Entertainment & Attractions

June Bug and The Porch Lights

Audiences are drawn to June Bug and the Porch Light’s rhythm & blues like moths to a flame … or should we say June bugs to a porch light? In the tradition of Muddy Waters and Delbert McClinton, June Bug and the Porch Lights will help you get your groove on.

Blue Oyster Culture Club

Some bands defy description yet their name says it all. Blue Oyster Culture Club is one such band. Upbeat from the word go, this band thrills audiences with a unique blend of great music, high energy and humor, Blue Oyster Culture Club promises a full-on spectacle complete with costumes and 80s hit covers-but not the songs you’d expect. Come join the party! Visit Blue Oyster Culture Club’s Web site.

Dan Coyle

People who love singer-songwriters will love Dan Coyle. Dan’s music was described by the Red Onion News as “clean melodic sound reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel but with a decidedly contemporary feel.” A native of upstate New York, Dan Coyle moved to Chicago in 2004, where he began writing and recording his own songs. His debut album, “Briar St. Sessions,” was rushed out in late 2007. Dan followed up with his second album in June 2009, “Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences.” KCRiverFest is a stop on his “Sometimes After Midnight Tour.” Dan is excited to make his Kansas City debut, and hopes his audience finds a little of themselves in the way he weaves together his thoughtful lyrics and beautiful melodies. Visit Dan Coyle’s Web site.

Six to Midnight

Together for a little over two years, Six to Midnight is more than just a band, it’s a “release from the real world” for its career-oriented musicians. Lead singer David West is in his third year at Washburn Law School. Drummer/rhythm guitarist Tim Ekvall and bassist Derek DeGroot are air traffic controllers by day. Michael Arnett, lead guitar and backup vocalist, is a dentist who recently opened his own practice. Six to Midnight plays covers of ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s rock music-including hits from Neil Young, Pink Floyd, Guns n’ Roses, Pearl Jam, Green Day, System of a Down and Alice in Chains to name a few. KCRiverFest knows you’ll get your own “release from the real world” when this formidable band takes the stage! Visit Six to Midnight’s Web site.

Red Eyed Bob Band

Classic Rock, Country and contemporary favorites are in store when the Red Eyed Bob Band takes the stage. This longtime KC favorite has regularly performed at clubs including Harrah’s Voodoo Lounge and even opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Artimus Pyle in 2008. Enjoy the band’s three part harmonies and long list of favorite tunes! Visit Red Eyed Bob Band’s Web site.

Walkenhorst & Porter featuring Bob Walkenhorst formerly of the Rainmakers

KCRiverFest is proud to present Walkenhorst and Porter’s four piece band, playing their rock and acoustic hits and favorites. Bob Walkenhorst has been a presence in the music scene for more than 25 years. From his early bar days with the band Steve Bob & Rich, to his years of international acclaim as songwriter and lead singer for The Rainmakers, Bob’s unique vocals and viewpoints have gathered him a dedicated following. His acoustic performances feature many Rainmakers favorites, as well as new songs from his ongoing songwriting adventures. Joining Bob on guitar and piano is long-time Kansas City musician Jeff Porter, an accomplished singer and songwriter in his own right. Their acoustic performances have the strength and professionalism that have come with years in the music business, but maintain the joy and spontaneity of true believers who discover something new every time they play. Visit Walkenhorst & Porter’s Web site.

Julia Othmer

Acclaimed Kansas City native Julia Othmer independently released her debut album, “oasis motel” in 2006. The album is considered by 1340 magazine as “a stunning debut … a potent cocktail of relevance and intimacy that will win you over almost immediately … one of music’s hidden secrets.” Tracks from “oasis motel” have been featured on such shows as “Army Wives,” “DeGrassi: The Next Generation,” and the DVD release of “Party of Five.”

Considered an “intoxicating talent” with “a voice that can only be described as Macy Gray meets Alicia Keys with a dash of Alanis Morissette,” Julia Othmer is one of the breakout talents of the Kansas City music scene. She has already shared the stage with Regina Spektor, Amos Lee and John Waite, as well as performed backing vocals for Perry Ferrell and Slash.

Though the award-winning Othmer calls Los Angeles home, she has lived in Stockholm for most of the last six months writing songs for her next release. She is focused on building an international team of musicians to support her on her long awaited EP, not yet titled. Othmer returns to her hometown, headlining on Friday July 3rd at KCRiverFest. Visit Julia Othmer’s Web site.

The Radio Disney Rockin’ Road Crew

Radio Disney’s talented kids are singing, dancing and entertaining both days of KCRiverFest. Play games and have fun the Radio Disney way! Visit The Radio Disney Rockin’ Road Crew’s Web site.

The 5 Star Jazz Band

Committed to nurturing the Northland’s most talented musicians in Kansas City’s worldwide jazz legacy, the 5 Star Jazz Band’s mission is to provide highly motivated young musicians the unique opportunity to perform in a professional-quality jazz ensemble. KCRiverFest is proud to have their take on “Kansas City Jazz” on our stage this year! Visit The 5 Star Jazz Band’s Web site.

“We Can Train Any Dog” with Tom Mancuso of Sit Means Sit Dog Training (As Seen on Animal Planet)

Get you and your dog on the right track! Enjoy brief demonstrations of the Sit Means Sit dog training method throughout the day. Visit the Web site for Sit Means Sit.

The John Joiner Band

Founded in 2005, the John Joiner Band’s Hot Rod Country feel and Texas Blues influences, give it a unique sound that is getting noticed. The JJB is working on tour dates and future bookings for the rest of ’09. Visit The John Joiner Band’s Web site.

VANDELSNOOK

VANDELSNOOK is a country duo consisting of long time friends Phil Vandel and Matt Snook. The success each of these extraordinary artists has achieved on their own is impressive, but together they are absolutely unbelievable. VANDELSNOOK performs worldwide at fundraisers and appreciation events for retired, active, wounded, and deceased service members including a recent concert tour in Iraq with American Airlines and Operation Iraqi Children. Phil & Matt are thankful for the men and women who respectfully wear and have worn the cloth of this Great Nation. Visit the VANDELSNOOK Web site.

Bayley Kate

Singer/songwriter Bayley Kate returns to the KCRiverFest stage after wowing audiences with her performance last year. Sunflower State native Bayley Kate has performed at many venues in Kansas, Missouri, Texas and Oklahoma, most often accompanied by her father and occasionally joined by friends. Bayley Kate’s first cd, titled “Simply Bayley Kate” is now available for purchase. Her cd features all original music by Bayley Kate. Ask Bayley Kate what she enjoys singing most and you’re likely to get a very long and eclectic mix of music — folk, Americana, bluegrass and rock. Bayley is just a Kansas girl at heart! Visit the Bayley Kate Web site.

Lance Combs and the Honky Tonk Posse

KCRiverFest is proud to introduce Lance Combs, a new generation of old school outlaw country “with a voice as smooth and rich as Kentucky bourbon and a message as sincere as a grandmother’s wisdom.”

Combs’ first album, “Soundtrack of Life,” which combined the memories of his youth with today’s best Country Rock, has often been described as incredibly real and deeply personal. Lance’s most recent CD, “Good Times Still To Come.”, has not only been featured in Country Weekly’s Scoops section, but has also been endorsed as well as promoted by Cabela’s.

Both of Combs’ independently released CD’s, “Soundtrack of Life” and “Good Times Still To Come” were co-produced with Mark Lambert, the Grammy-Award winning engineer of The Horse Whisperer, and Grammy-Nominated producer for Ronnie Milsap. The “Soundtrack of Life” is only available on his Web site. “Good Times Still To Come” is available through Cabela’s stores nationwide and at cabelas.com. Visit the Lance Combs and the Honky Tonk Posse Web site.

USAF Band of Mid-America — The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble

The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble is a group of 18 professional enlisted musicians whose repertoire ranges from traditional big band jazz, to bebop and swing, to modern jazz. At one of their concerts, you are just as likely to hear the music of contemporary composers as you would the classic sounds of Count Basie or Glenn Miller.  Several of the band’s members are also gifted composers and arrangers, and their compositions are often featured in concert.

The band has backed many jazz greats such as Tex Benecke, Denis DiBlasio, Jamey Aebersold, Mike Smith, Bobby Shew, Allen Vizzutti, Jeff Jarvis, Mike Vax, Vaughn Nark, Bill Porter, Carmen Bradford, Shelly Berg, Joe Morello, Steve Houghton, and Walt Levinsky.  Furthermore, the ensemble is often requested for featured performances at jazz clinics and festivals throughout the country. Whether performing for a head of state, before a capacity crowd in northern Wisconsin, or for our troops at home and abroad, the Shades of Blue reflects the heritage and pride of our great nation and the United States Air Force! Visit the USAF Band of Mid-America Web site.

Zambelli Fireworks Presenting KC’s Pyro Spectacular

Proudly known as the “First Family of Fireworks,” Zambelli is one of the oldest and largest American fireworks companies. Today, the family name is synonymous with quality, creativity and safety. The magic of Zambelli pyrotechnics has been televised around the world, on “MSNBC Investigates,” the Odyssey Network, the Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel and the British Broadcasting Company. Visit the Zambelli Fireworks Web site.

The Radio Disney Rockin’ Road Crew

Radio Disney’s talented kids are singing, dancing and entertaining both days of KCRiverFest. Play games and have fun the Radio Disney way! Visit The Radio Disney Rockin’ Road Crew’s Web site.

The 5 Star Jazz Band

Committed to nurturing the Northland’s most talented musicians in Kansas City’s worldwide jazz legacy, the 5 Star Jazz Band mission is to provide highly motivated young musicians the unique opportunity to perform in a professional-quality jazz ensemble. KCRiverFest is proud to have their take on “Kansas City Jazz” on our stage this year! Visit The 5 Star Jazz Band’s Web site.

“We Can Train Any Dog” with Tom Mancuso of Sit Means Sit Dog Training (As Seen on Animal Planet)

Get you and your dog on the right track! Enjoy brief demonstrations of the Sit Means Sit dog training method throughout the day. Visit the Web site for Sit Means Sit.