Main Stage Entertainment Under 21 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Big bands: National acts signed Country group Sawyer Brown and alternative rock bands Gin Blossoms and the BoDeans are scheduled to play June 12 to 14 in Carson Park. "We're extremely pleased with the ability to bring in the quality acts that we got this year," said Brian Sandy, marketing and promotions manager at the Eau Claire Press Co. Eau Claire Press Company, which publishes the Leader-Telegram and The Country Today newspapers, sponsors Sawdust City Days. The company revived the dormant festival in 2006. Sawdust City Days will feature a 50-by-40-foot stage to give everyone close views of the bands, Sandy said. Organizers expect 15,000 people to attend the four-day festival. "Any one of the three acts could sell out," Sandy said. Together for 20 years, the Gin Blossoms exploded on the national music scene with the 1992 album "New Miserable Experience." The disc sold 3 million copies and produced hits "Hey Jealousy," "Found Out About You" and "Until I Fall Away." The Arizona band's next album, "Congratulations I'm Sorry," spawned the hit "Follow You Down" and earned a Grammy nomination. After a five-year breakup, Gin Blossoms reunited in 2002. The group's latest album is "Major Lodge Victory." Florida band Sawyer Band has been together for more than two decades. The veteran country act has released 20 albums and has scored hits with singles such as "Some Girls Do," "Step That Step" and "The Walk." Led by singer Mark Miller, Sawyer Brown is known for energetic live shows despite a relentless touring schedule. Waukesha group the BoDeans have released 10 albums. Formed in 1984, the band came to prominence in 1996 after the popular TV show "Party of Five" adopted "Closer to Free" as its theme song. Even before Top 40 exposure, the BoDeans enjoyed a faithful fan base that broke an attendance record at Summerfest in Milwaukee. "Although the BoDeans aren't as mainstream radio, they still have a following in the Midwest," Sandy said. |
