MOUNT VERNON — Fredericktown native son Preston Cooper will headline the Saturday night entertainment at the 2026 Music & Arts Festival.
The 22-year-old Cooper’s soulful, blues-inspired vocals draw comparisons to icons like Chris Stapleton and Bob Seger.
First picking up guitar as a high school freshman, he joined the U.S. Postal Service after graduation and found local fame as “The Singing Mailman” – walking up to 14 miles each day while belting out raw, raspy vocal runs, then clocking out to perform across the region.
Cooper released his debut album, Toledo Talkin,’ on Aug. 29, 2025. Vince Gill introduced Cooper at his Grand Ole Opry Debut on Oct. 24.
Phil Dirt & the Dozers will take the stage with tribute band Forever Seger — The Silver Bullet Experience on Friday night.
Forever Seger features driving guitars, soaring harmonies and an energy that will lift fans out of their seats. The nine-piece band delivers a rock and roll show that brings Bob Seger fans back to days gone by.
Festival Board Chair Joe Rinehart said the festival team is thrilled to welcome Cooper back to Knox County.
“We’re excited to see his career in country music take off. Preston brings a blend of country and alternative rock to his shows,” Rinehart said.
“His vocals have already been compared to Bob Seger, so the chance to bring Forever Seger on Friday night is also exciting.
“Phil Dirt and the Dozers are a long-standing festival tradition, and bringing them back Friday means a powerhouse night of classic hits and musical creativity,” Rinehart added.
The festival runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 14 to 16.