Courtesy of the Cherokee Chronicle Times
It’s all set. The 20th anniversary edition of “KeeLive” — the former Cherokee Jazz & Blues Festival — is fast approaching.
The venues, acts and schedules are solidified, bringing to Cherokee some of the region’s top musical acts set for Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17 and 18.
The KeeLive committee was determined to make this 20th music celebration a special one and more than doubled the music budget to assure patrons of some quality music performances in January 2020.
“We wanted to breathe some new life into the festival and started that process by renaming it “KeeLive,” said committee chairman Rich Hinkhouse. “We worked really hard to get a variety of music here and we’re confident music lovers will appreciate the acts we have coming in.”
KeeLive replace “Cherokee Jazz & Blues Festival” simply because the music festival is more than two genres of music.
“We are a music festival not limited to jazz and blues,” said Julie Hering-Kent, director of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce.
Although there will be some blues musicians here, KeeLive will feature a variety of musical genres to include folk, rock, country and blues.
Hinkhouse added that special shirts and hats will be available this year to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
“We will have some cool hats and shirts for sale. Great gift idea,” he said. “They will available at the Chamber of Commerce offices and also at several of the venues.”
Folks interested in tickets or to view the lineup are directed to the festival at www.keelivemusic.com.
There will be five acts performing on Friday evening in pub crawls throughout the city. Crowd favorites Mark Pender and Glenn Alexander, coast to coast performers, will be at The Gathering Place from 7-10 p.m., while popular regional act in the talents of J. Jeffrey Messerole will play from 8-11 p.m. at the VFW/Kee-Stirs venue.
Also from 8-11 p.m., it will be Good Morning Bedlam at Jobies Pastime Lounge, while David Zollo & The Body Electric will perform at The Brightside Lounge from 9 p.m. to midnight. Also from 9 p.m. to midnight at The Gasthous Bar and Grille will be Mike Munson.
On Saturday, Jan. 18, Iowa Blues Challenge champion Kevin Burt will perform at The Brightside from 7-10 p.m., while Jimmy Davis and Friends will perform at The Gathering Place from 8-11 p.m.
Then from 9 p.m. to midnight, it will be Reverend Raymond and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys, featuring Westside Andy on the harmonica, at VFW/Keestirs. Also in that time frame, rock your socks off to the sounds of Kris Lager Band at the Little Sioux Events Center.
And local musicians are encourage to attend the Jam Session at The Gathering Place Saturday afternoon from 1-5 p.m., hosted by Alexander. The Jam Session has always been a popular event and area musicians are most welcome to come join in the jam fun.
For more information on ticket sales and the bands, again check out www.keelivemusic.com.
Hinkhouse was quick to thanks all sponsors and encourage area music lovers to support and enjoy the upcoming festival.
“This could be one of the best we’ve put together and would love to see everyone come out and support KeeLive, a great music festival right in their own backyard,” he said.