Bellson Music Fest at Bellson Music Fest at Rb&w District

The 3rd Annual Bellson Music Fest will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the RB&W District in Rock Falls, IL. This year is a Centennial Celebration of the legacy of LOUIE BELLSON (1924-2009) the Rock Falls native who rose to become the renowned drummer, composer, band leader and six-time Grammy nominee. The event is hosted by Rock Falls Tourism which works closely with Bellson’s widow Francine Bellson (louiebellson.com) and Josh Duffee (music director from Davenport, IA).
We are pleased to announce special featured musical guest Steve Smith who served as drummer for the iconic band “Journey”. Steve Smith was named best all-round drummer numerous times by Modern Drummer magazine as well as Modern Drummer’s top 25 drummers of all time and Rolling Stone’s 100 top drummers. In 2017, Smith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with Journey....

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The 3rd Annual Bellson Music Fest will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the RB&W District in Rock Falls, IL. This year is a Centennial Celebration of the legacy of LOUIE BELLSON (1924-2009) the Rock Falls native who rose to become the renowned drummer, composer, band leader and six-time Grammy nominee. The event is hosted by Rock Falls Tourism which works closely with Bellson’s widow Francine Bellson (louiebellson.com) and Josh Duffee (music director from Davenport, IA).
We are pleased to announce special featured musical guest Steve Smith who served as drummer for the iconic band “Journey”. Steve Smith was named best all-round drummer numerous times by Modern Drummer magazine as well as Modern Drummer’s top 25 drummers of all time and Rolling Stone’s 100 top drummers. In 2017, Smith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with Journey.
Steve Smith will kick off the Bellson Music Fest by conducting a drum clinic at the McCormick Event Center. (11 am)

Five bands consisting of big band, jazz and music honoring Louie Bellson will be played from 12 noon to 9:30 pm at the RB&W District amphitheater. Featured to perform is Steve Smith and Vital Information, consisting of Smith, Manuel Valera and Janek Gwizdala. Steve Smith says, “Our music allows for individual expression and re-invention. We thrive on swing, groove and creativity. We want to surprise each other every night on the bandstand with new ideas and in the process keep our audience ‘in the moment’ with us.”

Announcements of the other bands performing are forthcoming.

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