After Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas Band headlined last year’s Allerton’s Prairie Sky Music Festival, they have just announced the headliner for this year’s installment: Marty Stuart. The festival takes place September 7-8 at Allerton. Stuart will perform on Saturday, September 8th.
From the press release:
Marty Stuart to headline Allerton’s Prairie Sky Music Festival
Monticello – Allerton Park & Retreat Center has announced that Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives will be the headliner for their second Prairie Sky Music Festival, presented by Lodgic, on September 7-8. The two day festival will feature several musical acts in the estate’s 14-acre Meadow at 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello.
Last year’s Prairie Sky Festival was Allerton’s first multi-day music event, drawing nearly 1,000 visitors to the 1,500 acre Central Illinois Park. Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives will take the stage Saturday at 7:45pm, with The Barefoot Movement, Edward David Anderson, Fox Crossing String Band, and more performing Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Festival passes and camping reservations go on sale Monday, April 2 at 8am, with early bird pricing for the first 200 people.
A five time GRAMMY-winning singer and songwriter, Stuart has spent over four decades celebrating American roots music, earning him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association. Before topping the charts as a solo artist in the ‘90s, Stuart toured with bluegrass legend Lester Flatt and spent six years in Johnny Cash’s band in the ‘80s. His performance at Allerton comes through the collaboration of Director Derek Peterson and Champaign-native musician Viktor Krauss.
“We work closely with Viktor Krauss – he serves on our Art in the Park committee and is a long-time advocate of Allerton,” Peterson explained. “While on tour with Lyle Lovett, Viktor saw Marty Stuart play at a Festival, and he had nothing but high praise for Marty and his Superlatives. From his roots of playing with Lester Flat, to Johnny Cash’s band, to an incredible country music career spanning decades – everything about Marty and his band will translate to a phenomenal experience at the Festival.”
This year’s format will be similar to the inaugural Prairie Sky, with food, drinks, vendors, outdoor activities, and camping. Peterson notes that the Festival sponsors allow Allerton to offer “crowd-pleasing, memorable experiences.”
Presenting sponsor Lodgic Everyday Community will open its Champaign-based facility this June, offering shared workspace, flexible childcare, and craft food and drink – the first venue of its kind to open in the US.
“Allerton and Lodgic have a shared interest in strengthening families and communities,” said Stefanie McLeese, Lodgic Everyday Community, Director of Public Relations. “We each do that in our own respective way, but when you combine efforts, the result can be magical. We are thrilled about this partnership and look forward to being a part of Prairie Sky, and the summer concerts leading up to the big weekend in September.”
Additional sponsors signing on along with Lodgic include the University of Illinois Community Credit Union, Illini Radio Group, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the Ayers Family, The Whip, Country Arbors Nursery, The Herbold Family Trust, Kirby Medical Center, The Friends of Allerton, AHW LLC, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, Illini Oil Change, Kennedy Hutson Associates, Vine Street Motors, and the Worden-Martin Family of Dealerships. Individuals and businesses interested in supporting the event can contact Katie Walden at kmblacke@illinois.edu.
Tickets go on sale April 2 at allerton.illinois.edu with an ‘early bird’ discount for the first 200 purchasers. For more information and the complete 2018 concert schedule visit Allerton’s website or call 217-333-3287.
About Lodgic Everyday Community
Lodgic Everyday Community is the smart new environment that supports daily life on your terms. It’s the first-ever blend of productivity-boosting workspace, flexible drop-in childcare, and fun, good-for-you dining — all in one energizing everyday place. Learn more at Lodgic.org.
About Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Built as a private residence by artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton in 1900, Allerton Park and Retreat Center is a historical treasure that was donated to the University of Illinois in 1946. The property contains 1,500 acres of woodland and prairie areas, a Mansion and reflecting pond, a 10-acre meadow, formal sculpture gardens, hiking trails, and several lodging facilities. For more information and to view other events, visit allerton.illinois.edu or call 217-333-3287.
Top photo courtesy of Allerton’s Press Release.