MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – The Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival has announced that Lee Greenwood, Phil Dirt and Dozers and Madrigal will be the Festival’s music headliners for 2019.
All headline bands will take the main stage at 8:30 each evening – Phil Dirt and the Dozers on Thursday, Aug. 8, Madrigal on Friday, Aug. 9, and Lee Greenwood on Saturday, Aug. 10.
“We feel fortunate to have this lineup considering we were on a short timeline,” said Festival Board Chair Joe Rinehart. “When Lee Greenwood performed at the festival in 2017, the tickets sold out and it was one of our best shows. We’re also glad to bring back Phil Dirt and the Dozers, which has become a Thursday tradition, and try something different on Friday night, bringing in a classic and modern rock show with Madrigal.”
LEE GREENWOOD
Greenwood was born in Los Angeles, California, and graduated high school in Sacramento in 1960. Although he earned scholarships for both track and music and had opportunities in professional baseball, Greenwood opted to pursue his passion for music. But music was always part of his life, playing the piano at seven years old and saxophone at twelve. He started his first group, Moonbeams, when he was in junior high.
After graduation, Greenwood worked at a casino in Reno, Nevada, with his band the “Apollos.”
In 1979 he was discovered by Larry McFadden, bass player and bandleader for country music star Mel Tillis. He signed with the Halsey Agency and began recording. Since the early 80’s, Greenwood has won numerous industry awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year for the Academy of Country Music (1983); two Male Vocalist of the Year awards from the Country Music Association (1983 and 1984); and a Grammy for Top Male Vocal Performance in 1985 for “I.O.U.”
In 1985, Greenwood won CMA Song of the Year for writing “God Bless the USA,” a song he says he “felt the need to write. I wanted to have something that would unite Americans from coast to coast, and to instill pride back in the United States.” Exceeding his expectations, “God Bless the USA” has been in the top five of the country music singles charts three times – 1991, 2001, and 2003 – the only song of any genre to achieve that distinction.
Greenwood is involved with a variety of charitable organizations and events.He is the national spokesperson for Products for Good, serves on the advisory board of the Challenger Commission, and is a member of the National Endowment for the Arts Council, which is a presidential appointment.
Greenwood is married to Kimberly, and has two sons, Dalton and Parker.
PHIL DIRT AND THE DOZERS
Thursday night’s featured performer is 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 ‘n 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
MADRIGAL
Friday night features the Santana Tribute Band, “Madrigal.” Led by front man Jose Madrigal, who portrays the legendary Carlos Santana, the band is comprised of four additional core members: Frank McGucken, Kevin Coggeshall, Bob Kennedy, and Steve Schmitt. Individually and collectively, the band boasts impressive credentials with longevity and musical experience spanning more than 20 years. The show includes selections from three decades of Santana songs, from “Evil Ways” to “Smooth.” Visual stage graphics also add to an ultimate entertainment experience.
Ticketed seating will be available for all three shows. Information on tickets will be coming soon to the Festival Facebook page and danemmettfestival.org.
The Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival will run Thursday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019. The annual Festival Car Show will be on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with trophies at 2:30 p.m.
The Festival is supported by Ariel Corporation and First-Knox National Bank.
Knox Community Hospital proudly supports the vibrant pulse of our community by sponsoring the Life & Culture section on Knox Pages, celebrating the stories and experiences that make our region unique.
