Heritage Days 2024 Music Lineup
Thursday Night:
- Municipal Band - 5:45-6:45
- King Neptune & the Blowfish - 7:15-9:00
Friday Night:
- Joe Pratt & The Source One Band - 6:00-7:15
- Flatbed Fords - 7:30-8:45
- The Triptides- 9:15-10:30
Saturday Night:
- Rocky Peters- 4:45-5:45
- Stringfield – 6:00-7:15
- Big Wade & The Black Swan Theory - 7:30-8:45
- Davy Knowles – 9:15-10:30
Macomb Municipal Band
Traditional
2024 is another impressive milestone Macomb’s Municipal Band as it marks the groups 172nd anniversary of commemoration. And no, that’s not a typo – Macomb’s Municipal Band is band 172 years old! That’s something that’s not only amazing but something in which this community can really take pride. Just another thing that make Forgottonia so darned Unforgettable.
Previous to 1852, there had never been an organized brass band in the county. Under the vision of Dr. G.M. Huggins and William Patterson, the first Macomb Band was formed in 1852 and consisted of 12 members playing Eb clarinet, Bb clarinets, cornets, bugles, French horns and ophicleides. Led by conductor Patterson, the first engagement of the band occurred on July 4th, 1852, where the band sat on a wagon and trawled from Col. Bailey’s, around the square, west on Jackson St, ending at the Present day 4H grounds (owned at that time by the daughter of Edward McDonough). The Macomb Journey reporters declared the performance a success writing, “The boys of 1852 performed wonders and the spectators could readily recognize the tunes they attempted to play.”
This chronical was unearthed through diligent research of the band’s current director Mike Fansler. He adds, “ [That’s] what I’ve gathered - someone can try to debunk this, but I wish them luck.” Fansler also noted that while doing his dissertation work on the history of the Western band program, he went through numerous historical newspaper issues.
Fansler is the well-known Professor of Music and director of bands and conductor of the wind ensemble and chamber winds at Western Illinois University, where he also leads the graduate wind conducting program and teaches undergraduate music education courses.
For the past 60 years, the majority of the concerts have been led by the director of bands at Western Illinois University. Fansler, took over the reins in 2005 and says, “We’ve had so many musicians play for our town’s band and many are considered legends by those who come to hear us each year. There are far too many names to list, but our main attraction is Bruce Briney, who has remained our solo cornetist for decades, (and even conducted the band for a time!)” Today the Macomb Municipal Band has 35 to 40 members on stage per performance, with a total pool of 60 musicians.
The Macomb Municipal Band welcomes all players and enjoys the status of being a true community band. The group does pull off some amazing performances, typically having only one rehearsal before a concert. The music they play includes marches, showtunes, major orchestral transcriptions and concert band music written by living composers. Fansler says, “The reason the Macomb Municipal Band has been able to continue its 170 year success is by “incredible support from our mayor, a never-ending assortment of selfless musicians, and a community that still loves to attend and listen to live music in their own beloved community.”
As the tradition of the Municipal Band performing patriotic music at Macomb’s annual Independence Day fireworks celebration will continue into its impressive 17th decade, it has also been customary that the musicians perform as Heritage Days’ annual opening band. “It’s pretty significant and very historic,” Fansler concludes. “It’s one of the hidden treasures of our city.”
And we couldn’t agree more. Don’t miss the civic pride and pomp of our historic Municipal Band as the kick-off Macomb’s 42nd annual Heritage Days live from the Pepsi Stage, Thursday, June 27 at 5:45.
For more info follow Macomb Municipal Band on: https://www.facebook.com/MacombMuniBand
King Neptune & The Blowfish
Piedmont Blues
King Neptune and the Blowfish are a blues band from right here in Unforgettable
Forgottonia. Their music focuses on the classic Chicago blues of artists like Albert King,
B.B, King, and many others. The group also perform electric up-tempo versions of
Piedmont blues era songs of the 1920s and 30s by musicians like Rev. Gary Davis
Blind Boy Fuller, Blind Blake, and Memphis Minnie. Performing pre-war blues for over
20 years, the band is led by well-known and accomplished area singer, guitarist and
storyteller King Neptune along with his equally talented band which features faculty
members of the WIU School of Music.
Joe Pratt & The Source One Band
Chicago Blues / R&B
Joe Pratt & The Source One Band featuring New Orleans Beau and a stable of other talented vocalists is a dynamic and electrifying cover band that combines the soulful charm with the vibrant energy of Chicago's music scene. With their immense talent, infectious energy, and undeniable stage presence, this band has become a force to be reckoned with, captivating audiences far and wide.
Led by the charismatic frontman and bassist Joe Pratt, the Source One Band delivers unforgettable performances that transport audiences on a nostalgic journey through the greatest hits of multiple genres. Whether it's blues, soul, funk, pop, or R&B, The Source One Band expertly captures the essence and spirit of each song they perform, leaving crowds hungry for more.
The band features a lineup of skilled musicians who have performed, toured and shared the stage with the likes of Blues and Soul legends: Albert King, Little Milton, Johnnie Taylor, KoKo Taylor, Benny Latimore, McKinley Mitchell, Artie "Blueboy" White and Otis Clay.
Joe Pratt formed this band in honor of those Legends and is committed to sustaining their music. Pratt toured and recorded with legend Otis Clay up until his passing January 8, 2016. The band's main vocalist is "New Orleans Beau" who indeed hails from Louisiana. His energetic performance leaves every audience wanting more. Source One Band Musicians are among the best in the music industry. They are Stan "Preacherman" Banks (Keys), Lewis "Big Lew" Powell (Drums), Lee "Groove Master" Holloway (Guitar), Randell Mathews (Guitar). Known for their versatility and ability to adapt to any audience, Joe Pratt and the Source One Band effortlessly engage with diverse crowds of all ages. From high-energy performances at renowned music festivals to intimate gigs at local clubs and private events such as birthday celebrations and family reunions.
With an extensive repertoire of songs that emulate the above mentioned musical legends their shows are carefully curated to cater to diverse tastes, featuring iconic hits from other artists like Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Al Green, The Four Tops, The O’Jays, and of course everyone's favorite, Mowtown! Joe Pratt & the Source One Band ensure that every performance is a memorable experience. Unlike some rehearsed bands,
Speaking of Motown, Joe Pratt is the cousin of Motown Funk Brothers’ guitarist Eddie "Chank" Willis whose chops churned out hit after hit. Eddie's famous guitar riffs can be heard at the beginning of Stevie Wonder's I Was Made To Love Her and many more. It's easy to recognize that musical chops run in the family!
So there you have it. If you’re looking for incredible Chicago Blues, Soul and R&B then be sure to catch Joe Pratt & The Source One Band LIVE on the Heritage Days Pepsi Stage Friday, June 28 at 6:15PM.
The Flatbed Fords
The Music of the Eagles
The Flatbed Fords are a tribute to one of the all-time greatest bands in American music, the Eagles. With an amazing combination of tight vocals harmonies, intricate guitar leads and spot on recreations of the music we all know and love, The Flatbed Fords bring an incredible and exciting show to any stage.
Ron Romero is The Board of Directors Chairman and Creator of Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 museum and organization. Ron has performed on stage with members REO, touring musicians of Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits, touring members of the Buckinghams, and many others.
Dean Schuldt hails from the South Suburbs of Chicago. He began his professional career at age 15. By the age of 18 he was touring full time. Beside this project, Dean is a member of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Band and has performed with members of REO Speedwagon and the Ides of March, and many others. Dean is endorsed by Gatto Custom Guitars and D’Addario Strings.
Jim Coleman was raised in a small town southwest of Chicago and started playing guitar in high school. Jim previously performed in a Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute band and he is excited to be back in a tribute band performing music from one of the greatest bands of our generation…“I am thrilled to be with a group of musicians that can reproduce the music and feel of an Eagles show."
Erik Enervold was born and raised just south of Chicago. He began playing drums in middle school after quickly realizing that he just wasn’t cut out for the trombone in the marching band. Erik has performed in a wide variety of original and cover bands, is the owner of a full service design and print house and is a member of the Board of Directors of The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum.
Jim Sokachitch was born and raised on the South side of Chicago. Jim started playing guitar while in high school, and has played and sang in many local bands, including Bullwinkle, Visibly Shaken, Southern Nights, and Funhouse. Jim also worked on a couple of tracks with My Record Player, the band project of Dolly Varden guitarist Mark Balletto, on the album “Come Around”.
Joe DiGiacomo was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago and by the age of nine was playing the Hammond organ. He is endorsed by Hammond USA. Joe has played in a variety of bands over the last 45+ years and as a member of the of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Band Joe.
Close your eyes, kickback and soak in the fantastic music from the Eagles....produced only by the musicians on the stage, no tracks no tricks....just pure legendary music. The Flatbed Fords will Take it to the Limit Friday June 28th at 7:30 LIVE on the Macomb Heritage Days’ Pepsi Stage!
Triptides
Sun-drenched Psychedelic Indie Pop from Los Angeles, CA
Among the newest generation of bands in the tradition of West Coast psychedelia, Triptides have blossomed into the role of elegant adventurers.
Led by guitarist, keyboardist and singer Glenn Brigman, along with drummer Brendan Peleo-Lazar and bassist/guitarist Stephen Burns, the trio is continually evolving their sound through a complex map of familiar influences and bold choices in tonality, structure and texture.
This is a transformation long in the making. Starting in 2010 in the college town of Bloomington, Indiana, Brigman was making albums as Triptides with roommates and friends in a raw, “Beach Boys-meet-Cleaners-From-Venus” cassette-induced haze. Their albums Psychic Summer, Sun Pavilion and Colors made a mark and paved the way for greater things.
As the band moved West, so did their influences, and Los Angeles brought out a more sophisticated element in Triptides. Doors-inspired organ flourishes and driving, Stereolab-esque movements melded with the spirit of The Byrds in the Fifth Dimension to bring a potent melodic punch in the form of 2017’s Afterglow and 2018’s Visitors. All the while, the group developed their live sound touring and playing festivals in the US and Europe. 2018 also brought about Brigman’s collaboration with L.A.’s Samira Winter. Triptides and Winter created the tropicália-inspired Estrela Mágica and toured the US, now with Burns and Peleo-Lazar bringing an exciting new dynamic to the band.
As a trio on stage and in the studio, Triptides have opened up a new sonic world. Their live sound is bold, dynamic, synchronized chaos. On their records, they are adventurous and surprising—winning Shindig! magazine’s Single of the Year with the undeniably heady “Nirvana Now”—and forging a unique array of other singles throughout 2019 and 2020.
Triptides’ latest LP “Alter Echoes,” from the acclaimed Alive Records, captures the trio at their strongest yet: at Hollywood’s Boulevard Studios—a room that has experienced sessions from The Standells’ Dirty Water, Pink Floyd’s The Wall, and Steely Dan’s Aja. That history and spirit is gloriously evident on Alter Echoes, which is a powerful blend of Love, Floyd, Badfinger and beyond. It is with this album that Triptides reveal themselves as the well-travelled adventurers they have become by continuing to push the edges of the definition of psychedelic.
Experiences the rocking, blissed out wonder of Triptides when they take to the Pepsi Stage on Friday, June 28 at 9:15PM at Macomb Heritage Days 2024!
ROCKY PETER
Rocky Peter is a self-taught singer-songwriter who was raised in West Africa, Nigeria. He taught himself how to play multiple instruments such as guitar, bass, drums, piano and more. His musical style is highly influenced by reggae, soul, pop and folk music. Rocky is a brilliant poet and lyricist whose musical theme is centered around love, motivation, and unity among people. His lyrics are as poetic as Bob Dylan, and as motivational and unifying as Bob Marley. His musical style is similar to John Legend, Ed Sheeran, Tracey Chapman, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz and Adele. However, Rocky Peter’s falsetto and amazing vocal range is unmatched by most professional singers in modern history.
Rocky Peter’s journey is just as inspiring as his music. Rocky Peter was abandoned in a poor village in Nigeria when he was only two years old. Although his older brother could not survive, Rocky Peter and his younger brother survived many encounters of close to death experiences from malaria caused by mosquito bites, starvation, and child slavery. Rocky recalls eating food from trash cans and drinking stagnant water from potholes when he was only five years old. When he was eight he was enslaved. He was underfed, overworked, and forced to endure constant physical abuse and mistreatment. Rocky Peter escaped from slavery and educated himself. He then moved back to the United States and graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in Biological Sciences. After college, without any family or support system in place, Rocky found it difficult to find employment and soon became homeless. For almost two years he would collect discarded water bottles for 8 hours every night that he would then sell the following day to raise money for food. Despite this hardship, Rocky made time to go out to schools and volunteer to teach music to students. Rocky states that throughout his obstacles, writing and composing music made him forget about his difficulties. He then decided to pursue his passion for music.
Rocky decided to take a giant step in that direction when he auditioned in San Francisco for the hit television show American Idol. There he bravely performed one of his original songs, “Wrong Places” which was immediately met with “yeses” from all three judges, Jennifer “J.LO “ Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr., enthusiastically sending him to the next round. All shared positive thoughts about Rocky’s amazing vocals and songwriting skills compelling Urban to express, “Rocky Peter has a beautiful heart, beautiful soul and a beautiful voice.” His stint on Idol lead Rocky to his dream of having a full-time music career.
After seeing Rocky in concert, former NBC Universal executive John C Hall enthused, “I’ve seen many talented people in my lifetime. Rocky is one of the very best entertainers I’ve ever seen, an absolute beast!!” and Grammy winner Jochem Van Der Saag who produced Rocky as well albums for Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Mary J Blige, Barbara Streisand, Andrea Bocelli and many more says, “Rocky Peter expresses emotion through his music in ways that most artists can’t. Rocky is a cream of the crop talent.”
Since his time on American Idol, Rocky’s attitude of never giving up landed him opening spots for Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monae, Nona Hendrix, and more. He performed in 2016 Rio Olympics, United Nations Events, Nobel Peace Prize Forum Concert, which has more than 1 million YouTube views. Rocky also has more than 3 million streams combined on Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, iTunes, and Amazon Music.
Charity Work: Rocky donates a large portion of the proceeds from his concerts to schools. He has a scholarship fund called Rocky Peter’s legends of tomorrow scholarship award. To qualify, students must show their significant academic improvement or maintain a 4.0 GPA for a whole year. Student who qualify are then entered in a raffle to compete for the checks given to their schools. Eventually Rocky wants to fund as many students as possible for college. Rocky gives back to student because of how education has positively impacted his life. He understands that one of the major keys to financial freedom and enlightenment is education. Rocky aspires to empower our future generation with the tools necessary to succeed
STRINGFIELD
Grateful Bluegrass
Stringfield, from Des Moines, Iowa, is a 4 piece alt bluegrass band that plays original, traditional and Deadhead covers. Each member sings and adds their particular flavor with 3 part harmonies and airy jams to soothe the soul.
Stringfield has been on the central Iowa music scene for the past 10 years. Members include: Bob Rice- bass, owner of Briar Patch Amphitheater in Bevington, Iowa. Ryan Moffitt- guitar, owner and carpenter of Ryan's Carpentry. Paul Perkins- banjo. Paul is a high school math teacher. Nick Loffredo- mandolin. Nick is a manager at Loffredo Foods ...Stringfield can bring home the bacon and fry it up! Yall hungry?
Big Wade & The Black Swan Theory
Funk / Jazz / Soul
Frontman of The Black Swan Theory, Le'Wade “Big Wade” Milliner is a celebrated musician widely recognized as one of the pioneers of Nebraska's soul music scene. His impressive resume spans 15+ years and includes national tours, the release of several successful independent albums, and industry recognition for his original production and musical sets with greats such as Al Green, Jagged Edge, Lyfe, Tony Toni Tone, Carl Thomas, Day 26, Jeffery Osborne, 8 Ball and MJG, Too Short, Ludicris, Tank, Ciera and many more.
His biggest influences are Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Jay Dilla, Dr. Dre, Donnie Hathaway, Isaac Hayes, Prince, and D'Angelo. With his Black Swan Theory, which consists of musicians from all over the country, spanning the West Coast to the South, they've created a sound that successfully blends soulful music with innovative arrangements producing incredible live performances that transition effortlessly from high energy to cool vibes, complete with inspiring lyrics, timeless tunes and undeniable funk!
Milliner was born on the north side of Omaha, Nebraska. He learned to love music in his grandfather’s church where his mother was the choir director before he could talk. He started playing the church drums at age 4. His father loved the blues and soul music and Le’Wade grew up in a very eclectic environment. He started taking music lessons at the age of 11 and learned to read and write music.
While in high school Big Wade took advantage of all the music opportunities he could find resulting in the prodigal musician receiving multiple music scholarships. He chose to accept a scholarship to Grambling State University where he played the bass drum for the world famed Grambling State marching band. While there he discovered a talent for playing the piano and quickly realized that it was going to be his main instrument.
After college he moved back to Omaha and reunited with his original band The Last Few. The Last Few started as a hip hop soul band and evolved into a neo soul jazz band. They traveled all over the country playing at casinos and opening up for national acts like those mentioned above. Early in the band’s career, the group had traveled down to Texas for a one-day gig before heading back without sleep. The return trip proved to be difficult. They blew a tire - but as a result ended up meeting music producer Timbaland at a gas station. As if meeting a music industry hotshot wasn’t enough, before sending the band on their way back to Nebraska, Timbaland paid for their car repairs.
Big Wade has written over 200 songs, produced nearly 1000 tracks all while engineering countless projects. His rich soulful voice has been compared to the likes of David Ruffin, Al Green, Sly Stone, Donnie Hathaway, D'Angelo and Cee-Lo with a song writing style akin to Smokie Robinson, Curtis Mayfield and Stevie Wonder. And now with the Black Swan Theory As one fan wrote in aptly describing Big Wade & The Black Swan Theory “ [they’re] band of musicians straight outta Omaha Nebraska that love Funk, Soul & Jazz, promoting a positive message to the masses with some real California and St. Louis stank on it!”
Funky music at its finest! Don’t miss Big Wade & Black Swan Theory shake the Macomb Heritage Days Pepsi Stage Saturday night, June 29th promptly at 9:15!
Davy Knowles
Americana / Rock / Blues
Whether playing acoustic, mandolin, national steel, or screaming electric guitar, Davy Knowles has an unmistakable style.
Since bursting on to the scene with his band Back Door Slam’s critically acclaimed album Roll Away in 2007 in which the Seattle Times’ Patrick McDonald wrote, “I heard the spirit of Jimi Hendrix”, Davy’s star has only risen. His sophomore release ‘Coming Up For Air’ was produced by legendary rocker Peter Frampton who remarked, “Davy already has a recognizable style. He’s definitely the gunslinger guitarist of the 21st century.’’ Subsequent tours saw Davy supporting and sharing the stage with acts such as Jeff Beck, The Who, Joe Bonamassa, Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Thorogood, Brian Setzer, the Sammy Hagar-fronted supergroup Chickenfoot, and guitar hero Joe Satriani who called Davy “My favorite modern Bluesman”.
Knowles has several top-5 Billboard Blues charting albums under his belt, high profile TV appearances such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, CBS Good Morning America among others, and has been praised with the highest accolades from heroes and press alike - but it’s not just the music industry who has taken note. Knowles was also the very first artist in history to perform live to the International Space Station directly from mission control in Houston TX, and has had his music taken to the Space Station by two astronauts, Nicole Stott and Ron Garan, on their respective missions orbiting Earth.
Never one to be satisfied or to sit still, Knowles has explored multiple genres and styles, from the hard-hitting 70’s classic rock influenced album Three Miles From Avalon, to the haunting acoustic delta blues of 1932, and the sweet, soul-searching folk of 2023’s If I Should Wander. Davy Knowles is unquestionably one of the most versatile and formidable songwriters, vocalists and musicians in the world today. A true artist in every sense of the word.
Need we say more?
See Davy Knowles wielding his well-worn and trusty Telecaster fronting his blues/rock trio – live from the Heritage Days’ Pepsi Stage Saturday, June 29 at 9:15PM sharp!
