By SALINA POST
Sixteen regional bands playing a variety of musical genres will take the Eric Stein Stage June 8 as the 37th annual SM Hanson Festival Jam kicks off the 2023 Smoky Hill River Festival.
The Smoky Hill River Festival is scheduled for June 8-11 in Salina's Oakdale Park.
"This fast-paced evening of music is fun for all," according to Rick Hanson, CEO and president of SM Hanson Music, Inc.
Last year, more than 13,000 people attended the SM Hanson Festival Jam.
Gates open at 4 p.m. on June 8 and the music begins at 6 p.m.
Admission is by Smoky Hill River Festival wristband. The wristbands are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Additionally, daily wristbands will be sold at the gate for $10 per person per day. Children ages 11 and under get in free.
To see the specific locations for wristband sales, click here.
READ: Smoky Hill River Festival set for June 8-11 in Oakdale Park
"We change the music at the quarter hour – watch the stage during the 3- minute band change (it is a show within a show)," Hanson noted.
Following is the lineup for this year's Festival Jam, courtesy SM Hanson Music, Inc.
6 p.m. Keep the Change
This band opened the show last year. A project of Steve Hanson – Abilene high school students of Steve Hanson and Dean Kranzler, this six-piece band will play rock to start our show.
6:15 p.m. FedUp
A four-piece band from Salina playing rock. This band played the Jam in 2015 and 2022. The Salina-based band has been together for 10 years.
6:30 p.m. The Radicles
A Salina band playing a mix of eclectic rock. A four-piece band you will enjoy.
6:45 p.m. Don Wagner & Friends
Don and friends have played the Jam previously – always entertaining with a mix of country, rock, blues, and folk music.
7 p.m. Jon’Nea Soul
New to the Jam – this Wichita-based four-piece band will play R&B and soul music. There is a local connection to Salina. We are excited to hear them play at the 37th SM Hanson Festival Jam.
7:15 p.m. Ghost Town Revival
First time at the Jam for this five-piece band. A Salina band playing classic rock and blues. Some of these guys have done this before.
7:30 p.m. Lix
A band from the past – older now and yet... This original Salina three-piece band has added a bass player – so make that four-piece. These guys will play classic rock and blues.
7:45 p.m. The Opinions
Forty years ago (so they say), these guys formed their band in Salina. Now, they have real jobs and live mostly in the Kansas City area. They played last year and we are glad to have them again.
8 p.m. Soul Preachers
A Salina three-piece band – they have played the Jam previously, but it has been a few years. They play Roger Miller death shred metal – with Eric Copeland on drums.
8:15 p.m. Hey Radio
A Wichita-based band – these guys lit it up in 2019 and 2022. We look forward to their mix of skate punk and pop (with a little energy).
8:30 p.m. Starslinger
New to the Festival Jam, this three-piece band from Hays America has been playing dates around the Midwest for seven years. Get ready for alternative/psych/space rock – that’s right!
8:45 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.
9 p.m. Northcutt
A crowd favorite – five-piece Salina band playing red-dirt country/rock/blues.
9:15 p.m. Bootleg Mercy
This four-piece band rocks! One magazine said “Kick-A__-Rock” from Kansas. These guys have multiple rock music award nominations. Revamped lineup since their last Jam in 2016 – something to see!
9:30 Steve Hanson & Co.
The founder – this is their 37th time at the Jam. Always a variety – always great.
9:45 p.m. The Blades
This band has so many great players – it is really hard to count all of the people on stage! We hope to have enough room on stage.