Annual Rush River Folk Festival Returns to Vino in the Valley
On Saturday, May 26, music fans and others who love outdoor events in Wisconsin will assemble in Maiden Rock for the 5th annual Rush River Folk Festival. All who attend will enjoy exquisitely prepared food, drinks, and live outdoor music in a lush river valley setting, from noon until sunset. This annual event is hosted by Vino and the Valley, a perfect place for friends and family to get away from it all close to home and enjoy music from an outdoor stage, tasty food and beverages, and the beautiful spring feel of a day outdoors at a premium location. There is no cover charge for admission to this event, which can be very helpful for families, couples, and groups of people who would like to explore the area for the first time.
The headlining musical act for Rush River 5 is Quinn Elizabeth, featuring the sister duo of Jerrika Mighelle and Elizabeth Stearns. A musical group with deep roots in the Eau Claire music scene, the beauty of their harmonies together is a perfect complement for their original and classic acoustic folk sound. Of the sisters, Jerrika remains the most active in the regional scene, touring to support her most recent CD release Like the Sea. Collectively, the musical sisters can be counted on to offer emotionally resonant and melodically beautiful music to their audience, with the quality of the vocals, lyrics, and acoustic guitar calling up the best in American folk traditions.
Musical virtuoso and regional favorite Michael Rambo leads off 2018 festival, bringing his talents to Vino in the Valley for the first time. Michael is well known regionally for his musical leadership and passionate performances for the CollECtive choir, a vocal and instrumental group that brings together elements of jazz, gospel, and soul music. Michael’s musical versatility is also on full display in his performances with the Shillelagh Lads, an Irish group that combines traditional acoustic instruments with energetic hand drums and a crowd-pleasing song selection. Michael is looking forward to presenting his music at Rush River in a solo context, providing an opportunity to feature original and familiar songs in a folk style.
Michael Rambo
The audience at Rush River will also enjoy a musical set by Davey J and Jen Hazen, a duo with an expansive playlist and a distinctive approach to acoustic folk performance. Davey J (David Jones) has performed for more than two decades in the Upper Midwest with musical combos that included Davey J and the Jones Tones, Davey J and Friends, Kingston Blue, and back in his Minneapolis years, the Parsley Brothers. He is also the founder and producer of the Rush River Folk Festival and greatly enjoys the opportunity to join other outstanding regional musicians to celebrate the wonderful musical scene of the Chippewa Valley. His duo partner, Jen Hazen, has a well-established reputation of her own from her performances in Weapons of Brass Destruction, Jenny and the Jets, and Davey J and Friends. Both Davey J and Jen are avid recording artists as well, with Jen’s 2018 release The Music Heals Project bringing together many Chippewa Valley musicians to contribute their talents to original music for a charitable cause. Davey J’s most recent CD release, Chippewa Love, demonstrates his skills across the genres of folk, blues, rock, and reggae, with his signature guitar and vocal style on display at every performance.
The lineup also features Larry Past and Al Julson, a well-established veteran folk duo that can be seen on stages across the Chippewa Valley and beyond. Their vast musical repertoire may include familiar folk and rock tunes as well as original compositions. Strong vocal harmonies and layered acoustic guitar are the hallmarks of their style on stage. The duo has a wonderful feel for the tone and mood of the audience, allowing them to create a distinctive musical experience that crosses genres and generations each time they perform.
With this lineup, Rush River 5 will provide an awesome day of entertainment for all who are interested. Please join us on Saturday, May 26, from noon to 9 pm, for an outstanding festival experience.
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Visit our gift shop where you can pick up a few bottles (or a case) of your favorite Vino in the Valley wines for hostess gifts and your personal holiday enjoyment. And don’t forget to bring your gift list and get a few presents handled. The gift shop is fully stocked with merchandise and you can never go wrong with a Vino Gift Certificate.
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