RISON - The reigning Arkansas Country Music Award-winning vocal group of the year Midnight South will perform at 6:30 p.m. on the Rise Up Rison Stage at this year's Rison in the Fall Festival, set for Saturday, Oct. 7.
Midnight South will perform directly before headliner David Nail takes the stage at 8 p.m.
Festival organizer Douglas Boultinghouse encourages anyone attending the free concerts to bring their lawn chairs to set up on Main Street and Third Street to enjoy the live music.
Midnight South, an American country band, that utilizes shades of rock and roll, pop, and old-time music, formed organically in Central Arkansas.
"A few of us got together and started playing music," says band member Jeremy Castaldo. "We quickly realized the sound that was coming out was some-thing special, so we added a few members and began writing our own songs." In addition to Castaldo on bass, keys and vocals are Matt Sammons on vocals, Sam Williams on guitar, Darin Davis on drums and J.L. Jones on guitar, banjo and steel guitar.
Castaldo said they all had day jobs and the only time they could get together to write was after work and would play well into the midnight hours. "When it came time to choose a band name, we landed on Midnight South…us all being from the south and playing music till midnight," he said.
The band has performed as support for Kenny Chesney, Dylan Scott, Randy Houser, Easton Corbin, Frank Foster, Chapel Hart and more, now adding David Nail to that list with their show in Rison.
"This is our first time coming to Rison," said Castaldo. "We have heard great things about the community and the festival, so we jumped at the chance to be a part." The band has just finished a successful run of shows across the country with alternative rock band Sister Hazel, but look forward to performing in their home stage again.
"We love getting to perform in Arkansas and enjoy being involved with different events around the state," Castaldo said.
Heavily influenced by iconic country artists of the 1990s through the 2010s, like Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Keith Urban, Zac Brown Band, and Midland, as well as more traditional country artists such as Merle Haggard, and Arkansas' own, Johnny Cash, the group harkens back to previous eras of country music, all while providing a fresh take on a familiar sound.
Castaldo said the band's full length debut album is almost finished and is expected to be re leased in the spring. Festival attendees will get a sneak peek of that music, including the first single "Kid With The Radio," which will be released three weeks later on Oct. 27. The mu sic video for the song will also premiere on CMT.
Original music is available on all streaming platforms now, including a recently-released rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" to get a head start on the upcoming holiday season.
"We love performing and sharing our show with people from all walks of life," said Castaldo. "I think that honestly is what we are looking forward to most about the festival. That and get ting to share the stage with such talented artists… and the funnel cakes.”
Boultinghouse confirms there will be funnel cakes to look forward to, in addition to several other food varieties.
Midnight South’s performance will follow the Cleveland County Community Theater Showcase at 3:30 p.m. and the Chad Marshall Band at 5 p.m.