Renowned AZ Entertainers Headline Free Prescott Centennial Fest
By Mariah Fleming
On Sept. 16th, 17th and 18th Prescott comes alive with some of the best music around and it’s all for free. Big name Arizona-linked entertainers will take the stage to celebrate the historical Arizona Centennial. It’s all happening at the Arizona Best Fest in Prescott. The event headlines a three-day Arizona showcase celebrating history, food, culture, science and much more in historic downtown Prescott. Event hours are Friday 5-10pm; Saturday 10am-10pm and Sunday 11am – 6pm. The Arizona Best Fest Series leads an active calendar of Arizona Centennial Signature Events and Projects.
On Friday Sept 16th the Mainstage lineup boasts fantastic virtuoso rock guitarist Nils Lofgren and rock ‘n roll veterans The Tubes. On Saturday Sept 17th, Arizona favorite, the wildly popular Jerry Riopelle, will get the crowd moving with his rhythmic rock/blues. Also lighting up the Mainstage will be American Idol-turned superstar, singer Jordin Sparks.
Just preceding Ms. Sparks on the Mainstage, a historical musical retrospective aptly titled ‘Salute to Arizona’ is on tap, accompanied by a festive fireworks display. And no centennial festival would be complete without Arizona’s Official State Historian Marshall Trimble and Arizona’s Official State Balladeer Dolan Ellis, who will both take to the Mainstage. On Sunday Sept. 18, world famous Arizona native, ‘Mr. Las Vegas’ himself, Wayne Newton will perform.
“Highlighting the celebration with Arizona based mainstage headliners is the perfect icing on the Arizona Centennial birthday cake! We’re delighted and honored to have each of them take the stage!” said Arizona Centennial Commission Deputy Director Mandi Wimmer.
Shuttle buses are scheduled for easy access to historic downtown Prescott and available at Rodeo Village and The Frontier Village throughout Best Fest in Prescott. For more information on the vast array of Arizona culture and history to take in, as well as the fun and interactive experiences available during the Best Fest in Prescott, go to www.az100years.org