Some of country music’s hottest names coming to Hamilton

Whimmydiddle, Hamilton’s two-night music festival is expected to draw record crowds.

In its third year, Whimmydiddle Country Music Festival presented by I.B.E.W Local 648 will feature some of the hottest names in music. Artists like Tyler Childers and Billy Strings will be a part of the 2018 festival lineup. The free, two-night festival will return to Hamilton for its third year on Friday, June 22, and Saturday, June 23. Concerts will begin at 5 p.m. nightly.

Other artists in the lineup are 90 Proof Twang, Kendell Marvel, Jeremy Pinnell, Sarah Gayle Meech, The Plott Hounds, The Wooks and Jim Burns Band.

“On June 22, the first night of Whimmydiddle, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime show almost. Tyler Childers is playing all of the major music festivals this year. And, Billy Strings is another guy that’s really breaking out in the country scene, and he is unique, because he appeals to those that like country music, bluegrass and jam-band music. We are really fortunate they are able to join us,” said Adam Helms, director of Resident Services for the City of Hamilton.

Both of the artists have been featured in Rolling Stone magazine, and it’s rare to get them on the same stage, on the same night, he said.

Fans from across the country will be a part of the festivities, and the venue is expected to be at capacity on Friday night. Due to the anticipated large crowds, there will be no lawn chairs permitted inside the RiversEdge Amphitheater bowl on Friday evening. However, there will be a large video screen set up at the top of the amphitheater bowl, facing into Marcum Park for overflow crowds. The entire concert on Friday will be broadcast from the screen, so attendees can set up lawn chairs in Marcum Park and watch the concert from the video screen.

Show times for Friday, June 22, are The Wooks at 5:30 p.m.; Jeremy Pinnell at 6:45 p.m.; Billy Strings at 8 p.m. and Tyler Childers at 9:30 p.m. The Saturday, June 23 lineup will feature The Plott Hounds at 5 p.m.; Sarah Gayle Meech at 6:30 p.m.; Kendell Marvel at 8 p.m. and 90 Proof Twang at 9:30 p.m. Also, on Saturday, Jim Burns Band will perform during intermission. RiversEdge at Marcum Park is located at 116 Dayton Street in Hamilton. This is the third year for the festival and the second consecutive year of the two-night concert format.

The festival will feature a variety of country music styles — from bluegrass and Americana to traditional country and Southern rock.

In addition to Miller and Coors products, RiversEdge will offer limited selections from Hamilton’s own Municipal Brew Works. Municipal Brew Works will have two different selections on tap.

This is the second year for the Miller Lite VIP Deck, which has been another popular feature. For $30 during Whimmydiddle, guests have access to the VIP Deck, a bar/draft beer station at the deck, three beverage vouchers and one food voucher. (The VIP Deck for Friday night of Whimmydiddle, June 22 is sold out.)

An after party will follow the concert each evening at North Second Tap & Bottle Shop at 11:30 p.m. (on a first-come, first-served basis.) On Friday, The Wooks will play at the After Party. Jim Burns Band will play the After Party on Saturday night. Badin’s Festival will also be going on at Marcum Park both days.

— — —

HOW TO GO

WHAT:Whimmydiddle Country Music Festival

WHEN: Friday, June 22, and Saturday, June 23. Concerts will begin at 5 p.m. nightly

WHERE: RiversEdge Amphitheater at Marcum Park, 116 Dayton St., downtown Hamilton

ADMISSION: Free. (VIP Deck tickets are available on Saturday for $30. The VIP Deck is sold out on Friday night.)

MORE INFO: www.RiversEdgeLive.com

About the Author