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Soybean Festival brings campus and community together


Whether it’s a country music show, a gospel concert, classic rock performance, an evening of Big Band music or soul and jazz, the 11th Annual Tennessee Soybean Festival, Sept. 7-12, has it.

Free concerts on the stage on Lindell Street in downtown Martin will feature Brian McComas, country artist; Larnelle Harris, gospel performer; Classic Rock All-Stars; Tequila Sunrise, an Eagles tribute group; and the Soul Shockers. Rounding out musical entertainment will be Radio Daze, performing big band selections; The Peacemakers, the Memphis Police Department’s nationally known choral group; and 10-O-C, a six-member rockabilly band.

“We are really pleased with the way the free concert schedule enhances the overall festival,” said David Belote, festival chairman, Martin alderman and UTM assistant vice chancellor for student affairs.

“There should be something for every musical preference in this year’s offerings,” said Belote.

Radio Daze, focusing on music from the big band era, will lead off the concerts at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7. The 23-piece band hails from Nashville and performs music from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s made popular by Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters. Many are played in the original arrangements.

Larnelle Harris, with more than two decades of recording, five Grammys and 10 Dove Awards, will headline the Faith and Community evening entertainment at 7 p.m. Sept. 8. A native of Danville, Ky., Harris has made numerous network television appearances and had more than a dozen No. 1 records. A community choir also will perform. The concert will be preceded by a community dinner and a Celebration of Community Service which begins at 5 p.m.

The Soul Shockers, with a blend of R&B, jazz and oldies, will take center stage at 9 p.m. Sept. 9. The five members of the Soul Shockers hail from Memphis and are applauded for their high-energy performance.

On Sept. 10, The Peacemakers, an a cappella group formed in 1986 for the City of Memphis’ first Police Memorial Service, will perform at 7 p.m. The police officers have appeared at 5,000 programs performing for nearly 1 million people and entertained at NFL, NBA and NHL games and on Good Morning America three times.

The Peacemakers will be followed at 9 p.m. by the Classic Rock All-Stars featuring Jerry Corbetta, lead singer/keyboard player of Sugarloaf; Mike Pinera, lead singer/guitarist of Iron Butterfly and Blues Image; Peter Rivera, lead singer/drummer of Rare Earth; and Dennis Noda of Cannibal and the Headhunters.

At 4 p.m., Sept. 11, 10-O-C will take the stage. With four leads vocalists, the group’s show consists of Top 40 cover tunes, blues, old rock and roll, classic country, novelty songs, rockabilly and original material. Members, all West Tennessee natives, include David McAlpin on lead guitar and lead vocals; Clint Pulse, lead and backup vocals; Keith Sasser, bass guitar and vocals; Phillip Taylor, percussion; and Lee McAlpin, piano, keyboard and backup vocals.

At 7 p.m., Sept. 11, Nashville-based Tequila Sunrise will perform an Eagles tribute.

Capping the week’s entertainment at 9 p.m., Sept. 11, will be Brian McComas, who scored a Top 10 country hit with “99.9% Sure.” His new single, “You’re in My Head,” is now airing.

Concert-goers are encouraged to take a lawn chair.

The UT Martin Skyhawk vs. Tennessee State football game will be part of the festival with kickoff at 7 p.m., Sept. 9. A host of pre-game and halftime activities are planned beginning with a tailgate picnic at 5 p.m.

NASCAR fans will have a special attraction, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car, which will be displayed from 3-9 p.m., Sept. 10, downtown and from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Sept. 11, at the car and truck show.

Also part of this year’s event are the 11th Annual Chicken Crazy, Hog Wild Barbecue Cookoff, sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc., the 8th Annual Car and Truck Show, sponsored by MTD Products, Inc. and Universal Graphics, the Mayor’s Kickoff Luncheon, featuring Bob Kesling, the “Voice of the Vols, ” a motorcycle show, children’s events and barrel racing and team roping events. A farmer’s breakfast, golf tournament, road race, pet show, senior adult shuffleboard tournament, carnival rides, soccer jamboree and quilt show add to the festivities. For the first time, the festival will offer a soccer classic on Sept. 4-5 and a talent contest, Sept. 6.

The festival is sponsored in part by the city of Martin, First Citizens National Bank, Martin Area Ministerial Alliance, MTD Products, Inc., Tyson Foods, Inc., the University of Tennessee at Martin and Union City Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Complete festival information and schedule are posted on the Web at www.tnsoybeanfestival.org