A popular Fort Atkinson summertime event, Rhythm on the River, has been restyled this year and will be held as a daytime music festival, according to information released by the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Fort Atkinson Summer Charity Concerts, the two groups hosting the event, which is in its 18th year.
The revised event, called Rhythm “Remix,” will be held Saturday, Aug. 21, at various locations throughout the city of Fort Atkinson.
According to information released by the two groups, the new format was developed to promote health and safety among event-goers by providing entertainment that will be spread out among several venues. The new format encourages smaller gatherings and more family-focused activities.
A decision to embrace the new format was made by the Rhythm on the River Committee in March.
According to the release, committee members agreed it was important to have a post-pandemic festival, as long as the event did not jeopardize the health and safety of residents and visitors.
This year, the release stated, the free event will feature six venues with regional musical talents scheduled to perform at each one throughout the day. The venues include Café Carpe, Jones Market, Tavern on Rock, Riverwalk Plaza overlooking the Rock River, and the Rotary Pavilion along the Glacial River Bike Trail. Students within the Fort Atkinson School District also will perform at the Barrie Park band shell.
The program was developed to appeal to event-goers with a variety of musical tastes, the release stated.
Those scheduled to perform include:
• Jason Petitt at the Riverwalk Plaza from 10 a.m. to noon.
• 1Fort Schools Stage at Barrie Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Noah Hittner at Jones Market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Derek Ramnarace at the Rotary Pavilion from noon to 2 p.m.
• John Gay at Cafe Carpe from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• Two Polecats at Tavern on Rock from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Ad Hoc Trio at Riverwalk Plaza from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• The Dowsers at Jones Market from 2 to 4 p.m.
• 7000apart at the Rotary Pavilion from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Driftless at Cafe Carpe from 3 to 5 p.m.
• Altar Boy Picnic at Tavern on Rock from 4 to 6 p.m.
Information about the artists, as supplied within the release, follows.
Jason Petitt
Jason Petitt is an energetic acoustic solo musician and guitar player that has been playing and performing for most of his adult life. His style pulls together elements of reggae, funk, rock, and blues, creating an original musical sound as well as a diverse and large span of cover material done in a refreshing way.
Noah Hittner
Influenced by everything from folk-rock to hip-hop, Noah Hittner has recorded and released several albums which blend the singer-songwriter, acoustic, rock, urban, and electronic styles into a singular “Acoustic-Tronic” genre. Noah performs with the use of a looper pedal and various effects, creating a wildly entertaining, full-band sound.
Derek Ramnarace
Derek Ramnarace is a singer and songwriter from Baraboo bringing an earthy, simple and rich flavor to the scene. Derek is known for his relaxed approach to creating textured arrangements to underscore the emotionally raw delivery of his introspective and heartfelt lyrics. Touching on subjects of love, loss, failure and redemption, his songs are informed by his struggles.
John Gay
Singer-Songwriter John Gay brings a gritty, contemplative sound to his Americana-Country-Christian style. In 2017, John started performing his solo acoustic set at various venues around southeastern Wisconsin, playing original music along with covers of his favorite artists such as Jason Isbell, The Lumineers, Chris Stapleton and Zach Williams.
Two Polecats
Two Polecats is made up of Jesse and Angela, two musicians that are playing and singing all the favorite Madpolecats songs and more. Two Polecats tailor their songs to the crowd’s desire; chances are they will play a song that is surprising to hear from a tenor guitar and fiddle.
Ad Hoc Trio
Ad Hoc Trio is made up of Steve Borchardt, Perry Baird and Christien Ellestad. As both solo musicians and as members of various area musical groups through the years, the three are very familiar to local audiences for performing folk, pop, country, and traditional songs accompanied by acoustic guitar, mandolin, and violin.
The Dowsers
The Dowsers are a trio group embodying an eclectic blend of acoustic rock, pop, blues and jazz.
7000apart
Amelie Eiding and Jon Kresin are a husband-and-wife pop duo called 7000apart, a reference to the 7000 kilometers from her bedroom in Stockholm, Sweden, to his college dorm room in Kentucky during their dating years. This indie-pop duo aims to create music that resonates with others, creating joy in every moment.
The Driftless
The Driftless is a Cambridge-based band specializing in classic country, bluegrass, rock, and folk by bringing reimagined music with soul to all listeners. The five-person band is made up of Dave Kratovil, Will Peters, Mark Hansen, Joe Lundsten, Matt “Huck” Gent, Jake Kemler, and Jim Fitzgerald. Amazing vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, 12 string guitar, mandolin, percussion, and bass guitar all make an appearance during performances.
Altar Boy Picnic
Altar Boy Picnic is a group made up of four local musicians, including Gerry, DJ, Jacob and Bruce, that share an eclectic mix of B-side material from favorite artists ranging from the 60’s through today.
‘Rhythm After Hours’
Additional music may be provided by local bars and restaurants into the evening for what organizers are calling “Rhythm After Hours.” A food court, kids’ activities, and an event passport with local business specials is also included in the celebration. Updates will be posted at www.rhythmremix.com or on the Rhythm Remix Facebook event.
For more information about Rhythm Remix and other events and activities scheduled this summer, visit the chamber’s website at www.fortchamber.com.
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