Year after year, the Peoria Riverfront Concert Series in Peoria, Illinois, just seems to get better and better. For more jam-inclined fans, this year’s series has some great lineups, which kicks off with hometown heroes and headliners The Way Down Wanderers and Steady Flow. Throughout July and August, the series will host performances from scene veterans and stalwarts Umphrey’s McGee, Michael Franti, and moe. and Railroad Earth. Take a look below at the upcoming Peoria Riverfront Concert Series schedule and the impressive players involved. It’s going to be a great summer in Peoria!
July 15th — Way Down Wanderers and Steady Flow
Peoria’s own five-piece folk-Americana act, The Way Down Wanderers, will bring their high-spirited stage show to the hometown crowd on July 15th. The up-and-coming group has made waves across the music world, receiving nominations and awards for both their songwriting skills and live show. The Wanderers were able to tap The Avett Brothers’ Mike Marsh to produce the group’s 2016 self-titled debut album, which speaks volumes to their abilities. Joining them for their headlining appearance at the Peoria Riverfront Concert Series will be local independent funk act Steady Flow, who is known for bringing plenty of energy to their live shows, and has already played big-time festivals such as Summer Camp, Phases of the Moon, and North Coast Festival.
Tickets: $12 adv/$15 dos (purchase tickets). For additional information and show updates, join the Facebook Event page here.
The Way Down Wanderers’ “Wildfire”
Steady Flow at Summer Camp 2016
[via Instrumental Motion]
July 23rd — Umphrey’s McGee
What can be said about Umphrey’s McGee that hasn’t been said already? The group has an uncanny ability to tap into just about any musical genre at the drop of a dime and are known for putting out some of the best progressive improvisation you can find in the world. This, plus their steady touring schedule, have made the gentlemen of Umphrey’s one of the tightest live acts in the scene today. There is a reason this Midwest act just completed their first-ever three-night run at Red Rocks Amphitheatre this past July 4th weekend — they just bring it night in and night out. This show will be a proper local rage for all to enjoy.
Tickets: $32.50 adv / $35 dos (purchase tickets). For additional information and show updates, join the Facebook Events page here.
Umphrey’s McGee — “2 x 2” at Milwaukee’s Riverside Theater on 3/30/2017
August 15th — Michael Franti and Spearhead with Satsang
Rebel roots rocker Michael Franti is no stranger to the jam scene, making appearances at just about every major festival in the U.S. and abroad, as well as touring alongside acts such as the aforementioned Umphrey’s McGee, plus The String Cheese Incident, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Keller Williams to name a few. With music and lyrics promoting peace and social justice and addressing issues like climate change and other contemporary issues, Franti is a man on a mission to bring change to the world through his positive vibes and energy. Taking a page out of the social justice handbook is local Conscious Music Collective act, Satsang, who brings the roots-rock-reggae art of storytelling to the fold in support of the San Francisco-born Franti.
Tickets: $30 adv / $35 dos (purchase tickets). For additional information and show updates, join the Facebook Events page here.
Michael Franti’s “Summertime Is In Our Hands”
Satsang’s “Story of You”
August 18th — moe. & Railroad Earth
The icing on the cake for the Peoria Riverfront series of jam shows will be moe. and Railroad Earth’s doubleheader of improv-based music. The Buffalo, New York-based jam quintet and Americana-rock sextet out of Stillwater, New Jersey will team up for a joint tour at the end of the summer, and one stop will see the two groups deliver the goods to the Illinois faithful. moe. has been delivering their psychedelic rock stylings since 1989 and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon — especially given the fact that they revived their summer moe.down Festival this past weekend after a couple of summers off. The newgrass jams of Railroad Earth are perfect for any evening in the summer, as Todd Sheaffer, Tim Carbone, and company seemingly play at the top of their game night after night, which is an accomplishment in and of itself.
Tickets: $30 adv / $35 dos (purchase tickets). For additional information and show updates, join the Facebook Events page here.
moe. — “Shine On You Crazy Diamond > Opium > Making Flippy Floppy” at Summer Camp 2016
Railroad Earth — “Hangtown Ball” at Red Rocks 2014
With these performances tempting music lovers far and wide, the downtown Peoria Riverfront (check out more info here) should solidify those on the fence about making the trip. Peoria Riverfront is a fantastic area for a good hang prior to taking in some music. The downtown area is a major hub of activity with a market full of locally grown produce, meats, cheeses, and more; plenty of restaurants to grab a bite and drink from before the show; and local artists selling their own unique artwork, jewelry, candles, and more. You can check out the full list of Peoria Riverfront concerts by visiting the event’s website calendar.
[cover photo courtesy of Rios.Photos]