The 17th Annual Southern Illinois Steel Guitar Show returns to the Mt. Vernon Event Center (former Holiday Inn) in Mt. Vernon, Ill April 20-22nd. The schedule runs 10:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. Thursday, 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 p.m. Friday and 10:00 a.m.- 11:05 p.m. Saturday.
The Southern Illinois Steel Guitar Show is organized by Southern Illinois Productions, a non-profit organization that promotes and presents classic country music featuring the steel guitar. Proceeds from the show benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Dow Smith, board member for Southern Illinois Productions commented, “Last year we were able to donate more than $7000 to the Shriners Hospital. Each year it has been a little more. We hope this year it will be even more.”
This year’s lineup includes several steel guitar players, both professional and local. Friday will feature the incredible T. Graham Brown, and Saturday the singing sensation Teea Goans. Brown is a Grammy-nominated artist with Billboard chart topping hits such as “Don’t Go to Strangers” and “Darlene”. Goans has performed on the Opry stage and appeared on Larry’s Country Diner. She revitalizes traditional country for all generations.
“Southern Illinois Productions has also invited many local and regional steel players to come and perform. We are again having our Singin’ Contest for local and regional singers and cash prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.” Smith continued. “Come cheer on your favorite singer. You will be humming tunes, tapping your toes and smiling all three days.”
The public is invited to attend any or all of the three day event to hear again the tunes that made country music great, performed by some of the original musicians.
Ticket prices are $12 at the door Thursday, $25 each for Friday and Saturday or $50 for a three-day pass. Discounted ticket prices can be found at www.southernillinoisproductions.org. For questions contact Southern Illinois Productions at 618-967-4635.
For more information contact Cord Fitch at 618-927-3158 or visit www.southernillinoisproductions.org. Tickets are $12 (Thurs), $25 (Fri) and $25 (Sat) or a 3-day pass for $50. Advance tickets at discounted prices.
