By SALINA POST
SM Hanson Festival Jam aficionados are in for a treat when the 37th annual jam takes the Eric Stein Stage June 8.
SM Hanson Music has added a 17th band to perform this year, according to Rick Hanson, CEO and president of SM Hanson Music, Inc. The new spot is by invitation, he said.
This year's invitation band is a group of musicians from Salina Central High School: Downtown Funk. The funk/pop group has 10 performers under the guidance of Guillermo Rodriguez, Central band director. The musicians include the following.
Zack Tibbits- Trombone
Miguel LĂłpez Gonzalez- Trumpet
Sam Cusick- Sax
Brock Dolton- Sax
Jackson Angell- Sax
Jasmine Kassem- Piano
Corbin Banninger- Drums
Julian Lund- Bass
Maddie Craft- Percussion
Paige Hinca- Percussion
Downtown Funk is scheduled to kick off Festival Jam at 5:45 p.m. June 8.
"One more reason to arrive early on Thursday, June 8, for the SM Hanson Festival Jam – gates open at 4 p.m.," Hanson said.
The SM Hanson Festival Jam is a fast-paced evening of live music for all that opens the Smoky Hill River Festival. The Smoky Hill River Festival is scheduled for June 8-11 in Salina's Oakdale Park.
Last year, more than 13,000 people attended the SM Hanson Festival Jam, Hanson said.
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, including SM Hanson Music, Inc., click here.
READ: Smoky Hill River Festival set for June 8-11 in Oakdale Park
Following is the rest of 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.