News from WBZI Radio
THE SOUTHERN OHIO INDOOR MUSIC FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 26TH PRODUCTION WITH
AWARD-WINNING BLUEGRASS ACTS MARCH 24 & 25!
The Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival kicks off Friday, March 24, at the Roberts Convention Centre in Wilmington. This is a biannual acoustic music event that occurs each March and November and is celebrating its 26th production this spring. It’s a homecoming of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and fans gathering to commemorate bluegrass, a truly American style of music.
“Our spring 2017 festival is timed out perfectly for our all-star lineup. Sideline and Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show will be at the festival for their very first time, and both have new CDs gaining steam nationwide. Two-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Entertainers of the Year The Gibson Brothers return to the Roberts Centre and they too have just released a new recording, their best to date, with all original songs. Festival favorites Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out stop by in the middle of the band’s 25th Anniversary Tour. Flatt Lonesome returns after winning a trophy case full of awards from IBMA and SPBGMA over the past six months. And last but certainly not least, are back and will deliver a huge variety of music at the Roberts Centre, just days after their induction this month as the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. They say “timing is everything” and this event is timed out perfectly for fans to see the top bluegrass talent, ALL with exciting momentum and new music,” states festival producer Joe Mullins.
Festival doors open Friday, March 24, at 10 A.M., with performances by host band and 2016 IBMA Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year winners Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Centerville High School’s Alternative Strings Orchestra; Heidi & Ryan; Sideline; IBMA’s Vocal Group of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year winners Flatt Lonesome; and the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry Dailey & Vincent.
The award-winning talent continues on Saturday, March 25, with performances by The Wayfarers; Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show; Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out; and The Gibson Brothers
The Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival is an excellent family-friendly entertainment value. In addition to two full days of award-winning music, there will be a Jam Session Central area for pickers and everyone will have an opportunity enter to win door prizes as well as wonderful raffle prizes including a Deering Goodtime banjo, commemorative quilt, and tickets to the Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Bluegrass Classic. An instrument check, food, and various vendors offer value-added extras to all attendees in a smoke and alcohol-free environment. Guests will enjoy shopping for everything from instruments and musicians accessories to jewelry. The Roberts Centre also includes a Holiday Inn hotel, Max and Erma’s Restaurant, and RV parking adding to the comfort and convenience of the attendees. Located twelve miles south of Xenia, five miles north of Wilmington at the intersection of US 68 and I-71, Exit 50, the Roberts Centre is convenient to fans from all over Ohio and neighboring states. This accessible location is less than an hour drive from Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus.
Advance ticket sales are available through March 18; general admission passes are $35 for one day or $65 for two days. Ticket sales resume at the door during the festival at 10 A.M. daily for $5 more. General admission seating for children 16 and under is free with an adult ticket purchase. Tickets are available now at www.somusicfest.com or by calling the box office at
937-372-5804.
Media sponsorship is provided by Classic Country Radio, WBZI AM 1500 and FM100.3, WKFI AM 1090 and WEDI AM 1130 and FM 105.5, with additional sponsorship support provided by Rue Farms Rustic Potato Chips, Deering Banjos, and GHS Strings.
The Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival is held twice annually in March and November. It features nationally known acoustic music groups, including pioneers of bluegrass music, as well as a sampling of up and coming bands. The goal is to feature bluegrass, old-time, and gospel music, combined with family fun and educational opportunities in an entertaining, smoke and alcohol-free environment. Visit www.somusicfest.com for more information.
Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (JMRR) provide an energetic mix of quality bluegrass and gospel music, and have maintained a national demand due to their professionalism and successful, heavily played recordings. They have toured full-time since 2011, including headlining the 2015 National Folk Festival in addition to dozens of bluegrass festivals nationwide. In May, JMRR made their first European tour in Switzerland and the UK. They have released six successful recordings, all earning global airplay and exposure. Their newest recording, an all-gospel album, Sacred Memories, was released in April 2016 and song “All Dressed Up” won IBMA’s Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year. They are now regular guests on the Grand Ole Opry, appearing consistently since 2013. A contributing factor to JMRR’s success is their active marketing capabilities, due to Mullins’ network of radio stations in the Midwest, including a 24/7 webcast. Visit www.radioramblers.com for more information.
