NIBROC lands musical giants Kansas, Percy Sledge

Entertainment for the 2005 NIBROC FunFest has been set and festival organizers are saying it will be the biggest year ever.
Last Friday, Bruce Carpenter, Director of Tourism and chief organizer of the festival, announced contracts had been signed for two musical acts to round out the festival’s free music lineup – classic rock goliath’s Kansas and soul legend Percy Sledge.
“This is a huge year, no doubt,” Carpenter said. “It’s going to be one of the best we’ve had. We’ve got top national acts every night that I think reach a different group, from gospel all the way to country. I don’t think there’s anyone that can touch us this year as far as a festival that offers all free entertainment.”
Kansas, who released their first album in 1974, has endured through the last three decades as a legend. The group has produced eight gold albums and three six-time-platinum albums since their debut. Their biggest hit, “Carry on Wayward Son” was the No. 2 most played track on classic rock radio in 1995 and was No. 1 in 1997. “Dust in the Wind,” another of the groups big songs, was No. 6 on the Billboard chart in 1978.
In 2000, Kansas recorded “Somewhere to Elsewhere,” the first CD featuring all the band’s original members in 20 years. The group is touring in Europe before coming to North America this summer. Carpenter said the band has all its original members on tour.
Kansas will be playing at NIBROC on Friday, Aug. 12.
Percy Sledge, best known for the enduring single “When a Man Loves a Woman” – his debut song in 1966 – will grace NIBROC’s main stage on Thursday, Aug. 11.
Sledge was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March and is known for his powerful vocals.
Carpenter said he’s been interested in booking sledge for the 53-year-old festival for several years, but was uncertain whether the singer’s vocal ability was still in top form, and if the show would fit the festival atmosphere. After witnessing Sledge in concert recently, Carpenter said his questions were answered.
“He’s still great,” Carpenter said. “It was a very upbeat and strong show. I was very well pleased with him.”
Sledge and Kansas join gospel group The Crabb Family, who will open NIBROC’s musical offerings on Wednesday, and country music newcomer Jeff Bates, the final act on Saturday. The Crabb Family and Bates were signed to perform at the festival earlier this year.
Carpenter said dedicated support by the NIBROC’s corporate sponsors was essential in getting a big musical lineup for the festival.
“We are very fortunate that our corporate sponsors back us so strongly in this,” he said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”
Overflowing crowds for last year’s Blake Shelton performance will likely be repeated again, Carpenter said. Though organizers could move the musical entertainment to another venue, he said any potential move would ruin the atmosphere.
“NIBROC is a downtown festival,” he said. “The atmosphere downtown is really good. If you move your music venue … I think it would take away from a lot of the activity that starts prior to the entertainment starting.”
NIBROC officially begins Wednesday, Aug. 10, but a carnival will be available to the public on Monday, Aug. 8.
All musical entertainment starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. rain or shine.
Organizers have made some changes to this year’s festival. The annual NIBROC parade will take place on Kentucky Ave. instead of on Main Street. Carpenter said the change was made out of safety concerns.
Also, the NIBROC car show will be moved to Main Street. Carpenters said an increase in the number of cars and motorcycles that enter both shows has caused the event to outgrow their home in the parking lot at city hall.
Inflatable play areas will be offered for children this year on Main Street.
Local bands and singers are encouraged to contact the Corbin Chamber of Commerce at 528-6390 to schedule time to perform under two large tents that will be located along Main Street.
More information on the NIBROC festival can be found online at www.corbinkentucky.us.