Hurdland 4th of July Entertainment Lineup Announced
Hurdland 4th of July Entertainment Lineup Announced
By Carol Kincaid
The Hurdland Annual 4th of July committee recently announced the performers for this year’s event.
Beginning the festivities on Friday evening will be the songbirds of the Hurdland Baptist Church, the Nazarene Church, and the Methodist Church. They will be entertaining during the evening meal.
Following the church groups is the featured entertainment— “Redwing”. They will play both before and after the “Little Mr. and Ms. Firecracker”.
True to its roots in North Missouri, Kirksville-based Redwing is as much a celebration of community as it is the embodiment of traditional American music, from pioneer folk to blues, soft rock to bluegrass to Johnny Cash.
Formed in 1991 by Truman physics professors Bob Nothdurft and Peter Rolnick, the band has hosted many talented musicians over the years.
The current lineup features both founders as well as long-time members Debbie Nothdurft and Marcy Graham.
Bob anchors the group as lead singer and rhythm guitar. Debbie and Marcy add harmony, with Debbie on bass guitar and Marcy soaring on American fiddle. Peter is the band’s utility man, singing, playing lead guitar, mandolin, banjo, Hawaiian guitar, harmonica, spoons . . .
If it has strings or makes noise, chances are he can play it.
Redwing has played extensively in towns throughout North Missouri, including a stint as opening act for Baxter Black. The group enjoys playing simply for the love of the music, sharing their appreciation for our musical heritage – and hoping to help audiences get up and dance to the soundtrack of life in America ’s heartland.
After the parade on Saturday, Lisa Blake and Devon (Hagerla) Breitling are scheduled to sing “The National Anthem”. Lisa graduated from Knox County this year, and has been in Honor Choir and several musical competitions. Devon is a Knox County native, and her musical talents are well-known in the area.
“Backroads”, featuring locals and cousins Chuck and Billy Hayes, begins their performance at 3:30 PM, with another at 5 PM.
They are followed by Becky Reeves. Born and raised in St Paul, Minnesota, she sang with a traveling show choir throughout high school and performed in many weddings and local events.
Becky met her husband, John, in May of 1999. He introduced her to the owner of White Buffalo Rodeo Productions, who employed her as one of their entertainers for their bull rides in 2000 and 2001. Both years she won “Entertainer of the Year” awards.
Becky and John married in May of 2001, and moved to Brashear, Missouri in 2004. John is a native of Brashear, and wanted to move back to raise their boys in his home town.
The couple have Wyatt, who is seven, and Jack, who will be four in August. Her hobbies and interests include singing, hunting with John, and enjoying watching their boys succeed at whatever they set their minds to!
Aaron Russell’s band, always a hit with the Hurdland crowd, has a new feature this year, Bill Lear. He entertains as “Wee Willy Shagnasty”. For the past twenty years “Wee Willy” has been entertaining his fans at county fairs, festivals and country music shows. He is a full time member of the “Black Diamond Jubilee” country music show, performing each month on the 2nd and 4th Saturday nights in Macon, MO, at the Wilcox Opry Barn. His hilarious stories and tall tales are a sure fire way to tickle your funny bone. Don’t miss seeing and laughing with “Wee Willy Shagnasty” from Dogscratch, Arkansas.
If music isn’t your favorite thing, come to Hurdland anyhow, there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy, food, games, the baby show, or just sitting in the shade visiting with old friends.
The whole day is topped off by a wonderful display of fireworks that can be seen for miles.