Traditional country, cowboy, gospel, folk and blues music performances, a tribute to a long-time entertainer and the introduction of an up-and-coming singer/songwriter blend to make a two-day event that offers “classy music in a small-town setting.” It’s a new event called “Burton’s Bend Music Festival” and it will happen in Holbrook, Nebraska, July 30 and 31.

The new event will be held at the old Holbrook School house, which now holds the offices of the Central Plains Development Center (CPDC). The music festival is presented by ATC Communications of Arapahoe, the Village of Holbrook and CPDC.

“It’s an event for anyone who enjoys traditional music styles, and offers a chance for fans of various ages to come together to enjoy musical forms they may not often hear on radio or television,” said event producer Mary Schutz. “It’s all very casual—folks can bring their RV and stay for the weekend, or drive in and stay in an area motel or cabin…or stay for just a few hours, if they prefer.”

Janet McBride, country music artist for more than 50 years now, will be honored in a tribute program on Saturday evening.  McBride, who was a well known singer on the West Coast country music scene during the 1960s , toured the Midwest with Grand Ole Opry groups and owned and operated the Mesquite Opry in Mesquite, Texas for several years as well.  Known around the world as the “The Yodeling Queen,” she now spends much of her time working to help young artists enter the world of music performance. Her home is in Forney, Texas.

“An Introduction to Miss Alexa Whipple,” scheduled for Friday evening at 7 p.m., will include a presentation of this young artist from Arapahoe, Nebraska, and a program that includes both original and cover songs. Whipple is quickly becoming known as a song stylist whose repertoire and abilities cover several genres, and just recently released her second CD. The 15-year-old has already received several awards for her talent and hopes to one day have a career in some aspect of the music business.

Concerts will be performed throughout the two days by such regional entertainers as Pat Boilesen from Albion, Nebraska, a country singer/keyboardist known as “Nebraska’s Daughter”; Cindy Boehler, a torch-and-twang singer from Alma, Nebraska; Charley Groth, a mandolinist, guitarist and folk/blues singer from Florida; Karol Dyess,a country singer and opry house manager from Texas; Tex & Mary Schutz, country singers from Nebraska and Texas; Jim Barnes, a country ballad singer from Orleans, Nebraska; as well as Janet McBride, Alexa Whipple and several local entertainers.

In addition, local entertainers are invited to participate during a special showcase scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Concerts are scheduled on two stages: the Auditorium Stage and the Classroom Stage. Activities start at 10 a.m. each day and continue until about 10 p.m., with breaks for lunch and supper.  All activities are indoors in air-conditioned comfort.

Festival-goers are encouraged to come on Thursday and take part in various shopping excursions around the communities of Holbrook and nearby Arapahoe, and include a visit to the Furnas/Gosper County Museum in Arapahoe as part of their weekend of fun.

The “Burton’s Bend” name for this music festival comes from the former name of the town of Holbrook.  According to the Nebraska Historical Society, General Carr’s Republican Valley Expedition cleared this area of hostile Indians in 1869.  In 1870, Isaac “Ben” Burton settled near a bend of the Republican River at the 100th meridian.  Burton, the first permanent settler of Furnas County, and his partner, H. Dice, established the Burton’s Bend Trading Post, which supplied necessities to the buffalo-hide hunters, who soon killed off the great herd that lived in the area.  For many years, the community continued to be known as Burton’s Bend, but after the railroad came, its name was changed to Holbrook.

Admission to the “Burton’s Bend Music Festival” is $11 for an adult day pass and $20 for a two-day pass. Day passes for youngsters aged 12 to 17 are $6, with a two-day pass selling for $10. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paying adult. Tickets are available only at the door.

RV spots with electricity are available at the city park located across the street from the festival venue.  Full service RV spots are available in nearby Arapahoe. Food concessions, showers and restroom facilities are available as well.

Holbrook is located in south-central Nebraska, west of Arapahoe and east of Cambridge on Highway 6/34.  The festival site is on the south side of the highway, across from the City Park. For GPS users, the physical address is 416 Center Avenue, Holbrook, Nebraska.

Music fans can learn more about this event by visiting www.burtonsbendmusicfestival or calling 903-467-9545.