This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, June 1, 2012 - The four-night Twangfest music festival, presented by 88.1 KDHX, can be found at the Schlafly Tap Room and Blueberry Hill Duck Room from June 6-9. Fourteen artists will perform Americana music, throughout the event. Americana music combines the styles of American folk, Western swing, Rhythm and Blues, bluegrass, polka and other older forms.
Roy Kasten, a volunteer and member of the "Twang gang," a group that organizes the festival, said Twangfest is "the little festival that could."
Twangfest is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the tradition and culture of Americana music.
Kasten said the nonprofit aspect of the festival makes it unique. He said the goal is not to make a lot of money, but to showcase quality music.
Artists such as Kelly Hogan, Ha Ha Tonka and Wussy will be returning to Twangfest this year. Humming House, a group that classifies its genre as Irish Porch Stomp, mixes rock, swing and Irish music will be making its debut in St. Louis at the festival.
Kasten said the festival provides quality music, but gives artists who don't have the chance to perform at other festivals, the opportunity to show off their talents. He said he is looking forward to hearing Kelly Hogan perform again, who he said is a great performer that can sing all types of music.
Twangfest is conscious of paying respect to great artists with long careers, Kasten said. He also said the festival does give young artists an opportunity as well.
Twangfest will open June 6 with performances by Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three, Humming House and Prairie Rehab.
Kasten is optimistic about this year's festival. He said he believes two nights will sell out.
"It's looking really good," he said.
The full event schedule is below. For more information on Twangfest, go to http://twangfest.com/.
Twangfest Schedule
Wednesday, June 6
Schlafly Tap Room (2100 Locust) 8 p.m.
- Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three
- Humming House
- Prairie Rehab
Thursday, June 7
The Duck Room (Blueberry Hill, 6504 Delmar), 8 p.m.
- Kelly Hogan
- Wussy
- Deano & the Purvs
- Pretty Little Empire
Friday, June 8,
The Duck Room, 8 p.m.
- Ha Ha Tonka
- Langhorne Slim
- Kasey Anderson and the Honkies
Saturday, June 9, 2012
The Duck Room 8 p.m.
- John Doe
- Kevin Gordon
- Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers
- Rough Shop