The 3rd annual Gila River Music Festival takes place April 21-22 in Kearny.
The Gila River Music Festival is organized by the Arizona Rural Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to bring art and culture to rural Arizona.
Founder Jamie Ramsey, a former mayor of Kearny, developed the festival to shine a light on the community and boost the local economy while also creating a higher level of exposure to the arts for local residents.
The two-day event features a diverse line-up of musical talent, dancers, food trucks, vendors and artists. This year, Gila River Music Festival partnered with Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 through the Arizona Arts Commission to explore the economic impact of the arts and cultural industries and their impact on rural communities.
Gates open at 10am on Friday, April 21st. The performance begins with singer and songwriter Ellie Fern serving as the festival’s opener.
The performance includes an Elvis impersonation. Americana Band Pelican Museum. Aaron McCall, blues guitarist. Glen Kaiser, Chicago-based blues-rock singer, songwriter, and pastor. Reggae band Jarroth and the Rebels. Multi-instrumentalist, actor and world traveler Adon Fannion works with rock metal group Spiritual Suicide. Country rock artist Caiden Brewer. Indigenous Enterprise, a Native American dance group. Buddy Duke, soulful folk artist. Nashville Cartel featuring Bigg Vinny (of Trailer Choir and show The Biggest Loser) and Jared Blake (of The Voice). Country artists Matt Faris and Julie Roberts are special guests.
the full lineup gilaivermusicfestival.com.
Food vendors include BBQ at Butcher’s Choice, Sauced and Loaded Wings at Michokari SoCal, Tacos and more, Tempura at Tempura Takeover, Fried Bread and Variety at One Hot Mess, Soft Serve Ice Cream at Chill Out, Freshly Squeezed Lemonade Lemonade, stuffed wontons, mini donuts and more. There is also a beer garden provided by the local Kearney Elks Lodge.
Vendor markets at the festival include jewelry from Cactus Daisy Creations, art from NB Artistry, Gallery 45, Mama’s CBD Hempire, and t-shirts from The T-Shirt Factory. Festival dress by Branson’s beautiful dresses. Anderson’s renewal window, PJ Design’s cups and novelties, Chelsea’s boutique, etc.
Like most festivals, there is a fee and it is a private event.Tickets must be purchased at gilaivermusicfestival.comChildren 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Prices increase as the event gets closer. Ticket prices vary by seat location, with three tiers of tickets ranging from $30 to $150. VIP options allow you to mingle with performers in designated seating areas. Arena seating allows people to bring camping chairs and sit wherever they want while remaining very close to the stage. , you can sit in the bleachers in the outside area and enjoy the food trucks, vendors, beer gardens and close enough to all the entertainment.
“This year and in the past, we would like to thank our supporters of Pinal County Tourism (Explore Pinal County), Arizona Arts Commission, Resolution Copper, Capstone Copper, Winkelman Natural Resources Preserve, Vera Pools, Norms IGA, and many others. .” release state.
There are sponsorship opportunities available for companies wishing to participate. Vendors can apply to attend the event until April 15th. Vendor rates start at $75/day. Get a sponsor or vendor application at www.gilarivermusicfestival.com. There are also volunteer work exchange opportunities. Information can be found on the website.
