CENTRALIA, Ill. (WSIL) — Castle Ridge is launching a new concert series designed to spotlight emerging artists across multiple genres. The venue announced UP NEXT: The Rising Artist Series, presented by Pepsi MidAmerica, will run the last Saturday of each month from May through September.
The lakeside series will feature 14 rising acts across country, rock, pop, hip hop, Americana and more. Shows are scheduled for May 30, June 27, July 25, Aug. 29 and Sept. 26.
“This is exactly what Castle Ridge was built for,” Eric said. “UP NEXT is about identifying artists who are right on the edge of breaking big and giving fans a chance to experience them in an intimate, high-energy setting before they’re headlining arenas. The diversity in this lineup is incredible. Female-fronted acts, country, rock, hip hop, Americana, southern rock, pop, even a rising St. Louis-based band, it’s all here and it all works.”
Heath Eric is president and CEO of The Eric Group. Castle Ridge is located 45 miles east of St. Louis.
“We intentionally priced tickets to be affordable because we want thousands of fans out here discovering new music, hanging lakeside, and having an unforgettable experience,” Eric said. “This is the future of live music, and Castle Ridge is where it’s happening.”
Pepsi MidAmerica is presenting the series as part of its 90th anniversary celebration and in recognition of the upcoming America 250 milestone. The partnership includes a multi-million can panel program and in-store promotion throughout the region.
“Pepsi MidAmerica is proud to support UP NEXT: The Rising Artist Series and help bring something truly special to life,” Dickens said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to communities across our region as well as our excitement to celebrate the next generation of artists. We’re thrilled to help promote these rising stars and create memorable experiences for fans throughout our market.”
Keith Dickens is president of Pepsi MidAmerica. Greg Sutton serves as director of development at Castle Ridge.
“Castle Ridge is committed to delivering experiences that resonate with today’s audience,” Sutton said. “With the support of Pepsi MidAmerica, we’re able to introduce a series that is fresh, forward-thinking, and built for discovery. UP NEXT brings fans to the Castle for something new, a chance to connect with artists early in their journey and be part of something that’s growing.”
The May 30 lineup includes Red Voodoo, Sterling Elza, Cole Barnhill and Laredo. The June 27 show features CeCe, Overserved Again and Madden Metcalf.
John Foster and Mae Estes will perform July 25. THE BAND FEEL and Them Dirty Roses are scheduled for Aug. 29.
The Sept. 26 finale includes Hayden Coffman, L’il Man J and Kat Luna. Coffman has more than 280 million streams and a Gold-certified hit.
Tickets start at $10.50 plus fees. A presale runs from April 30 at 9 a.m. through May 3 at 11:59 p.m., offering $5 off each ticket purchased.
Fans can sign up for the presale password at CastleRidgeConcerts.com. Public ticket sales begin May 4 at 9 a.m.
