Birthplace of Route 66 Festival organizers have added an additional night of free entertainment to kick off the festival. The Rockin’ the Route 66 Kickoff Concert and street party will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11 at the Aaron Sachs Stage (Jefferson Avenue and McDaniel Street) with Static in the Attic featuring former Springfield City Manager Greg Burris, Missouri State University provost Dr. Chris Craig and Jeff Lowry, playing eclectic acoustic rock.
At 8 p.m., America’s No. 1 live party band will take the stage. Dallas-based Emerald City Band – a high-energy 13-piece band – will play a variety of genres, such 1960s Motown to 1970s disco/funk/ R&B to 1980s and ‘90s jams all the way up to current hits.
“We are very excited to bring the festival back and are adding an extra evening to extend the celebration. Emerald City Band has such a diverse song list that I’m sure there will be something for everyone. Come downtown and help us make this the biggest street party Springfield has ever seen!”