MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival will welcome Little River Band, Artrageous and Phil Dirt and the Dozers as headline entertainment for this summer’s event.
This marks the 34th year for this event, presented by Ariel Corporation, The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium and Park National Bank.
The festival officially opens at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, and will highlight local, regional and national performing, visual and creative artists of all ages. There will also plenty of great food, snack and beverage selections available from a variety of food trucks, downtown restaurants and cafes.
All headline acts are scheduled to take the main stage at 8:30 p.m. – Phil Dirt and the Dozers on Thursday, The Artrageous Show on Friday, Aug. 12, and Little River Band on Saturday, Aug. 13.
The festival’s annual car and motorcycle cruise-in highlights the morning and afternoon on Sunday, Aug. 14. The festival closes at 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Little River Band
Through the 1970’s and ‘80’s, Little River Band (LRB) enjoyed huge chart success with multi-platinum albums and chart topping hits like: “Reminiscing,” “Lady,” “Cool Change,” “Lonesome Loser,” “The Night Owls,” “Take It Easy On Me,” “Help Is on Its Way,” “Happy Anniversary,” “We Two,” “Man On Your Mind,” “The Other Guy,” and “It’s A Long Way There.”
Worldwide album and CD sales now top 30 million. In 1982, LRB set a record for having had Top 10 hits for six consecutive years – in fact, they were the very first band to achieve that remarkable plateau!
According to BMI, “Reminiscing” has garnered rare status with over 5 million airplays on American radio, and “Lady” is close behind with over 4 million airplays.
Bassist/vocalist Wayne Nelson joined the band in 1980, and worked alongside founding members with some of the most distinctive harmonies and vocal abilities, creating the unique LRB sound. He celebrates his 42nd year with Little River Band this year.
In 2004, LRB was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame. Designated seating for the concert is available for $25 on EventBrite.com. The band’s website is https://reallittleriverband.com/.
Artrageous
Imagine an artist creating a masterpiece before your eyes in mere moments.
With a palette that also mixes captivating vocals, intricate choreography and exciting audience interaction, The Artrageous Show takes you on a unique visual journey packed with wild inspiration, creativity and fun!
The Artrageous troupe of artists, musicians, singers and dancers pay tribute to a variety of art forms, pop icons and musical genres culminating in a gallery of fabulous finished paintings.
The result? A one of a kind crossover experience!
The signature of the Artrageous troupe is interaction and engagement, so be prepared to be a part of the show! Designated seating for Artrageous is also available for $10 at EventBrite.com.
Their website is https://www.artrageousshow.com/.
Phil Dirt and the Dozers
Thursday night’s featured performer is a Mount Vernon fan favorite, Phil Dirt and the Dozers.
Founded in 1981 in Columbus, Phil Dirt and the Dozers will transport you to another time and place, the classic Rock and Roll of America’s golden years.
The Dozers perform the intricate vocal harmonies of the Beach Boys, Four Seasons, the Eagles and many more. Phil Dirt and the Dozers will prompt feet-tapping, hand-clapping, and finger-snapping fun for everyone. Their website is https://phildirt.com/.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
This year the festival presents KidFest, powered by Experience Mount Vernon, in the block of South Main Street between Gambier Street and Ohio Avenue.
Kids of all ages can enjoy bounce houses, a special South Stage with live entertainment, and a series of ‘make and take’ classes, including watercolors, drawings, air fresheners, and succulent plants.
The 2nd MVMAF Challenge & Auction uses the medium of wood, focusing on wooden toys. These items will be displayed in the ballroom of The Grand Hotel on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a final live auction of those items Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on the steps of Mount Vernon City Hall.
Other items of note: Friday and Saturday at noon – the Youth Showcase, featuring local musicians.
Sunday at 2 p.m. – Game Day Cheerleading Competition at the Park National Bank parking lot on West Vine Street.
The complete 2022 entertainment schedule and map will be available in pocket guides throughout the festival grounds, at the welcome tent on the south entrance to the Public Square.
Learn more about this year’s MVMAF at https://www.mvmaf.org/ or on the Festival’s Facebook and Instagram (@mvmafohio).
The 2022 Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival is Aug. 11 to 14 around the Public Square and the streets of downtown Mount Vernon.
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