Corvette Funfest Entertainment    

Funfest is all about our customers and we like to let them know how much we truly appreciate them.  Not only do we provide a show with an endless display of Corvettes, we go above and beyond to give them the best entertainment possible.  From our first attempt at headline entertaiment, the Marshall Tucker Band to REO Speedwagon, our goal is to exceed your expectations.  How can we keep making it better? Your support and challenge is how we do it!  We are excited to welcome The Guess Who to our stage this year, but let’s not forget our past guests who kept our customers dancing and singing all night long!                     

2011–Don Felder, An Evening at the Hotel California with Opening Act Super Deluxe

Don Felder, legendary lead guitarist with the Eagles for 27 years, along with his band rocked Corvette Funfest 2011.  Felder brought a rock edge to the group with his steel guitar when he joined the Eagles in 1974. He wrote and contributed to many of the Eagles songs, including the iconic “Hotel California.”            

“Don Felder: An Evening at the Hotel California” gave Corvette enthusiasts a chance to hear their favorite Eagles songs performed live by Felder and his band. As a long-time member of the band and co-writer of their biggest hit, Felder delivers an unforgettable performance. Learn more about the guitarist and songwriter at www.donfelder.com.           

Super Deluxe

Super Deluxe, a classic rock cover band that originated in 1995 in Effingham, IL entertained guests for the 2nd year prior to the main concert on Saturday night. This five person band has entertained thousands through festivals, bars and events such as Corvette Funfest and is a regular venue at the Effingham Performance Center.     

Special Sunday Concert with Travis Birch

It’s not every day that someone with roots in Effingham signs a record deal. On Sunday, September 18, ee welcomed Travis Birch to the Corvette Funfest. Birch is a native to Effingham, Ill. and released his album, “Deep Water Faith,” on iTunes.     

2010–The Guess Who with Opening Act Super Deluxe

The original members of The Guess Who appeared sporadically over the ensuing years: Jim Kale continued with the band and new members through the late 70’s; Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings toured together in 1983; there was a brief reunion from which an album and concert video were released in 1985; and the band appeared together when they were inducted into the Canadian Recording Arts & Sciences (CARAS) Hall of Fame in 1987.                   

 In 1999, the band returned to their Winnipeg roots appearing at ceremonies of the Pan Am Games.  The reunion was performed in driving rain before combined live and television audience of nearly a million people.  The excitement and personal enjoyment found in performing together again at The Guess Who inspired them to consider touring across Canada.  Months of reunion rumors were finally confirmed in March 2000 when the Running Back Thru Canada tour announced more than 24 live performances in over 22 cities across Canada.                    

The emergence of “Classic Rock” radio stations throughout North America has broadened the base of the band’s loyal followers to include more of the baby boomer generation on down to today’s teenagers.  A typical audience at a concert contain fans from 16 to 60 years old.  The popularity of The Guess Who has increased tremendously due to the strength and the highly regarded reputation of their live concert performances.                    

Membership has changed throughout the years, but the band has remained consistent behind the strengths of the original members Jim Kale (bass and vocals) and Garry Peterson (drums and vocals).  Additionally, current members include Derek Sharp (vocals and guitars), Leonard Shaw (keyboards, flute, sax, and vocals), and Laurie MacKenzie (guitars and vocals).  As they perform hit after hit in concert, it’s easy to see and hear why The Guess Who remains to be one of today’s most sought after touring attractions.                  

2009–Survivor with Opening Act The Jan & Dean Show

The signature sound that the world fell in love with in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s graced our Funfest stage with excitement.  They are best known for “Eye of the Tiger,” expressly written for the 1982 movie, “Rocky III,” which spent seven weeks at the #1 spot on U.S. charts, won a Grammy, was nominated for an Oscar, and was voted “Best New Song” by the Peoples Choice Awards.  The band continues to play regular concerts and performed “Eye of the Tiger” on the hit TV show, Dancing With the Stars.  Principle members include Frankie Sullivan (guitar and vocals), Marc Droubay (drums), Billy Ozzello (bass), and Robin McAuley (lead vocalist).  Watching them rock out on our Funfest stage really made us see how they achieved their great success.    
Funfest goers were in for a treat when The Jan & Dean Show accompanied by The OC Beach Band hit our main stage.  Guests were able to sit back and relish the ultimate good time music act of the early 1960’s.  The mere mention of their name still evokes images of suntanned teens dancing and surfing in Malibu.  A few of their hits include “Dead Man’s Curve,” “Surf City,” “Drag City,” and much more!                  

2008–Matt Poss and Rolling Thunder with Opening Act The Blue Suede Crew

We are proud to announce that our 2008 band is native to home of Funfest, Effingham, IL!  Matt Poss is known for producing his own brand of rowdy “high-octane country,” and with the release of “Hinges,” the third solo album, Matt Poss understands what it means to be both real and raw.  Today, he writes songs, sings, and travels around giving fans a taste of some “rockin’ hillbilly” tunes.  To back him up, his band, Rolling Thunder always show the crowd a good time.  Members include Rob Rennier (drums/vox), Mike McDevitt (lead guitar/vox), Dirk Baker (guitar/vox), and Dan Woolard (bass/vox)                  

It is truly hard to measure the impact that Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash had on America, but The Blue Suede Crew is a band full of fascinating and talented men who use music as a way to help fans relive old times.  The group has recreated sounds, sights, and spirits of both Elvis and Johnny.  Leading the group is Scott Wattles along with Keith Furry and Jan Daily.  They are a powerhouse group who emitt high energy and enthusiam for all who come to watch and listen.                  

2007–Three Dog Night

Three Dog Night entered the 4th decade with some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music.  In the years 1969-1974, no other group had more Top 10 Hits, moved more records, or sold more concert tickets.  The band was originally brought together by Danny Hutton and Cory Wells, and was enormously successful from the start.  Their hits wind through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio, in TV commercials, or in major motion pictures–songs like “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World,” and “Black and White” serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize their popularity.  Now, after 40 years on the road Three Dog Night continues to grow its fan base and develop new ways of doing business.  After watching them live at Funfest, it was clear that ”the old magic was still there.”                  

2006–REO Speedwagon

Rock band REO Speedwagon’s amazing success is the stuff of the legends.  Named after the classic 1990’s flatbed truck of the same name, REO has been going strong ever since its inception in Champaign, IL in 1967.  To date, the hard rockin’ band has sold over six million albums and is best known for songs such as “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep On Loving You,” as well as the classics “Roll With The Changes,” “Time For Me to Fly,” and “Take It On The Run.”  Neal Doughty formed the band and they made their name not for just great albums, but for being a huge live rock band.  The band now cruises the nation to “gigs” on their private bus, only seemingly befitting for a band named after a mode of transportation. At Funfest, we truly saw how this band was a group of real working muscians blended by consistency and change.                  

2005–The Beach Boys

Formed in 1961, The Beach Boys are a true American Rock Band.  They gained instant popularity for their close vocal harmonies and lyrics reflecting life in Sourthern California.  Youth, cars, surfing, and romance were just a few themes for their classic hits.  They not only became major pop stars in the U.S., but also in other countries around the world.  During their career, they recorded 36 U.S. Top 40 Hits, including four #1 Singles and many best-selling albums.  They have been linked to stars like The Beatles, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and more.  Today, The Beach Boys continue to tour and it was clear from their show, that they always provide fun, fun, fun.                   

                  

                  

2004–Dean Simmons: Garth Brooks Tribute
2003–”1964″ Beatles Tribute
2002–Fireworks
2001–Amy White
2000–Funfest Carnival Theme
1999–Denny Dent
1998–Elton John Tribute
1997–Marshall Tucker
1996–”1964″ Beatles Tribute
1995–”Rebel Without a Cause” at the Heart Theatre
1994–String Quartet