Several years ago, the Hog Days committee changed its tune. The committee came up with an idea that rather than simply offer concerts on the main stage during Hog Days weekend, performers and musicians should be peppered throughout the festival from Friday night through Monday.
At the time, Committee Co-Chair Larry Flannery said that the committee wanted festival attendees to be entertained everywhere they went. That very year, performers, bands, and even a magician were stationed in areas near the main stage, in the pork chop tent, off the carnival midway and at several locations in West Park during the annual craft show and flea market.
That tradition has stayed alive and this year, attendees will find a wide-range of entertainment in many locations throughout Labor Day weekend.
The Hog Days entertainment committee has announced the weekend lineup. Here are where and when to see your favorite acts:
The Great Shaddeni returns! Zach Shadden will perform magic tricks and illusions sure to blow you away. Catch his act on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6-7 p.m. near the RWE Clean Energy Stage.
Stone Cold Cowboys will make their first festival appearance on Friday at 7 p.m. on the RWE Clean Energy Stage. Described as a genuine, authentic country band, SCC performs the classics along with current top country hit favorites. Shine up your boots and dust off your hat and come out to hear the Stone Cold Cowboys.
The 2023-2024 IHSA Class A State Champion Kewanee High School Boilermakers Band will not only be marching in the Hog Days Parade, but afterwards they will make a quick stop for a concert. At 4 p.m., the band will take to the RWE Clean Energy Stage and show attendees why they are the state champs! Stop by after the parade and enjoy the music.
Kaiden Leezer will perform and entertain diners at the BBQ Tent from 3:30 to 6:30 during prime porkchop time. Stop by and hear Leezer play the guitar and perform while you enjoy a festival favorite sandwich.
Kirk Wessler, with his homestyle acoustic style, will perform from 4-6 p.m. at West Park during the Hog Days flea market. Wessler will feature well-known favorites from classic American singers and songwriters. Take a break from browsing at the craft show and flea market and give his music a listen.
The Decade of Decadence will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday night on the RWE Clean Energy Stage, and the band’s booking is causing many festival goers to pinch themselves. The Hog Days Committee was able to corral the ultimate 80s party band for a one-night appearance. Make sure to come out and hear the band’s incredible harmonies of all of your favorite 80s hit songs.
Chris Stevens plays the Blues and it’s a perfect way to begin Sunday’s live entertainment at the craft show and flea market at West Park. Grab some food, relax and enjoy the rich, smooth sounds of Chris Stevens from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ryan Smith, guitar slinger and singer extraordinaire will keep the lunch crowd entertained from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the BBQ Tent. What goes together better than guitar music and pork sandwiches?
Hog Day Praise- a non-denominational Sunday service, sponsored by the Kewanee Ministerial Association will be held at 2 p.m. at the RWE Clean Energy Stage. The community is invited to attend.
Jazz On the Side features experienced, local musicians who have performed together at venues throughout the area for decades. The band will play downtown from 2 to 4 p.m.
Lewis Knudsen, a festival-favorite, is back. The singer-songwriter is based out of the Quad Cities and his repertoire includes both original compositions and fan favorites. Come hear him perform at West Park from 3 to 6 p.m.
David Bertchtold & The Tucked in T’s, founded in 2017, have made several Hog Days appearances at West Park. This year, the group, which plays an eclectic mix of country blues, acoustic rock and modern string band, will appear from 3 to 6 p.m. at the BBQ Tent.
Five Bridges Jazz Band is making the Quad-Cities’ presence known at Hog Days this year. The group will be playing major league pieces of jazz in the downtown area at the end of what’s called “food row” on Tremont Street from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Take a trip down the carnival midway, grab a snack and listen to the sultry tones of the Five Bridges Jazz Band.
Oh Yes! is a band that will keep you dancing and wanting more. The band plays the best of rock and roll and specializes in audience interaction. Their tagline says it all: Get ready for Real. Fun. Live. Music. Oh Yes! will perform at the RWE Clean Energy Stage at 7 p.m.
The Incredible 45s will wrap up the Hog Days festival when they perform under the BBQ Tent at 2 p.m. The local band has been playing venues all over the area for years. Come eat the last pork chop patty of the season and listen to your favorite “oldies.” The rock and roll hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s live on forever with the Incredible 45s.
