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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Monday, April 14, 2008 8:55 PM CDT
Two young performers to entertain at Bagelfest

By HERB MEEKER, Staff Writer
hmeeker@jg-tc.com

MATTOON —The “unofficial” country stars for Bagelfest are more than just a hunk and a pretty face, according to their respective Web sites and their growing crowds of fans.

Keith Anderson is a songwriter with two top 10 hits and honors as Billboard’s top new male artist of 2005. Ashton Shepherd is a young Alabama singer with an alluring voice producing vocals in songs like “Sounds So Good.”

Both performers have Bagelfest on their tour list on their Web sites, and a city official Monday confirmed contracts are being finalized for Anderson and Shepherd. Barring any last-minute breakdowns, the two acts will be on the main stage at Grimes Field in Peterson Park on July 19 during Bagelfest.

Both performers are examples of the new talent in country music. They also have interesting backgrounds beside their pure country roots.

An Oklahoman, Anderson, who had a shot at professional baseball until a shoulder injury ended that dream, is still committed to fitness to weather the rigors of a music tour, according to information from his Web site. He also studied engineering at Oklahoma State and earned a 3.9 GPA.

Some of his odd jobs before hitting the charts in country music included performing at Six Flags Over Texas and delivering singing telegrams.

Anderson is known for songs such as “Pickin’ Wildflowers,” “XXL” and “Every Time I Hear Your Name.” He co-wrote “Lost in This Moment,” a No. 1 hit for country duo Big & Rich.

Shepherd got her big break two years ago through a talent contest in her home state of Alabama. She had been performing in many venues since elementary school, and she wrote many songs before she turned 21, according to press information on her Web site.

Shepherd so far is known for “Takin’ Off This Pain,” in addition to “Sounds So Good,” from her debut album.

The Bagelfest music format will feature the country acts on Saturday. Local and regional talent will take the music stage on Friday night with the intent to feature rock performances.

For more information on Bagelfest, contact Mattoon Tourism Office at 258-6286 or check on the Mattoon Web site at www.mattoonillinois.org

Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.

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krusayda wrote on Apr 14, 2008 3:17 PM:

" Maybe they should changethe theme to ye-haw around the bagel. No rock there that I can see. "

HisChild wrote on Apr 14, 2008 3:56 PM:

" The rock rolled away! *LOL!* "

Late Bird wrote on Apr 14, 2008 4:06 PM:

" Your turn Rotty...we know you have something clever to say! "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Apr 14, 2008 4:33 PM:

" BOOOOOOO-HISS-BOOOOOOO!!!!
[hikes my leg on Bagelfest]
Puhlease!
Leave the lame country acts to the 4Th Of July Celebration in Morton Park, in Chucktown.
The only decent performance they ever had was Ronnie Milsap.
What happened to getting a WELL KNOWN rock band?
Sorry to some of my fellow posters, but I have to say this....
Guess Mattoon & Bagel-old-farts-fest wants to draw out the old geezers, & have them listen to some slow, down-trodden, mushy romantic, all of life's problems, end of your rope music.
What a waste!
Maybe I'll change Rockin Rotty to Roll-Over Dead Rotty, for any comments after Bunglefest.
LOL!
"

Rotty wrote on Apr 14, 2008 4:43 PM:

" Thanks, Late Bird, always happy to be of service.
heeheehee "

pj1983 wrote on Apr 14, 2008 4:43 PM:

" just so you guys know, keith anderson is actually a counrty act whose music is almost more rock than country. yes, he's still counrty but it's not "slow, down-trodden, mushy romantic, all of life's problems, end of your rope music" i've always been impressed by the caliber of counrty music stars that have been at bagelfest. a little more variety would be nice though. "

HisChild wrote on Apr 14, 2008 5:01 PM:

" Thank you and Amen Rotty!
:-) We Agree Rotty!
God Bless You!
Would you please run for Mayor?
PLEASE?
Down the line, we'd like to see
President Rotty! *LOL*! "

arab38 wrote on Apr 14, 2008 5:31 PM:

" I saw Ashton Shepherd this weekend and she is horrible. Last year with Emerson Drive and Luke Bryan was GREAT!!!! Country music can be good. "

85CHSGrad wrote on Apr 14, 2008 5:37 PM:

" Dang it! I'm gonna have to agree with rockin rotty on this one. Kinda nice to agree for a change! Time for a Change!!! LOL "

Late Bird wrote on Apr 14, 2008 5:52 PM:

" Knew you'd come through Rotty!
Rockin' Rotty Beast to perform
at Rotton Bagel Feast and bring it back to the Festival that was intended to be!
Hooray! "

Poster51 wrote on Apr 14, 2008 7:08 PM:

" If you want some rock or country rock, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will be at The Rosebud in Effingham this Friday night. Kansas will be at The Rosebud in June. "

Poster51 wrote on Apr 14, 2008 7:12 PM:

" I erred on the Kansas concert date. I just found this on The Rosebud website.

Kansas
September 19, 2008
Due to the extension of the European leg of Kansas' Tour, the date for this performance has been changed to Friday, Spetember 19, 2008
"

Equalizer wrote on Apr 14, 2008 7:39 PM:

" Now that's pretty bad if Charleston has to go SOUTH to Effingham to hear a rock band!
Almost all of Charleston are old country hics? "

Equalizer wrote on Apr 14, 2008 7:40 PM:

" 5 Months from now ???!!! LOL "

Billie Brant wrote on Apr 14, 2008 8:59 PM:

" Now, now Rotty! Not all Country Music is "slow, down-trodden, mushy romantic, all of life's problems, end of your rope music" as you said.and "legitimize "it! There's plenty of hard drive'n Country Rock out there that's very good!.... In fact some of that stuff put out there which is supposed to be country AIN'T. It's Pop with a fiddle or steel guitar lick thrown in to try and "legitimize "it!... I'm not sure who these two are, since I don't listen to Country radio as much as I used to. Too many "cookie cutter" or "flavor of the week" artists out there to suit me. I like the artists with a distictive sound, those you know immediately who they are such as Tanya Tucker( she owns the stage when she's on it!), Vince Gill, Joe Diffie,George Strait, Brooks and Dunn, just to name a few. To each his own I guess. The Country Music field does however have some fantastic artists, old and new ones.... I like Rock too, but leave the head bangin metal out! "Gimme that "Old Time Rock and Roll" a la Bob Seeger! "Today's music ain't got the same soul!" LOL! You're right about Milsap! He was great! As soon as he opens his mouth and the first note comes out you KNOW who's singing! Tracy Byrd put on a good show at the Fourth of July show. Great voice and entertainer. He even did a ZZ Top number and did it well at that show. Oh well Rotty what can you expect from an "old fart" like me! LOL! Seriously, I think there could be room for both Rock and Country. Ya know what? We have some great local and area bands, Rock and Country here. Some of them have "opened" for the main act. Get out and support "live music" folks! "

HisChild wrote on Apr 14, 2008 9:21 PM:

" Now Now Billie! You don't listen to Mannheim Steamroller, Yanni, Enya, John Tesh or Andrea Bocelli? You're missing a lot! "

pj1983 wrote on Apr 14, 2008 9:23 PM:

" oh, and not to offend anyone, but keith anderson's isn't exactly YOUNG. he's 40. "

Roll-Over Dead Rotty wrote on Apr 14, 2008 10:49 PM:

" Heh Heh, Now I'm prepared for Bunglefest.
heeheehee
.......
Thanks Gang for the uplifting words, & possible future endevors. LOL
.......
Thanks Grad, I hear ya, dang it. LOL
The "Great Irony" I was going to lay on you at election time, was that I actually agree with some of your postings, not all, but some parts of them. I won't go as far as some of the other supporters beliefs. I, myself, am still undecided as to which is the better of the evils to vote for. Now, don't tell anyone, OK? Now back to the pokes & jabs. LOL
.......
Billie, I hear ya, my friend. ;) LOL
I'm pre-oldfart myself, not by much though. LOL
I just want to see you sing & play, Billie!
heeheehee :-)
I listen to some country, but I'm mostly an Old Time Rock & Roller, myself.
OLD SCHOOL BABY! LOL!
I also enjoy one of HisChild's favs - Enya.
And, yeah, Ronnie Milsap kicked butt, & so did Night Ranger, at last year's Bagelfest. The family really enjoyed them, & I got some great pictures.
.......
LOL @ pj.
So, 40 is considered over-the-hill now - thought that was 50?
Maybe I am an oldfart?
LOL!
Just kiddin hun. :-)
.......
Have great evening everyone & get out there & enjoy these next couple of warm days!
See Ya When I See Ya Next, Folks.
Laterz Taterz -Take Care & Goodnight.
~Rotty

PS: My better half really enjoyed some of your comments today, & she would like for you to stroke my ego some more.
heeheehee [wink cough wink]
LOL! :-)

"

Billie Brant wrote on Apr 14, 2008 11:13 PM:

" pj, I like several kinds of music. I love the Big Bands from the 30's and 40's, The Swing era jazz, Dixieland, Blues, Western Swing, Texas Roadhouse Blues, Bluegrass, Gospel, Rock and Roll(that term dates me doesn't it?) I also enjoy Classical Music. My favorite Classical piece of music is " Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Rachmaninoff. Bocelli is ok too, but I like Placido Domingo and the late Pavarotti much better... Then switching gears completely, I LOVE the gutsy sounds of Delbert McClinton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton! I even love Barbershop! I used to sing in a ladies quartet. It's great fun! ....Hey! Speaking of great Western Swing bands, how about someone around here booking "Asleep At the Wheel? They are terrific! I caught them at the Arthur fair twice! ...No John Tesh or Yanni. Mannheim Steamroller, I've only heard a time or two on the radio. It's all a matter of what suits our ears isn't it? There's something for everyone. Music is good for you. It's almost as important to me as the air I breathe. It would be a drab old world without it, that's for sure....Hey Rotty, Did I hit on anything you liked here? There's so much out there I DO like it would take forever to list all of it. Music, music, music. What a gift to us it is! "

pj1983 wrote on Apr 14, 2008 11:14 PM:

" lol rotty. yes, you probably are an old fart, but a cool old fart. :) besides, i never said he was OLD just not YOUNG. :) life expectancy in the US is 77.9 (we'll just call that 78) which means he's more than middle age. again, not old, just not young. but i suppose they couldn't really have titled the article "one young lady and one middle-aged guy to entertain at bagelfest" "

medic57 wrote on Apr 15, 2008 7:14 AM:

" You'd think Mattoon could do better, when I was a senior in high school we had Head East play our senior dance and the Oak Ridge Boys at an assembly. "

Tom Andres wrote on Apr 15, 2008 7:45 AM:

" Billie, here's one for you: Carl Smith, "Hey Joe!" (1953). No, not the Hendrix (Woodstock) song from the 60's. This "Hey Joe!" was a 'cowboy country' song from 1953. Smith was married to June Carter, before she married John Cash. I guess he's 81 now and lives near Nashville. Wonder if he'd come up here to headline Bagel-0-Eight? "

Rotty wrote on Apr 15, 2008 8:00 AM:

" Billie: Yup, within your couple of posts, you've pretty well hit on my tastes for music - I'll even add one more - Patsy Cline. ;) LOL

Thanks, pj.
LOL :-)

I'm off to a long day at work.
Have a great day everyone!

"

krusayda wrote on Apr 15, 2008 8:06 AM:

" They should have booked Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, now there is some good classic rock covers and a great show. Or even Cheap Trick, or Head East for God's sake. ! "

The Tattler wrote on Apr 15, 2008 8:55 AM:

" Everyone knows why there are two country acts coming this year, and no rock. First of all country is popular and the decision makers take advice from people in the know. Plus... where were you guys last year when Night Ranger was great, but played to an empty park? "

what about wrote on Apr 15, 2008 9:03 AM:

" I agree that Ashton Shepard is horrible. She was a fill in act last night on the CMT awards show and her voice is kinda like nails on the chalkboard. At least it was to me. I hadn't really heard her before and what a dissapointment. I guess I can save some money this year by not buying a concert ticket. Last years acts were so much better. "

Becky wrote on Apr 15, 2008 9:13 AM:

" Do you know what you get when you play country music backwards?....You get your wife back, your dog back and your truck back! "

pointb wrote on Apr 15, 2008 9:28 AM:

" I will admit that I am not really a country fan either, but alot of people are- surely that is the reason for picking country in both Mattoon and Charelston events..plus budget has got to be a consideration. "

pj1983 wrote on Apr 15, 2008 9:36 AM:

" there's actually a song called "when you play a country song backwards" by Rascal Flatts. it's pretty hilarious. and not all country music is like that. In the past few years it seems as though the headliners of Bagelfest have all been country. is that because that's the only people the committee can get? i can see how big name groups wouldn't want to play in Mattoon. IMHO County performers are generally from small towns/used to the small town atmosphere and more willing to play smaller venues. "

Tom Andres wrote on Apr 15, 2008 12:03 PM:

" Hey, what about an Artistics or a Rhythm Aces reunion concert - or both? Or, how about several local area bands performing for free and competing for cash prizes (the same amount we spend for the better known professionals)? "

scottnsara2001 wrote on Apr 15, 2008 12:53 PM:

" I'm not much of a country music fan, but it's always fun eating something my wife can't in front of her..okay, I'm cruel...but it's her choice to bodybuild, not mine.
scottnsara2001@yahoo.com "

Billie Brant wrote on Apr 15, 2008 2:01 PM:

" Tom, Yup! I remember Carl Smith! My dad had a funny expierence with him well over 50 years ago. Dad had been out of town on business and he stopped in a little roadhouse bar on the way home for a cool one. While sitting and sipping his brew he struck up a conversation with the fellow sitting next to him. Dad introduced himself and the gentleman told dad his name was Carl Smith. Dad asked "The singer?" The guy said"yes". Dad not believing him quipped "Yeah and I'm Dwight D. Eisenhower!" The guy got up, left the bar and soon came back in with his guitar, and there on the neck was written CARL SMITH! For once in his life dad was speechless and redfaced! The rest of the afternoon was spent with Carl Smith playing his guitar and entertaing the patrons in that samll bar. I was suprised that dad didn't regognize him .He was a huge fan. I guess he just wasn't expecting to see him and it didn't register. WAY back then though, not everyone had TV's and the entertainers weren't as visable as they are now...... Rotty if the great Patsy Cline were still with us, I would be on the front row!!! Our own hometown girl Jackie Lawson, would be a good act too. She's a great singer and a friend to boot!.... I took my dad to see Marty Stuart the summer before dad died and we had a ball! Dad was a teeny bit disappointed that he didn't do a little more of his Bluegrass and Traditional stuff( he's a killer mandolin player) but still he enjoyed the show! It was great to see him give all the guys in the band a chance to show off their individual talents as well. He was not afraid to "share" the stage. "

sapient wrote on Apr 15, 2008 5:45 PM:

" You poor ignorant middle classers probably are just clinging to country or rock music because you feel left out by our government. That's what happens in small town America you know. "

Harry Potter wrote on Apr 16, 2008 7:34 AM:

" Perhaps you're confused again, sapient, this one is about Bagelfest. The political threads are over on the opinions page. Glad to be of help. "

Rotty wrote on Apr 16, 2008 8:31 AM:

" What kind of music are you into, sapient?
This ought to be good.
LOL

"

sapient wrote on Apr 16, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Thanks Harry P. for straightening me out. Here I thought this was all about opinion. Silly me. "

ed miller wrote on Apr 16, 2008 11:48 AM:

" Tom Andres wrote on Apr 15, 2008 12:03 PM:
" how about several local area bands performing for free and competing for cash prizes (the same amount we spend for the better known professionals)? "

That's a pretty good idea. We could maybe set up different stages for different genres, like they did at Decatur Celebration and have sort of an "Idol" competition. "

Harry Potter wrote on Apr 16, 2008 11:53 AM:

" You're welcome! "

medic57 wrote on Apr 16, 2008 2:14 PM:

" Do you know what you get when you play country music backwards?....You get your wife back, your dog back and your truck back! " ----- And you get your mamma back :) if she didn't get runned over by a damned ole train.

"

medic57 wrote on Apr 16, 2008 2:16 PM:

" A few years ago they had The Oak Ridge Boys, The Buckinghams and the Glenn Miller Band, what happened to that kind of Baglefest? "

sapient wrote on Apr 16, 2008 4:02 PM:

" I kinda like the big band sound, but I guess that dates me. I'm thinking that I really like it because I feel left out by the government. O! there I go again bypassing the opinion page. Darn! "

steve senteney wrote on Apr 16, 2008 4:21 PM:

" Without knowing all the facts, I suspect the Bagelfest committee accepts volunteer members. Not knowing who is on this committee, I inquire if any of the complainers have volunteered their time and effort to this committee. It is easy to complain, it is when one complains, they should be willing to provide solutions to include becoming involved. That involvement will will require time and effort.

So to those who do not like the way Bagelfest is organized or managed, please consider volunteering your services to the committee.

There is nothing wrong with disagreeing with how a committee and in this case the Bagelfest committee operates and makes decisions, but at least be willing to put in your time and effort as those who are on the committee do.
Steve Senteney "

Harry Potter wrote on Apr 16, 2008 5:37 PM:

" Does anyone else find Little Miss Goodie Two Shoes lectures a little annoying. Really, Steve, your condescending comments are getting rather tiresome. And is it really true that J. Edgar wore a dress? Just wondering..... "

Billie Brant wrote on Apr 16, 2008 5:57 PM:

" I like The Big Bands too sapient!

I wish Eastern would get Dr. John for Celebration! He would be perfect for it. Just give him a stage, a mike, and a piano and he's good to go! He doesn't need a band to back him up! What he does on those "88's" is nothing short of amazing! After listening to him and his "magic fingers on those keys, it makes me want to roll my "88's" down the steep "holler"( "hollow" for all of you that aren't Rednecks) in my back yard! LOL! "

steve senteney wrote on Apr 16, 2008 10:41 PM:

" Mr. Potter:
My remarks were certainly not intended to be condesending to anyone, but more of a recruitment pitch for citizen involvement. We are all equal whether on this forum or in life in general. I was encouraging those who are unhappy with Bagelfest to consider volunteering their time and efforts to serve on the committee. What is wrong with those who have differing opinions from serving on the committee? I believe it is good to have a committee with individuals with different ideas and thoughts. Some of the posters have made good recommendations in my opinion, their recommendations could probably best be implimented if they volunteered to serve.
I served on the Mattoon 150 year sesquentennial committee and found it interesting, but disappointing. I certainly offered opinions that were not accepted, but at least I got to voice my ideas. The major problem from my observations with the committee and the sesquicentennial celebration as a whole was the lack of volunteers who were willing to give of their time and effort. I was disappointed with the celebration and believed it was not up to the standards of the 100 year centennial celebration which had many volunteers on many committees. I believed the celebration in 1955 was much better organized, more citizen and community involvement and attended than the celebration in 2005.

I will defend anyone's right to speak their mind regardless of whether I agree with it or not. I have offered before, I will buy the coffee and maybe even breakfast for anyone that has a desire to meet face to face to discuss issues such as this if they disagree with me. I will leave the name calling to others and not resort to personal attacks on this forum or if anyone takes me up on my offer of coffee at the location of their choosing.
Steve Senteney "

pj1983 wrote on Apr 17, 2008 7:44 AM:

" i don't think anyone was actually COMPLAINING, merely stating that some variety would be nice. the last few years all of the main acts have ben country acts (which i happen to like) but this community is rather diverse with different tastes. while you can't evpect to make everyone happy, with a little variety, you should be able to make a lot of them happy.

as for what you get when you play a country song backwards, i still think Rascal Flatts says it best:
Ya get your house back – ya get your dog back
Ya get your best friend Jack back
Ya get your truck back – ya get your hair back
Ya get your first and second wives back
Your front porch swing, your pretty little thing
Your bling, bling, bling and a diamond ring
You get your farm and the barn
And the boat and the Harley
First night in jail with Charlie

Ya get your mind back, your nerves back
Your first heart attack back
You get your pride back, get your life back
You get your first real love back
You get your big screen TV
A DVD and a washing machine
You get the pond and the lawn
The bail and the mower
You get to go back where you don’t know her

"

Harry Potter wrote on Apr 17, 2008 5:20 PM:

" Yes, yes, Stevie, but what about the dress? If I didn't know better, I would think you were ignoring the question. LOL "

lojack wrote on Apr 22, 2008 4:53 PM:

" Two years ago the main act was .38 Special. Last year was Night Ranger. Why can we not have a little country music? I have an idea, if you don't like the bands playing this year, you can stay home and use your time to complain on this website. Although it looks like a majority of you have plenty of free time to do just that. "

pj1983 wrote on Apr 22, 2008 6:38 PM:

" actually, LOJACK, the main performers the last 5 years have all been country acts.

2007:Luke Bryan and Emerson Drive
2006:Jason Aldean and Billy Currington
2005:Terri Clark
2004:Gary Allan
2003:Darryl Worley and Chris Cagle

not that i'm complaining, i like country music, but a little variety would be welcome. "

lojack wrote on Apr 23, 2008 3:03 PM:

" I think that .38 special put on a great show. I am not saying that country bands have not played every year. So I am not for sure the variety you all are talking about. Each year there has been rock acts as well. "

pj1983 wrote on Apr 23, 2008 10:24 PM:

" i'm just talking about the main stage. they've managed to get some pretty big name counrty acts. so why not some big name rock acts? they have other genres play the main stage friday night and also in the beer tent. "

lojack wrote on Apr 25, 2008 11:45 AM:

" I would agree with you. I love music of most genres. I would welcome a big name rock band. One with a current album would be nice! Just need to find one that is not packing huge arenas and is willing to play on a ball diamond when it is hot as hell outside. "