Cord Fitch Memorial (So IL) Steel Show April 24-25 - Schedule Posted

[Dennis Stroughmatt]

The Cord Fitch Memorial Steel Guitar Show will now be hosted in Benton, IL (on I-57) at the Benton Civic Center. Music will be 10am to 10pm both days. Steel guitarists on the show will include the following:
Doug Jernigan (TN)
Lynn Owsley (TN)
Caleb Lindley (TX)
Russ Wever (MO)
Jim Loessberg (TX)
Albert Svenddal (MN)
Darrell Cummings
Barry Wheeler
Gary Lloyd
Nick Stine
Tyler Davenport
Dan Burnham
Larry Dolan
Dave Bolin
Ron Kyne & Ronald Kyne Jr.
Virgil Franklin
Kendell Scott
Clayton Deering

At least one (or possibly two) more steel guitarist will be added to this lineup.

On Saturday April 25 at 10am, Doug Jernigan will be giving a steel guitar workshop that will focus on excerpts from his instructional book on steel guitar. Anyone can attend this workshop for $50, paid directly to Doug. And there will be room to set up steel guitars for this workshop. The same space will also be available for those who would like to jam with other players after the workshop.

Featured vocal artists also performing at the show will include Leona Williams, Ron Williams, Amber Digby, and Merlin Gene. Merlin Gene and Dow Smith will serve as MC's for the weekend.

There will be a buffet onsite for purchase both days during meal times. For more info please go to https://www.purplepass.com/events/34821 ... -24th-2026

[Dennis Stroughmatt]

This is the final schedule, but is always subject to some possible changes. Don't forget that Doug Jernigan will also be doing a workshop on Saturday morning, April 25 at 10am.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Benton, IL!

Friday April 24
10am Nick Stine
10:30am Clayton Deering
11am Gary Lloyd
1130am Set Change
11:45am Virgil Franklin
12:15pm Kendall Scott
12:45pm Dave Bolin
1:15pm Craig Davidson
1:45pm Set Change
2pm Barry Wheeler
2:30pm Ron Kyne and Ron Jr
3pm Larry Dolan
3:30pm Darrell Cummings
4pm Dianne Johnson-Shriners
4:30pm Russ Wever
5pm Albert Svenddal
5:30pm Joe Arview w/Albert S.
6:15pm Set Change
6:30pm Lynn Owsley
7pm Tyler Davenport
7:30pm Doug Jernigan
8pm Jim Loessberg
8:30pm Ron Williams w/Jim L.
9:10pm Leona Williams w/Doug J.

Saturday April 25
10am Virgil Franklin
10:30am Tyler Davenport
11am Ron Kyne and Ron Jr
11:30am Set Change
11:45am Clayton Deering and Nick Stine
12:15pm Albert Svenddal
12:45 pm Set Change
1pm Larry Dolan and Dave Bolin
1:30pm Gary Lloyd
2pm Set Change
2:15pm Barry Wheeler
2:45pm StoWel Family Gospel
3:30pm Dan Burnham
4pm Set Change
4:15pm Darrell Cummings
4:45pm Dennis Stroughmatt w/Darrell C.
5:30pm Dinner Break
6:15pm Lynn Owsley
6:45pm Doug Jernigan
7:15pm Russ Wever
7:45 Set Change
8pm Jim Loessberg
8:30pm Caleb Lindley
8:50pm Amber Digby w/Caleb L.