Twangfest

TWANGFEST TO BE HELD JUNE 4 – 7, 2008 IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI AMERICANA, ROCK, POP AND COUNTRY FESTIVAL ENTERS ITS 12TH YEAR WITH STRONG LINE-UP CONFIRMED PERFORMERS INCLUDE: OLD 97S, CHUCK PROPHET, THE GOURDS, CHARLES WALKER & THE DYNAMITES, HA-HA TONKA AND MILES OF WIRE This June, music lovers from all over the Midwest and around the country (and beyond) will gather in St. Louis, Missouri for four nights of soul-shaking music as only Twangfest knows how to shake it. Continuing its partnership with KDHX Community Media, the festival, which began in 1997, stretches its boundaries and limits with veteran artists and up-and-coming bands who bring a rocking sensibility to a broad range of American music. Seminal alt-country band Old 97s makes its first appearance at the festival, headlining Friday night, June 6th, at the Pageant. Celebrating 15 years together, Old 97’s has released seven albums and become one of the most consistently exciting live bands in the country. This summer, the band is set to release its first studio album in four years, The One, on New West records. Country rock and soul innovator Chuck Prophet headlines Wednesday night, June 4th, at the Schlafly Tap Room. Prophet, who released Soap and Water on Yep Roc records last year, has been hailed for his distinctive guitar work, imaginative songwriting and daring production. He’ll be making his first appearance in St. Louis in over three years and his first ever appearance at Twangfest. On Thursday night, June 5th, and also making their Twangfest debut, The Gourds headline with their quirky, rowdy rock & folk grooves. The Austin, Texas veterans are known for their demented humor, playful covers and ramshackle but soulful musicianship. Other Twangfest performers include rhythm and blues legend Charles Walker and his band The Dynamites, who have been storming the soul revival circuit around the world. Walker appears at the Duck Room on Thursday night. Joining Chuck Prophet at the Tap Room on Wednesday are Missouri natives and twangy rockers Ha Ha Tonka, who released Buckle In the Bible Belt on Bloodshot Records in 2007, and local favorites Miles of Wire. More performers, including the line-up for Saturday, and special events will be announced in the coming weeks. With one eye on its great tradition of country-influenced music and another eye fixed on the future, Twangfest remains one of the finest club-based festivals in the country. Stay tuned to twangfest.com and kdhx.org for up-to-the-minute details.