Ben Haggard headlines Folsom Americana Fest concert at Dan Russell Arena

Beneath the stars at Dan Russell Arena Saturday evening, July 16, the Wildwood Performing Arts Foundation presents the opening night of the second annual Folsom Americana Fest, showcasing musicians and artists nationally, regionally and locally in genres including roots country, bluegrass, rockabilly, folk and blues. With concert events at the Dan Russell Rodeo Arena; Zittel Family Amphitheater in the historic district; a Young Artists Battle of the Bands (fulfilling the foundation's mission to provide mentorship and opportunity to youth); and a special dinner event celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Folsom Cash Art Trail, including dinner conversations with John Carter Cash and other special guests, Folsom Americana Fest is poised to become the most unique festival in Folsom history.Harggard headlines tonight's concert In five decades of his career, Merle Haggard recorded more than 70 albums with 38 No. 1 singles and 71 Top 10 country hits. Ben Haggard, his youngest son, was the lead guitarist for his father's band, The Strangers, for many years. On top of playing for The Strangers, Ben forged his own career, releasing music and covering songs. His most recent release is "Demons" as a guest artist on Dolly Parton's latest album, "Run, Rose, Run." Ben and his brother Noel Haggard, along with The Strangers, headline the July 16 concert.Also playing at the Dan Russell Rodeo Arena are The HawtThorns, Kevin Marcy, Granite City Ramblers and more. The Oct. 22 concert Texas Hill is a gritty amalgam of overlapping tastes and distinct voices that meet in the middle as a bold harmonic trio. Craig Wayne Boyd offers a voice full of gospel-tinged country smoke, Adam Wakefield blends a rootsy bluegrass-and-Americana rasp and Casey James wraps it with a blue-eyed soul quality and deft blues guitar chops. The result is a band that's both rock solid and highly adaptive. Texas Hill is instantly identifiable, thanks to its well-developed signature sound — a proud, in-your-face harmonic wall.Also playing at the Dan Russell Rodeo Arena are John Carter Cash, Dirty Cello, Elvis Cantú, Lorrie Carter Bennett and more. But wait, there's more events! Young Artists Battle of the Bands will take place at the Zittel Family Amphitheater Aug. 19 and Sept. 16. The Wildwood Performing Arts Foundation provides mentorship and opportunity for youth through the performing arts. Solos, duets and bands will get their opportunity to perform on the stage in the beautiful Historic Folsom District for a chance to win an artist spot at the big final festival concert of the season Oct. 22.Brotherly Mud, John Paul Hodge and Granite City Ramblers will perform at the Zittel Family Amphitheater Aug. 20. Bring lawn chairs, sit back and enjoy the lush vocal harmonies and commanding compositions stemmed from a true passion for songcraft. Brotherly Mud is the next generation of Americana. Reserved seating options will be available. This event is free to the public, sponsored in part by the Folsom Historic District. Food, beer and wine will be available for patrons.Enjoy the country sound of Nashville recording artist Buck Ford at the Zittel Family Amphitheater Sept. 17. Also performing at the free concert are Kyle Rowland Band and Granite City Ramblers.Tickets will soon be available for the Folsom Cash Art Trail fifth anniversary celebration with John Carter Cash and other special guests at the Folsom Community Center Oct. 21 Folsom Americana Fest proceeds will benefit the Wildwood Performing Arts Foundation's programming that offers high caliber workshops, concerts and educational events to the community with a focus on American musical heritage. This festival will also benefit the Folsom Cash Art Trail. Ticket prices for tonight's event range from $10 to $70. For tickets and more information to Folsom Americana Fest events visit www.folsomfest.org or go directly to the ticket purchase page RIGHT HERE.