By SALINA POST
The lineup is set for the traditional kickoff for the Smoky Hill River Festival: the SM Hanson Festival Jam!
The SM Hanson Festival Jam is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. June 9 on the Eric Stein Stage in Oakdale Park.
Admission to the Smoky Hill River Festival is by weekend wristband ($15 in advance, $20 at the gate) or daily wristband ($10, sold only at the gate). Children ages 11 and under are admitted at no charge. Wristbands can be purchased online at riverfestival.com or at any of the participating retailers in Salina and around the region. For a list of retailers selling wristbands, click here.
During the four-hour Festival Jam, 16 bands will each play for 12 minutes. Several of the bands are new to the Festival Jam, while others are longtime fan favorites.
An estimated 13,000 people attended the 2019 Festival Jam, according to Rick Hanson, CEO and president of SM Hanson Music, Inc.
"We want more!" Hanson told Salina Post.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Smoky Hill River Festival was canceled. Last year, the Festival Jam got started, but eventually was rained out.
Following is the 2022 SM Hanson Festival Jam lineup, with information about the bands provided by Hanson.
6 p.m. Keep the Change
This is a Steve Hanson project band – high school students of Steve Hanson and Dean Kranzler, this five-piece band will play southern rock to start our show. This will be the band's first time at the Festival Jam.
6:15 p.m. FedUp
This four-piece band from Salina will be playing rock. This band played the Festival Jam in 2015 and now has some new faces.
6:30 p.m. Kyndred
This five-piece band from the Hays, America, area will light it up with hard rock. A few of the members have played the Festival Jam previously, however, this is Kyndred's first time.
6:45 p.m. The Radicles
Expect eclectic rock from this Salina four-piece band.
7 p.m. Don Wagner & Friends
Don and friends have played the Festival Jam previously and always are entertaining with a mix of country, rock, blues, and folk music.
7:15 p.m. The Opinions
This will be the first time at the Festival Jam for this four-piece band with Salina roots. The band will be playing classic rock and original music.
7:30 p.m. The Get Downs
They were HOT last year at their first Festival Jam. This five-piece band from Salina will play rock and blues.
7:45 p.m. Lix
A band from the past – older now and yet...This original Salina three-piece band will play classic rock from the '50s to the '90s (they are that old).
8 p.m. Split Decision
A Salina five-piece band that has played the Festival Jam previously, but it has been a few years. Southern rock and country is their wheelhouse.
8:15 p.m. Hey Radio
A Wichita-based band. These guys lit it up in 2019. They were rained out last year. We look forward to the mix of skate punk and pop.
8:30 p.m. Dune Buggy
These guys have played before. This Pet Project consists of five members playing together for several years. Their quick set will include rock and pop.
8:45 p.m. Fast Food Junkies
Be ready to be blown away! This will be the fastest 12 minutes of music that night. They are from the McPherson area – playing HOT Bluegrass – Guitar, Banjo, and Bass. Originals and covers. First time at the Festival Jam.
9 p.m. Paramount
1980s rock from a Salina-based five-piece band that has been at the Festival Jam before. Always entertaining!
9:15 p.m. Northcutt
They were rained out last year. A five-piece Salina band playing country/rock/blues.
9:30 p.m. Steve Hanson Band
The founder! This is their 36th time at the Festival Jam. Always a variety – always great!
9:45 p.m. The Blades
The Festival Jam closer. This band has SO MANY great players – it is really hard to count the people on stage! We know they will close the show properly.