By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
The 40th annual Festival Jam to kickoff the 49th Smoky Hill River Festival, is expected to be yet another great turnout for tomorrow.
One of the main reasons the Festival Jam always meets or exceeds expectations is not because of the music alone, but also the behind the scenes preparation. CEO and President of SM Hanson, Rick Hanson stated that the each of the 17 bands performing this year are prepped and ready to go way before their quick change in just minutes.
"Each band has to be in the backstage area 45 minutes before they play," said Hanson. "The reason for that is they need to get tuned and ready to go on stage, because we only have 3 minutes to swap out bands after the 12 minute performances of each band."
According to Hanson, bands in the past have been able to perform more than 5 songs during their 12 minute timeframe.
Back in 1985 was when the very first Festival Jam took place. Hanson stated that he did not think people would expect this event 40 years later would be the "single-biggest event of attendance and participation of the entire weekend." He talked about what it takes for the Festival Jam to continue its successful turnouts.
"I think consistency is important," said Hanson. "As long as we stay on schedule and the best thing about this is that if people don't exactly enjoy the music that is playing, they can wait 12 minutes and there will be a new band."
Balance of music genre throughout the Jam is key as well. Hanson described that they have put together a list of bands that is mixed with different genres to keep the night "flowing and entertaining." Hanson also stated that the musicians/bands do not get paid to perform at the Festival Jam.
"I don't think the audience knows, but the musicians do not get paid for this," said Hanson. "All they do is play their hearts out for 12 minutes and the audience is going to get their best."
The Festival Jam will open up with "Abie-Laine Invitation band" performing at 5:45 pm. According to Hanson, this band will feature teachers and students from the Abilene, with two sons and two fathers performing an 8-piece Jazz Ensemble.
To see the full lineup visit: https://salinapost.com/posts/c0bc2dba-86cf-40ae-b2dc-fd2fa6acbb91