Yes, it is that time of year again for the Marshall Autumn Fest. When Marshall, Illinois, is the hottest spot in the state. The festivities begin on Friday, September 15, and continue through the weekend – Saturday, September 16, and Sunday, September 17, 2023.
There are so many activities, and when we say there is something for everyone, we mean it. But in this article, we are going to focus on the entertainment that is part of this year’s Marshall Autumn Fest.
Friday, September 15:
We kick things off with Andy Rueter from 6:30 –7:45 PM
Andy Rueter is a country music singer/songwriter from the Midwest. He’s opened for country artists like Aaron Tippin, Hal Ketchum, Josh Turner, Sarah Evans, Sawyer Browne, and Thompson Square. He will be performing a variety of county favorites from the ’70s to new favorites, as well as some of his original tunes.
Garrett Biggs takes the stage from 8 to 9:30 PM
Garrett was raised just down the road in Casey, Illinois, but moved to Nashville, TN, in 2018. He will soon be releasing his single, Heaven Along The Way, and is hoping this one does as well as his first song, Momma Didn’t Raise No, which has had more than 2,000,000 streams on Spotify/Apple Music and over 3.6 million music video views on YouTube. You might have seen him opening for big country stars such as the one and only Tanya Tucker, Bill Anderson, Aaron Tippin, Drew Baldridge, Josh Thompson, and Craig Wayne Boyd.
Saturday, September 16, 2023
We get an early start with The Coon Holler Kids on stage from 1 to 1:45 PM.
This talented group consists of high school students from the Wabash Valley area and was named one of the Top Ten Bluegrass teen groups in the U.S. They have the honor of competing in The Bluegrass BBQ Festival at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. where they came in third place. They perform at festivals, fairs, and events, so we are thrilled to have them.
Next up – The Circle City Sidewalk Stompers from 2–2:30 PM
Yup! They are a Clown Band doing choreographed routines to upbeat music. This group from Indianapolis, IN, plays a variety of brass instruments and percussion, and even a sousaphone while dressed in colorful clown costumes. We are blessed to have them as they are seen at Indiana Pacers basketball and Indianapolis Colts football games, parades, and State Fairs, including Indiana, San Diego, New York, Wisconsin, and Alaska. They have even performed at the Carnival in Nice, France.
Zac Edington takes over from 2:30–3:30 PM.
Zac is a local favorite, born and raised here in Marshall, IL. He is a singer/songwriter and has returned home to roost after living and performing in Nashville, TN, on the famous and historic Broadway Street for the last few years. He has toured extensively on the East Coast and has opened for country legend Joe Diffie.
Whiskey Bend comes on stage from 6:30–7:45 PM.
Nicole Shoffstall and Jim Niemann combine forces and perform as Whiskey Bend. They will do an acoustic and backing track show, performing popular songs from the 50’s to the present day. They aim to make you sing along with them, dance, and participate in the fun.
SJ McDonald takes the stage at 8–9:30 PM.
Get ready to be blown away by this up-and-coming star. She is a hard-working farmer’s daughter born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. She has a big heart for country music. She got her “Golden Ticket” and was part of American Idol – Season 17. SJ is a Nashville favorite and has opened for artists such as Jon Pardi, Runaway June, John Anderson, and Aaron Tippin. She will bring some new original music this year, so come early and get your spot for this “don’t miss” show.
Sunday, September 17, 2023
Lindley Creek Bluegrass will be wrapping up the weekend from 1:30 –3 PM
Get ready for this Missouri Ozark Mountain FAMILY band. They are often seen in Branson and can be heard on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction. They will bring a mixture of classic rock, country, and gospel music to the stage, with members playing guitar, bass, mandolin, and fiddle and offering some fine vocal harmonies.
More about the Marshall Autumn Fest will be on this site soon. Watch this space for details and festival info.
Speaking of entertainment:
There’s something for theater lovers. Acting auditions are being held for an awesome show next week! – Discover Marshall
Lincoln Trail College Theater is holding auditions for their fall production of God of Carnage on September 11 and 13 at 6 p.m. each night. Interested actors, please visit the Zwermann Arts Center Theater, 11220 State Hwy 1, Robinson, IL.
The play is about two couples who meet to discuss a fight on the playground altercation between their young kiddos. The civilized conversation turns into a boxing match as everyone’s true colors come out, causing mayhem and onstage antics.
There are four parts – two male and two female in their late 30s-40s. God of Carnage was written by Yasmina Reza and won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Play. Auditions are open to those 18 and up. No previous theater experience is required to audition. http://www.golincolntrail.com/virtual-tour/zwermann-arts-center/
