Fair acts feature old-time rock, smooth harmonies

By Phil Cobb | March 4, 2015 |

PASTMASTERS PHOTO
The PastMasters of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will perform two shows crammed with ’60s and ’70s dance music on Thursday, July 16, during opening night of the Nodaway County Fair.

The Nodaway County Fair Board has announced this year’s entertainment lineup for the annual downtown exposition and midway, which will return to the Maryville square on Thursday, July 16, for a three-day run ending Saturday, July 18.

Fair Board entertainment chairman Brian McPherson said two main-stage acts have been booked this year, and that each will perform two shows.

Appearing Thursday at 7:15 and 9:15 p.m. will be the PastMasters, a 1960s and ’70s cover band from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that plays “100 percent dance music 100 percent of the time.”

The band’s style emphasizes baby boomer dance fads ranging from the Twist to the Limbo set to pop hits by a diverse group of artists, including Shaun Cassidy, Elvis Presley, Sam & Dave, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Archies and the 1910 Fruitgum Company.

Members include Chad Johnson, lead vocals; Bart Carfizzi, keyboards, vocals; Layne Goldsberry, bass; Tommy Bruner, guitar/vocals; and Tom Miller, drums/vocals.

Headlining downtown on Saturday night will be Leland’s Road, a “progressive crossover” ensemble from St. Louis.

The band’s sound is rooted in the two-part harmonies of guitarist/singer Tyler Elder and vocalist Kristen Hiltner, who are backed by a rhythm section made up of Sean Archer on bass, Andrew Edmonds on drums and Grant Tracey on saxophone, keyboards and guitar.

Founded as a duo by Elder and Hiltner, Leland’s Road has a sound that merges elements of both rock and funk.

The group was picked as one of three finalists during an X-Factor competition in St. Louis and also took home the Best Young Band trophy after playing in the Chesterfield Talent Bash.

Sandwiched in between this year’s headlining bands on Friday night will be the Country Showdown, a talent contest in which performers from around the region will compete for a shot at Nashville fame and fortune.

LELAND’S ROAD PHOTO
Leland’s road, a “progressive crossover” rock and funk band from St. Louis featuring the harmonies of leaders Tyler Elder and Kristen Hiltner, will headline on the Nodaway County Fair main stage in downtown Maryville on Saturday, July 18.