KDJ_Merchant Street MusicFest_072226 by Shaw Media

Greetings,

As Mayor of the City of Kankakee, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Merchant Street MusicFest.

Kankakee is a City on the rise.

I encourage everyone to visit Kankakee to experience all of the things that make Kankakee one of the most rapidly growing, business-friendly, quality-of-life focused cities in Illinois.

Beneath a skyline that has been redeveloped over the past two years, our dynamic and bustling downtown is filled with restaurants, exciting nightlife, a fabulous farmers’ market, year-round activities, abundant parks, arts and culture. Our vibrant and diverse culture is evident in the many distinctive neighborhoods that dot our city. After this festival, I invite you to stroll through our beautiful districts, visit the Kankakee County Museum, and gaze out over the Kankakee River from one of our parks.

The Merchant Street MusicFest will take place at the Harold + Jean Miner Festival Square this July 24 and 25. Attendees will have the singular opportunity to experience a wide variety of musical genres: soul, rock, gospel, bluegrass, and blues. Additionally, there will be a variety of food and art vendors and activities for children. Thanks to all our volunteers and sponsors, a generation of ordinary people who rise to the occasion and commit extraordinary and selfless acts to build our community in the aftermath of severe weather this spring. Without them this festival would not be possible.

I will be honored if you would join us during Merchant Street MusicFest on July 24 and 25. I look forward to sharing this joyous occasion with you,

Chris W. Curtis Mayor, City of Kankakee

SAFETY

Welcome back to the Merchant Street MusicFest!

The Kankakee Police Department welcomes everyone back to our annual Merchant Street MusicFest in Downtown Kankakee!

The Merchant Street MusicFest is a wonderful time to get acquainted with our downtown atmosphere and get a taste of good food and enjoy a variety of great music.

Obviously, everyone’s personal safety is very important to the Kankakee Police Department. We will be beefing up patrols and have many uniformed and plain clothes officers monitoring this event to ensure everyone has a safe and wonderful experience. Please assist the Police Department by drinking responsibly, locking your car doors, and being kind and courteous to everyone attending. Please do not hesitate to notify the Kankakee Police Department if you see anything suspicious. If you see something, say something!

Our goal is to make sure everyone has a safe and wonderful experience at this year’s MusicFest.

Hope to see you all there.

Chris Kidwell Chief of Police, Kankakee Police Department

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS

TITLE - $30,000

City of Kankakee

MERCHANT STREET STAGE$10,000

Downtown Kankakee

Kankakee Public Library

HYDRATION STATION -$6,000

Gardant Management Solutions

HILL STAGE - $5,000

Milner Media Partners

X-Country 106.5 WXNU

VOLUNTEER SHIRTS - $5,000

Riverside Healthcare

PLATFORM STAGE - $3,000

A Plus Home Improvements by Tousignant, Inc.

The Daily Journal

BEER - $3,000

Blue Ribbon Products Co.

Glade Plumbing & Heating Co.

Edward Jones Financial AdvisorsDavid Robinson, Adam Elroy, and Ryan Weimer

BAND UNDERWRITERS -

$1,500

Belson Steel Center Scrap, Inc.

First Trust Bank

Gotion Illinois

Heritage Development & Construction Co., Inc.

Peoples Bank of Kankakee County

Piggush Engineering

Renville Gaming, LLC

Spesia & Taylor

St. Mary’s Hospital-Kankakee

Turk Furniture

Visit Kankakee County

WGFA Radio

GOOD VIBES - $500

2 Rivers Area Credit Union

Affordable Flooring by Rodrigo

Aqua Illinois

Art’s Landscaping

Bohlen Law P.C.

ComEd

Converging Networks Group, Inc.

Federated Bank

Holohan Heating & Sheet Metal, Inc.

Jill Grant - In Memory of Tommy Grant

Kankakee Community College

Kankakee Valley Construction Co., Inc.

Majestic Events

Midland States Bank

Representative Haas

Riverside Community Credit Union

Sharp Cuts Lawn Care

Tatro Painting & Decorating, LLC

V3 Companies, Ltd.

ROADIE - $250

Andy Forquer

Borschnack, Pelletier & Co.

Dr. Steve + Nina Epstein

GJM Advisory

Kay Green

No Dogs Sports Bar

Protection Associates, Inc.

Raymond CPA Group LLC

Serenity Health and Body

Standard Title Company

Teska Associates, Inc.

FAN CLUB - $50

CSL Plasma

Hedgeapple Arts

Kankakee Alderman Michael O’Brien

Rubber Rose Books & Print

Stupid Sexy Flanders

Veronda’s VIP Printing

TRADE SPONSORS

Alexander Equipment Rental

Berkot’s

Cellar Graphics

Central Illinois Transportation, Inc.

Environmental Services Utility

Hoekstra Transportation, LLC

Jim’s Freestyle Hair Salon

Kankakee County Fairgrounds

Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency

Kankakee Knights of Columbus #745

Kankakee Nursery Co.

Kankakee Police Department

Kankakee Valley Park District

King Music

Lee’s Rental

MJP Development

Republic Services

Rise and Thrive Wellness

Soundgrowler Brewing Co.

Stevenson Auto Repair

Superior Embroidery

The Currents of Kankakee

The Venu’

ENTRY There are two gates where you can enter The Harold + Jean Miner Festival Square grounds. One gate is located at the corner of Schuyler Avenue and Merchant Street while the other gate is located off of Station Street and East Avenue. Friday admission is $10 and Saturday is $15, children 12 and under are free throughout the whole fest. On Saturday, July 25 from 2pm-5pm, the Kid Zone is free and special pricing for select food vendors is available. Presale tickets are available at the Kankakee Public Library through Thursday, July 23 until 7pm where a weekend pass can be purchased for $20. Weekend passes are only available prior to the fest.

PARKING Parking will be limited. Limited handicapped parking is available off Station Street near NAPA Auto Parts. MSMF encourages green transportation. Festivalgoers are encouraged to carpool, use public transportation, bike, skateboard, scooter, or walk. Bike racks are available along Schuyler Ave; bring your own lock.

ATM There will be two ATMs at MSMF — one at each drink ticket booth for your convenience.

SECURITY

We want you to be safe while enjoying the festival. Security will be conducting bag checks at the gates.

In addition, there is a Mobile Safety Unit, provided by the Kankakee Police Department and an ambulance provided by the Kankakee Fire Department for the entirety of the festival. In case of any medical need or emergency, please immediately go to the Mobile Safety Unit, ambulance, police officer, Info Tent, or MSMF crew member for assistance.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Alcoholic beverages will be served only to those with a government-issued ID. You must show your ID to a staff member at the drink ticket locations to receive your 21+ wristband.

WEATHER

The festival will take place regardless of weather conditions. In the case of lightning, bands will not perform until given an all-clear. Festivalgoers are encouraged to take precautions to avoid overheating (i.e., wear light, loose-fitting clothes; drink plenty of water; seek shade when possible).

WHAT YOU CANNOT BRING

Outside food or beverages, coolers, glass containers, unauthorized solicitations, firearms, or anything illegal are not allowed on the grounds.

MERCHANT STREET MUSICFEST 2026 FULL

FRIDAY $10

SATURDAY: $15

KIDS 12 & UNDER: FREE

MERCHANT STREET STAGE

FRIDAY, JULY 24

DJ Broke Dusty Set .................................................................................... 5:00 - 5:30

Not Yet 5:30 - 7:00

South Side Social Club ................................................................................ 7:20 - 9:10

Shady: Eminem Tribute 9:30 - 11:00

DJ Broke Dusty in between bands 5:00 - 10:00

SATURDAY, JULY 25

DJ Mondy Set ............................................................................................ 2:00 - 2:30

Gr8-4-Records (Lady G) 2:45 - 3:45

Melodic Industries 4:10 - 5:10

Heart and Soul 5:35 - 6:35

Marcella Ratcliff Experience 7:00 - 8:00

Christopher Williams................................................................................... 8:25 - 9:40

Twista 10:00 - 11:00

DJ Mondy in between bands .................................................................... 2:00 - 10:00

PLATFORM STAGE

FRIDAY, JULY 24

Crawford’s Daughter

5:10 - 6:30

Ben Mulwana 6:55 - 8:05

Fuzzy Jeffries + The Kings of Memphis 8:30 - 10:00

SATURDAY, JULY 25

Allan Laskey Trio 2:15 - 3:30

Big Dog Mercer 3:55 - 5:00

Champagne Experience 5:25 - 6:25

A Patch of Blues 6:50 - 8:05

HILL STAGE

FRIDAY, JULY 24 Full of Moxie 5:00 - 5:45 Mothpoint 6:05 - 7:00 Carrying Torches ........................................................................................ 7:20 - 8:20

8:40 - 9:40

10:00 - 11:00

SATURDAY, JULY 25 The Selectones 2:00 - 3:00 The Simsons 3:15 - 4:05 Adelaide Rhys ............................................................................................ 4:30 - 5:30

Brunch 5:50 - 6:40 Muddy Ruckus ............................................................................................ 7:00 - 8:00 Patty PerShayla 8:25 - 9:25 Good Boy Daisy 9:45 - 10:45

KID ZONE

McKinley James ......................................................................................... 8:30 - 10:00 FACE PAINTING +

MERCHANT STREET MUSICFEST 2026 BAND BIOS

A Patch of Blues is a unique all-female blues and soul band out of Chicago that believes in the power of music to unite and heal. The group grew from the four long-time friends’ love of the blues, their city’s heritage, and playing music together. And whenever they play together, they bring a unique sound and urban funky flair. They have performed throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest and were recently nominated for a Chicago Music Award for Best New Entertainer(s).

Kankakee, IL

Classic/Yacht Rock

Adelaide Rhys is an Illinois-raised pop singer/songwriter. Her music is a concise, synth-forward thesis on the growing pains of being a teenage/20something human girl and the exploration of “what if I just said it all out loud?” She has performed her music in intimate Midwest venues as well as NYC’s iconic 54 Below. Her blatantly theatric storylines and sincere tonguein-cheek lyricism have brought together a small but loyal circle of support, spreading far and wide. Find her on socials and wherever you stream music @adelaiderhyss.

The Allan Laskey Trio performs throughout the Chicagoland, Central Illinois, and Northwest Indiana regions. They bring a modern take on small-group jazz performance. With a repertoire that moves from swing to bop, they’ll keep the notes hot. The group features Olivet Professor Jerry Luzeniecki on saxophone, Denis Kozlowski on upright bass, and Allan Laskey on guitar. This eclectic lineup will bring jazz-on-asummer-day vibes, any day.

Ben Mulwana Uganda/Kenosha, WI Afro/Soul/Rock

Ben Mulwana is a Ugandan-born and raised artist residing in Wisconsin. With songs about love, loss, and everything in between, Ben’s band project “Ben Mulwana and the Village” is made up of a groovy, rock, and soulful sound from a group of amazing musicians.

With his signature Southpaw Blues style and a voice that seems to carry the weight of life’s stories, Mercer is a true artist. His lyrics are a heartfelt narrative of the human experience, and his guitar skills add a layer of depth to his music that is simply mesmerizing. Mercer has been twice inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame, and he’s still going strong. Mercer and his band are a constant presence in the Midwest music scene, and each performance is an electrifying experience.

IL Rock

Carrying Torches is an emotional rock band delivering powerful, anthemic soundscapes paired with raw, heartfelt storytelling. The band thrives on crafting music that resonates deeply with their listeners. Formed in the heart of Illinois, Carrying Torches combines the grit of indie rock with the melodic layers of synth-driven sound. Known for their dynamic live performances, Carrying Torches captivates audiences with a unique mix of emotional intimacy and commanding stage presence.

The Champagne Experience “E-Band” brings together a collaboration of wellknown local musicians to produce a dynamic musical experience. At the core is duo Steve and Mary E Champagne, along with Jeff Trost, Bobby Cee, and Erik Mann. Together, they deliver the best of classic vinyl. The Champagne Experience is a harmony-driven cover band specializing in the iconic hits of classic rock, soft rock, yacht rock, and soulful melodies!

R&B

Christopher Williams is a multi-awardwinning singer, songwriter, producer, and true renaissance man. Williams’s influence extends beyond music. Forever recognized for his iconic role as Kareem Akbar in the cult classic New Jack City, he has expanded his creative footprint in film and television, beginning with the series The Book of Akbar, which brings together his musical legacy and enduring on-screen presence.

Patch of Blues Chicago, IL Blues

Adelaide Rhys Kankakee, IL Indie Pop

Allan Laskey Trio Kankakee County, IL Jazz

Big Dog Mercer Chicago, IL Blues

Carrying Torches Kankakee,

Champagne Experience

Christopher Williams Richmond, VA

MERCHANT STREET MUSICFEST 2026 BAND BIOS

Crawford’s Daughter

Bradley, IL

Blues/Soul/Rock

Crawford’s Daughter Duo is a Chicagobased band that delivers acoustic renditions of classic tunes from Fleetwood Mac, The Pretenders, Little Big Town, Al Green, Lucinda Williams, and more.

Full of Moxie

Bourbonnais, IL

Pop-Punk/Alt

Full of Moxie is a hometown band with a great local rock sound. They have been regular attendees of Merchant Street MusicFest for several years and, as a band, have been members of the local music scene for the past few years. They are pumped to take the stage for the first time at MSMF.

Fuzzy

Jeffries

+

The

Kings of Memphis Memphis, TN Blues

In 2004, Kevin “Fuzzy” Jeffries created a band with his longtime friends of 15 years, keyboardist Michael “Mike D” Raeford and drummer Cedric Stewart. The trio, best at their crafts, perfectly complement each other as they create soulful music from the heart. Collaboratively, they named themselves Fuzzy Jeffries and the Kings of Memphis. A hard-hitting, rhythm-making group that gives you the feel of true rocking blues. Originally hailing from Kankakee, Jeffries is now a Memphis staple.

Good Boy Daisy Scottsdale, AZ Indie Rock

Hailing from Scottsdale, AZ, twin sisters Hallie and Dylinn Mayes created Good Boy Daisy in 2015, carving out a unique space within the indie rock landscape. While their sound pulses with vibrant pop sensibilities, the raw energy of their ’90s grunge upbringing remains a potent undercurrent, fueling their dynamic performances. “We’re the typical twins,” says Dylinn, “We’re best friends, and we’re never apart.” This innate connection translates into a powerful synergy on stage, where their music truly comes to life. Good Boy Daisy delivers a sound that’s both intimately personal and undeniably powerful.

Gr8-4-Records

Kankakee, IL

Hip-Hop

GR8-4-RECORDS currently has six signed artists, (Dee-Jay, Dru, Franco, Smitty, A1N-Tone, & Lady G) across genres including Hip Hop, Rhythm and Blues, Inspirational, Gospel, Country, and more. As the label continues to grow, it remains committed to creating opportunities for artists and creatives who may be overlooked by most. With passion, purpose, and presence, we put on a show everywhere we go! Prepare to see GR8-4-RECORDS everywhere, because greatness always leaves a mark.

Heart and Soul

Kankakee, IL

R&B

Heart & Soul is a Kankakee-based R&B band that delivers a high-energy live experience rooted in community and connection. They are a great addition to this year’s fest as they engage the crowd, rep our local talent, and create a vibe people remember.

Lever

Chicago, IL

Grunge Pop

Lever is a three-piece original alternative/grunge/pop/rock n’ roll band taking influences from artists such as Nirvana, Oasis, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin. They have had the opportunity to perform on legendary stages, including the Metro, House of Blues, Vans Warped Tour in Chicago, and the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood. Lever has shared the stage with national touring acts, such as Night Ranger, Radkey, The Dead Deads, Blacktop Mojo, Saving Abel, Darling Parade, and The Composure.

Marcella Ratcliff Experience

Louisiana Soul/Jazz

Marcella Ratcliffe’s powerful, heartfelt voice touches audiences wherever she performs. Known for her rich tone, emotional delivery, and commanding stage presence, Marcella’s music resonates deeply with listeners. Throughout her career, Marcella has shared the stage and lent her extraordinary talents alongside worldrenowned artists, including Lady Gaga, Robert Glasper, Fantasia, Ricky Dillard, and a host of others. Her gift for storytelling through song continues to inspire hearts and souls, making her a respected and unforgettable voice in today’s music world.

MERCHANT STREET MUSICFEST 2026 BAND BIOS

Melodic Industries

Kankakee, IL

R&B Funk

Melodic Industries is a dynamic live band from Kankakee, Illinois. Founded in 2019, they have quickly earned a reputation for delivering high-energy performances rooted in musicianship, versatility, and heart. With a strong foundation of R&B and funk, Melodic Industries is not limited by genre. From soul and Motown classics to rock, pop, jazz, blues, gospel, and contemporary hits, the band brings authenticity and passion to every performance. Each member brings to the stage a commitment to giving everything they have, every time.

McKinley James

Kankakee, IL

R&B

McKinley James is equal parts old soul and modern man. Armed with an electric guitar and sharp songwriting chops, he breathes new life into classic sounds with Working Class Blues, a debut album that introduces his mix of American rock & roll, amplified soul, and raw rhythm and blues.

Mothpoint

Kankakee County

Progressive Alt Rock

Returning to MSMF and featuring a lineup of talent with decades of experience, Mothpoint brings an alternative rock sound that transcends the genre. With Lupe Carroll (vocals), Keegan McMaster (guitar), Eric Carroll (bass), and Jake Zimmerman (drums), Mothpoint’s music is inventive and fresh with a unique sound that’s all its own. Their debut album “Songs” is available for streaming on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube.

Muddy Ruckus Portland, ME

Psyche Rock

Muddy Ruckus is an American rock duo known for their raw blend of punk blues, Americana grit, and psychedelic rock energy. With Erika Stahl on suitcasekick drums and Ryan Flaherty running guitar through multiple amps for a fullband sound, the duo creates explosive live performances that feel larger than life. Their music has been praised for its darkly poetic lyrics, swampy grooves, and high-voltage stage presence, earning them festival slots, national tours, and a devoted underground following

Grunge Pop

Born in 2022 from the unholy union of funk and glam rock, the genre-bending Naked Brunch delivered Slut Rock to the world. Slut Rock is about getting into the rhythm of your own body. That rhythm might be a sex positive affirmation anthem (“1-800-SATISFY”) or the relentless beat of fighting burnout and digital alienation (“Humanoid”). With the ebullient bravado of Queen, the dry bite of Wet Leg, and the sonic envelopment of Radiohead, Naked Brunch still inhabits a world that’s entirely their own, with live performances served up with an electrifyingly feral energy.

Not Yet is a local cover band bringing Rock, some Blues, and - as we always say - like two Country songs. We play the songs you forgot you loved, the ones you know every word to, and maybe a few that’ll catch you by surprise! We’re not fancy about gimmicks. Just good music, good people, and a whole lot of fun. Bring your friends, your dancing shoes, and your loudest singing voice. We’ll take it from there.

Patty PerShayla is already a rarity as a lead singer and bassist. She is heard before she is seen, boasting a big voice for a relatively small vessel, and she has a lot to say - challenging gender norms, confronting imposter syndrome, processing trauma. Always emoting for the cheap seats and boasting a big attitude, the heart of the project is PerShayla’s vocal delivery and her quirky, pointed lyrics, ready to call out injustice or to just simply shout the big feelings away.

Saint Joseph, MO

Hard Rock/Punk

Growing up in small-town Saint Joseph, MO, the Radkey brothers enrolled in rock ‘n’ roll high school as their ticket out of Nowheresville. The brothers played their first show opening for Fishbone in 2011 and haven’t looked back. Their sound has been described as retro-style hard rock/punk that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and they continue to tour nationally and internationally, supporting bands such as Jack White, Rise Against, and Descendents. Radkey is a testament to the future of music, and this band is primed for rock-and-roll glory.

Naked Brunch Chicago, IL Rock

Not Yet Chicago, IL Rock

Patty PerShayla Nashville, TN

Radkey

MERCHANTSTREETMUSICFEST.COM

EAT AT MSMF

SOUTH

1 Mac’s BBQ

2 La Muñeca

3 Candy & Cake

4 Que It Up BBQ

NORTH

5 Conway’s Concessions

6 Martinez Tacos

7 Kona Ice

8 Bennet Curtis Catering

9 Harold’s Chicken

10 B&M Snack Shack

11 Tacos el Guadalajara

12 NYC Deli

ART AT MSMF

*Friday only **Saturday only

Apalm Creations

Blooms & Pours

Bo Leaf**

Bronsons Color Lab**

C+L Fine Goods Boutique

Crochet by Katie P**

Eros & Embers Candles & Gifts

Get Boned by Gypsy Warrior Tribe**

Ghost Owl Studio

Glue Man Vintage

LaReau Art/Cat Acevedo Macrame**

Little Angels’ Secret

Maleta Beads**

May Bee Creatures**

Mike Klen Caricatures*

Miranda Leigh Art & Design**

Party Ferret Creations** Kid Zone

RabbitDogs Art

Tina’s Art Page

SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND AT MSMF:

We work hard to bring in a variety of musical genres, and each stage has a vibe all it’s own. Try visiting all THREE stages and you might just discover a new favorite!

We encourage attendees to bring their own chairs, EXCEPT for the Platform Stage where capacity is limited. Fewer chairs = MORE PEOPLE!

We have an ample supply of recycling receptacles as well as bike racks in and around The Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square. Please take advantage and help keep Kankakee clean!

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time resident of Kankakee, we are SO GLAD you’re here! You make MSMF what it is: a peak-of-summer collaboration of music, friendship, and community for all. Let’s get together and do it all again next year!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE KANKAKEE EVENTS PARTNERSHIP

CITY OF KANKAKEE KANKAKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY

DOWNTOWN KANKAKEE

MERCHANT STREET MUSICFEST 2026 BAND BIOS

SHADY: Eminem Tribute

Chicago, IL

Eminem Tribute

SHADY is what happens when one of hip-hop’s most iconic catalogs meets the raw energy of a live band. From the chaos of “The Real Slim Shady” to the emotional weight of “Stan,” SHADY covers every corner of the Eminem discography. It’s a full-scale live reinterpretation that blends hip-hop, rock, and crowd energy into something no DJ or track act can match. SHADY brings a unique, no-apologies set that hits hard and leaves nothing on the table. It’s the closest thing to seeing Marshall live…without the stadium ticket.

Rock

Formed in 2018, The South Side Social Club grew out of just a germ of an idea among friends. What started as a passion project has grown into something much bigger. What you can always expect from this group for certain is the unexpected. With a setlist ranging from 70s Southern Rock to 90s Grunge, from the Beatles to Post Malone, and from country to metal, The South Side Social Club endeavors to bring each live audience a unique experience, blending all styles and genres seamlessly through the night.

The Simsons Kankakee, IL

Jazz Fusion/Progressive Rock

The Simsons is a four-piece band from Kankakee, Illinois. Their sound is a careful summation of a collective love of prog, fusion, no wave, and noise rock. The group enjoys lush melodies as well as noisy explosions of sound with equal weight. That combination is the heart of The Simsons’ brand of instrumental music.

Twista Chicago, IL

Rap

Twista is widely known as one of the fastest rappers in the world and a pioneer of the Midwest “chopper” style. His music blends rapid-fire flows with melodic hooks, soulful samples, and hard-hitting beats that draw from hip - hop, R&B, and even jazzinfluenced production. Over decades, he has built a reputation for technical skill and storytelling that moves from street narratives to party anthems and reflective tracks about struggle and success. For many fans, Twista represents a bridge between classic 2000s hip-hop and modern sounds.

Kankakee, IL DJ

Broke Dusty is a multi-talented DJ with myriad projects, including podcast cocreator, music producer, creative writer, and more. MSMF is thrilled to welcome him back to the Merchant Street Stage to keep the vibe going between sets on Friday, July 24.

Kankakee, IL

Based out of Kankakee, IL, and originally from Hopkins Park, IL, DJ Mondy draws inspiration from a rich musical family. With over 25 years in the DJ scene, Mondy has earned a reputation as one of the top wedding DJs in the South Chicago Area. His versatility allows him to seamlessly blend multiple genres. Known for his energetic style, he leaves crowds exhilarated, engaging each individual through a carefully curated selection of music

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE MERCHANT STREET MUSICFEST

South Side Social Club

Kankakee, IL

DJ Broke Dusty

DJ Mondy

MSMF Music Education Scholarship Winners

Merchant Street MusicFest is thrilled to continue this educational opportunity each year. In collaboration with King Music and The Dave King Memorial Music Fund, the MSMF Music Education Scholarship was launched in 2024. The goal of this endeavor is to encourage and support young musicians with big dreams in our community. As

Scarlett Honaker

Scarlett Honaker is a student at St. George Elementary School in Bourbonnais, Illinois. She plays the clarinet in band at her school and will be in sixth grade in the fall. In her free time she loves riding horses and competing in horse shows. She also enjoys cheerleading on the cheer team for the Bourbonnais Bears. Scarlett is excited to start her second year playing the clarinet in band and she is happy that these lessons will help improve her skills.

stated by Ben King, “Music education is not just about learning notes and rhythms; it’s about fostering creativity, discipline, and resilience in our children.” Winners were chosen in two age categories and will receive eight free weeks of music lessons after which they can keep the instrument. Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners!

Mason Raloff

Mason Raloff will be entering his sophomore year at BBCHS this fall. This will be his sixth year playing flute. Beyond band, Mason is on the swim team at BBCHS and at the Kankakee YMCA. He is a member of the jazz band at BBCHS where he plays the tenor saxophone. This past year, Mason earned Best of Day in his quartet during Solo and Ensemble. His goal is to continue developing stronger musical capabilities. “Music is something you can never complete; there is always something that can be improved upon. It’s a great way to challenge yourself.”

APalm Creations - Friday and Saturday

A husband wife duo creating one of a kind pieces out of acrylic, copper, enamel, wood, resin, & mixed_media. Every piece is one-of-a-kind and created with love!

Blooms & Pours - Friday and Saturday

This year will be a bit different. Most of their original hand-painted and illustrated items will feature floral or music themes, alongside their popular pour paintings. They have various sizes of framed, readyto-hang pieces, as well as unframed large canvas. And super cute mini canvases with easels, magnets, stickers, bookmarks, and trinket boxes!

MUSICFEST

Bo Leaf - Saturday only

Owner Ashley started BoLeaf a little over 4 years ago. It’s more than just jewelry; it’s creations that go beyond the wear! Each piece is made with intention. Whether you’re on a healing journey, or just looking for something beautiful, BoLeaf has something for everyone!

Bronson’s Color Lab - Saturday only

Bronson’s Color Lab has been tie-dying since 2023. After Electric Forest Music Festival in 2024 the passion for the dye completely took over at Bronson’s Color Lab. They create handcrafted tie-dye art inspired by color movement, love, and individuality. Their work transforms wearable clothing into wearable art that brings creativity and energy into people’s lives!

C&L

Fine Goods Boutique - Friday and Saturday

C&L Fine Goods Boutique is an established hometown gem. Based in the heart of downtown Kankakee, they can be counted on to have an extensive selection of their high-quality and unique items available for fest-goers. And you can be sure everything will be offered at their always reasonable prices.

Cat Acevedo Macrame - Saturday only

Cat Acevedo is a self-taught macramé artist based in Kankakee. Specializing in handcrafted wall hangings, plant hangers, home décor, and accessories. Inspired by botanical forms and the natural world, her work brings organic texture and thoughtful craft to everyday spaces.

Eros & Ember - Friday and Saturday

Eros & Ember offers handcrafted, luxurious wooden wick soy candles for an indulgent self-love experience! They also hand-pour decadent wax melts, room sprays, hand cleansing gels, room deodorizers, car reed diffusers and body mists! They also have stickers for the kiddos and young at heart. They’ve recently added a fresh-pressed tee shirt & tote bag featuring their luxury, minimalist aesthetic with black on crème design collection for the full boutique experience. Eros & Ember ~ forged by love and fire.

Crochet by Katie P - Saturday only

Crochet by Katie P is all handmade wearables, decor, bags and accessories!

MUSICFEST

Get Boned by Gypsy Warrior TribeSaturday only

Cruelty-free bone & taxidermy jewelry and decor, handcrafted from ethically sourced animal remains. Every piece is thoughtfully cleaned, preserved, and transformed into one-of-a-kind wearable art and gothic home décor inspired by nature, Victorian oddities, and the beauty of life’s natural cycle. Boning the world since 2014.

Ghost Owl Studio - Friday and Saturday

Ghost Owl Studio is an artist-owned and operated line of apparel and accessories. A winner of multiple t-shirt design contests, each item features cool and unique designs. Among the products you will find emblazoned with the artist’s original creations are graphic tees, sweatshirts, koozies, pins, and stickers.

and Saturday

Glue Man Vintage is a one-of-a-kind vintage store based in Bourbonnais. Offering more than just retro threads — they’re a creative third space for teens and young adults to connect, hang out, and express themselves. From classic 1950s tracksuits to iconic Y2K bedazzled jeans, their handpicked collection spans decades, styles, and stories. Whether you’re hunting for a statement piece or just stopping by to vibe, there’s something here for everyone. Come for the fashion, stay for the community.

LaReau Art - Saturday only

April Carroll is the artist behind LaReau Art. The Kankakee area artist focuses on illustrative features and is inspired by Art Nouveau and Realism, as well as the natural world, such as plants and animals. Her work is often bold, detailed, and vibrant, as you can see in this year’s MusicFest t-shirt design.

Little Angels’ Secrets - Friday and Saturday

Yola is the founder and owner of Little Angels’ Secret LLC, a small business born from a love of creating beautiful things by hand and the joy of sharing them with others. She creates thoughtfully handcrafted jewelry, cozy coco-apricot candles, and unique everyday accessories designed to bring a little joy. From semiprecious stones to sewn pieces made with new and reclaimed fabrics, every item is handcrafted in small batches with care, creativity, and attention to detail. She hopes that what she creates becomes more than just something you own, it becomes something you love.

Maleta Beads - Saturday only

Maleta Beads brings a pop of funky style right to your ears. These are hand crafted, beaded earrings created with love and color!

May Bee Creatures - Saturday only

May Bee Creatures is an art collective comprised of partners Holly and Jessy. They specialize in cute and trippy art, whether it is woodburnings, acrylic paintings, glitter jars, or block prints. Specializing in cute and weird animals, their focus and hope is to spark childlike joy through art.

Mike Klen Caricatures - Friday only

Mike Klen Caricatures has been providing entertainment for over 20 years. Mike captures each subject’s likeness and personality in an exaggerated, humorous style. Whether drawing a single individual or a group with a full-bodied theme, Mike can accommodate any request. These caricatures are drawn in minutes, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Art Vendors

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Glue Man Vintage - Friday

Financial strategies. One-on-one advice.

Let’s plan your future together.

Working together to make a difference in the lives of our friends, neighbors and the community.

For more information, contact your Edward

For more information, contact your Edward Jones Financial Advisor

MUSICFEST

more information, contact your

Adam Elroy

Adam Elroy Financial Advisor

200 E Court Street, Suite 740 Kankakee, IL 60901 815-932-8484

Ryan T Weimer Financial Advisor

1230 N Convent, Suite E Bourbonnais, IL 60914 815-802-1892

David M Robinson AAMS®

200 E Court Street, Suite 740 Kankakee, IL 60901 815-932-8484 MKT-5894M-A-A4 AECSPAD

David M Robinson AAMS®

200 E Court Street, Suite 740 Kankakee, IL 60901 815-932-8484

The important part?

It's not just where we work. It's where we live, give, and show up.

We're proud to support the Merchant Street MusicFest because when downtown Kankakee thrives, our whole community grows stronger.

Miranda Leigh Art & Design - Saturday only

Owner Miranda Leigh is a mixed media artist. A lot of her inspiration comes from nature and music. She loves anything floral and brightly colored. When using physical media, she tries to upcycle thrifted and second hand canvases and other materials. She also sells prints of some pieces created digitally.

Party Ferret Creations - Kid Zone Saturday only

Party Ferret Creations specializes in crafting 3D printed toys, Poke balls, Marvel helmets and more! They spark creativity and joy for kids and collectors alike. Strong light weight materials DM for bulk discounts on poke balls or for custom orders!

RabbitDogs Art - Friday and Saturday

RabbitDogs Art is an illustrator, printmaker, and general crafter making art mostly inspired by nature. Their booth offers a variety of pieces made, including prints and stickers of their original artwork. As well as hand-carved & printed linocut designs pressed onto both paper and clothing. They also create upcycled jewelry and accessories from discarded jewelry found at thrift stores or garage sales, combining their love for crafting and second-hand shopping!

Tina’s Art Page - Friday and Saturday

Tina is a mixed media artist specializing in fiber arts—handcrafting clothing, plushies, and more. As well as 3D printing unique creations like dragons, fidgets, and tabletop gaming accessories. From wearable art to collectible pieces, there’s something for everyone at their booth!