By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
The lineup is set for the 35th SM Hanson Music Festival Jam 2021!
After a year's hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SM Hanson Music Festival Jam is scheduled to kick off Salina's Smoky Hill River Festival on Sept. 2.
READ: The epic arts party that is Smoky Hill River Festival 2021
READ: Smoky Hill River Festival to include variety of performers
"We lost the Jam in 2020. We anticipate the 2021 SM Hanson Music Festival Jam will be fantastic!" said Rick Hanson, CEO and president of SM Hanson Music, Inc. "This is an event that is unique – for the audience to see and hear 16 bands in a four-hour period, and for the bands to play a quick set (12 minutes) in front of 13,000 people."
More than 13,000 people passed through the gates on the evening of the last SM Hanson Music Festival Jam in 2019.
Hanson explained that each band has only 15 minutes on stage, which includes setup, playing, and exiting the stage.
"We provide the backline equipment to help move the show along. Typically, the band plays 12 minutes of music and uses the remaining time to get on and off of the stage," he said.
SM Hanson Music had 28 submissions from bands by the July 1 deadline, and several others that came in after the deadline and were not considered.
"We look for a variety of bands and music. The bands selected will provide a great evening of entertainment and just like Kansas weather, wait 15 minutes and there will be a change!" Hanson said.
Festival Jam 2021 lineup
6 p.m.
Ephemerus, a five-piece hard rock band from Salina. The band was formed in early 2019. This is the band's inaugural Festival Jam performance.
6:15 p.m.
The Get Downs, a six-piece rock/funk band from Salina. These guys have played in other bands and decided at the beginning of the year to create a new band. This is the band's inaugural Festival Jam performance.
6:30 p.m.
Don Wagner & Friends, a five-piece band from Salina and Ottawa County. They play country/Americana/Bluegrass. The members have been playing together for years – in various combinations.
6:45 p.m.
MotorCo, a four-piece band from north-central Kansas and Nebraska. They play alternative indie rock. This is the band's inaugural Festival Jam performance.
7 p.m.
LIX, a three-piece classic rock band from Salina. This band was a local favorite in the 80s and is back together after a couple of decades!
7:15 p.m.
Taylor Kline & Co., a four-piece band from Salina. This band plays rock and has performed at the Festival Jam in the past as Herringbone.
7:30 p.m.
The Radicles, a four-piece band from Salina. They play rock and originals. This band has played the Smoky Hill River Festival, but this is the band's inaugural Festival Jam performance.
7:45 p.m.
Steven W Young, a four-piece band from Washington State and Salina. Original rock. Steve Young worked the stage at the first (and many following) Festival Jams. He moved, but kept local connections and recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown via long distance with local musician Paul Draper.
8 p.m.
The Box Turtles, a five-piece band from Council Grove and Manhattan. They play American rock. This is the band's inaugural Festival Jam performance.
8:15 p.m.
Hey Radio, a five-piece band from Wichita. They play punk/pop-punk. These guys played at the Festival Jam in 2019 and were great – playing songs from the 90s and 2000s with a catchy throwback style that makes you want to dance.
8:30 p.m.
Cash Hollistah, this eight-piece band is from Salina and Junction City. Cash and his crew play hip-hop. The band has been around in various forms for 15 years and last played the Festival Jam in 2018.
8:45 p.m.
Paramount, a five-piece band from Salina, Hays, Wichita, and Springfield, Mo. Playing 80s rock, they have been together for 12 years. Always a good crowd pleaser.
9 p.m.
Northcutt, five-piece band from Salina. They play country/rock. The band has been active for 15 years and has played in several SM Hanson Music Festival Jams over the years. Very popular.
9:15 p.m.
Soul Preachers, a three-piece band from Salina playing classic rock. These guys have played many Festival Jams and return as a crowd favorite.
9:30 p.m.
Steve Hanson & Co. We never know how many people are in the band, always a great assortment of talent and music.
9:45 p.m.
The Blades, usually seven to nine pieces on stage. Horns and the rest. Salina’s own The Blades close the show.