It started when 4 classmates jammed out in a basement and made music. The band plays Rock N’ Roll, Folk, Funk, Rhythm and Blues.
2:30 p.m. – Like Rabbits. This band has been described as a straightforward bar bluegrass band. The band, based out of Kansas City, is led by singer/songwriter Dick Page whose raspy vocals serenade audiences. Like Rabbits is made up of four members and plays Americana, Bluegrass, Folk and Alternative music.
3:30 p.m. – The Scott Perry Band. Scott grew up in Brookings, OR where he began to love music at an early age. Scott has opened for country music superstar Jake Owen and he recorded his first album in Nashville, TN titled “It’s More Than Just Goodbye.” All but one of the songs on his album is written by him. He has written over 100 songs to date.
4:30 p.m. – Das Furbender. Das Furbender is based out of Lawrence, KS. The band is made up of four members ready for you to dance to their music.
5:30 p.m. – Oxymoron. Oxymoron’s funny antics and interactions with their audience keep you wanting more. This up and coming band plays a unique variety of music from multiple genres and decades to appeal to any crowd. This two-person band from Savannah, MO has played at venues including Kauffman Stadium, Civic Arena and several local venues such as the First Ward House in St. Joseph, MO.
6:30 p.m. – Matt Snook. Matt Snook quickly became a Midwest favorite when he landed a spot on Blake Shelton’s team during Season 8 of The Voice. Matt Snook was in the top 48 of The Voice, landing a chair turn from Blake Shelton with his rendition of Brooks and Dunn’s “Red Dirt Road.” This country singer has performed with well-known country stars such as George Strait, Tracy Lawrence, Little Big Town, Big
and Rich and John Michael Montgomery.
On the Family Stage:
Friday, August 17:
5:30 The Baker Family. The Baker Family is a high energy bluegrass band from south central Missouri. The 5 member family band plays Bluegrass, Gospel and Classic Country.
6:30 The Baker Family
Saturday, August 18:
10:15 Groovy ‘60s Gals. The Missouri Western Theatre Department is also presenting “Groovy ’60s Gals: Classic songs for everyone!” Groovy Gals sing the wonderful songs of the 60’s! Join us for the music, style and freedom of the 1960s. Featuring such classic tunes as “To Sir with Love,” “Downtown,” and “Son of a Preacher Man,” the review includes tunes from great artists like Petula Clark and Dusty Springfield.
11:15 Will Stuck. Returning to the festival is storyteller Will Stuck. A festival favorite, Will’s presentations are packed with high energy, hilarity and audience participation.
12:30 Groovy ‘60s Gals
1:30 The Whip Guy. The Whip Guy’s daring, high energy show is filled with stunts, history, physics and light-hearted humor and fun.
2:30 The Dance Arts Center
3:30 The Whip Guy
4:30 St. Joseph, a City of Uncommon Character. The Uncommon Character team will also be at the festival to present about our wonderful town. Listen and learn stories about St. Joseph’s unique people, places and events that shaped the city to what it is today.
5:30 The Whip Guy
6:30 Blue House Family Band. The Blue House Family Band is made up of a Mid-Western family that enjoys playing music together. The 3 members play original acoustic Americana as well as Traditional Folk. They usually jam in their little blue house, but occasionally step out and share the fun. They encourage other families to learn and play music together too.
Sunday, August 19:
12 p.m. – Casey Brett Acoustic. Casey Brett is a small town guy who plays a whole lot of ‘90s country music. His love for performing and songwriting has taken him to many places across the country, including performing the last several years at Nashville’s CMA Fest. His voice is often described as a young Garth Brooks meets Rhett Akins, mixing him with the 1990’s country sound with today’s top 40.
1 p.m.- Dino O’Dell. Dino’s interactive songs engage curiosity, inspire laughter and trigger imagination. Before 2003, Dino was an elementary school teacher by day and musician by night. Now, his live shows reflect his time as both an educator and performer. He is a master at tricking kids into learning.
2 p.m.- Boxcar Brethren. Boxcar Brethren plays old time string band music. The band is traveling to the festival from Kansas City.
3 p.m.- Aubrie and Rylee Heck. Aubrie and Rylee Heck are two young sisters who have formed a special bond by singing together. They have covered hits such as “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me.”
Complete List of Food Vendors for 2018
– Cole Concession
– Rainbow Ice Company
– Just Nuts
– Made 2 Grill
– Coney Island
– Ma & Pa Kettle Corn
– Snowflake Shaved Ice
– Dundees
– Sweet Fun Concessions
– C Concessions
– Wok Hei Noodle House
– Keck’s Root Beer
– Curry Hut
– BBQ Roll n’ Smoke