GREENFIELD – Country, rock, Americana and more will fill the streets of downtown Greenfield’s Riley Festival this weekend, with two stages for free live music.
An acoustic vibe will be coming from the Courthouse Gazebo stage, while the main stage is located at the Living Alley and will feature bands with a bigger sound.
Tony Seiler, entertainment coordinator for the Riley Festival, said it’s been fun lining up the local acts – all of which are from Hancock County or the Indianapolis area.
Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. today, Oct. 6, with opening ceremonies, followed by The Woomblies Rock Orchestra at 6 p.m.
“The Woomblies Rock Orchestra is pretty amazing,” Seiler said. “We tried them last year and it worked out great, and I think they’ll be our every year opening ceremonies (headliner).”
Seiler is excited to bring bands that could have some big things coming their way to the local stage, including Christian Terry – an American Idol golden ticket winner – and Crush, a Bon Jovi tribute band, both performing Friday night.
No Fences, a Garth Brooks tribute band, was popular this summer at Depot Street Park so Seiler said that it should have a strong turnout again at the festival Saturday.
Just a few blocks – but a few dozen food and craft vendors – away, local acts will grace the stage of the Courthouse Gazebo.
Singer/songwriter Kara Cole will perform Americana and original works Saturday. Cole just completed a performance at the All IN Music and Arts Festival in Indianapolis, but she is also seen at local events and businesses. She said playing before a hometown crowd can be more nerve-wracking, but she enjoys it.
“I do love to do it because I love to be a part of the community and just helping out and being involved,” Cole said. “But it’s like, ‘Oh gosh, these are the people I know and I don’t want to mess up in front of!’ I’m just excited to be out and I can’t wait to see everybody.”
Jason Irwin of the Hancock County-based The Two Jasons said he’s looking forward to his first performance at the Riley Festival. Jason Irwin and Jason Rodgers have been best friends for decades, and Irwin said they will share mostly original music. They’re thankful for the friends and family that support them whenever they play in central Indiana.
“It will be a madhouse of all different kinds of people, and we look forward to getting into their ears,” he said.
Bobby Wiggins X2 will perform classic and contemporary country both Friday and Saturday. The Greenfield-based father/son duo – both named Bobby Wiggins – appeals to a wide range of people because of the 84-year-old shining on classic country and the younger adding in some appeal of Bob Seger, Eric Clapton and John Mellencamp.
The duo has played at the Riley Festival for years, something the younger Wiggins said has become a favorite tradition that he hopes will continue for years.
“If you can’t be famous like somebody like Tim McGraw or Garth Brooks, or being on the radio, the next best thing is playing in the county fair or your town festivals so I’ve made it,” Wiggins said. “I’m so appreciative of the people; it’s just amazing the compliments, the people are amazing and it’s very fun to play.”
