The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, along with special guest Pure Prairie League, will perform Aug. 14 at the historic Gillioz Theatre during the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, according to the Springfield News-Leader.
The country-rock band, which has been around for almost 50 years, is best-known for its cover of “Mr. Bojangles” and “Fishin’ in the Dark” and its acclaimed “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” albums featuring traditional country artists.
Pure Prairie League, which has been around since 1970, had its biggest hits with “Amie” and “Let Me Love You Tonight” — the latter when future country star Vince Gill was with the band.
Tickets may be purchased at the Gillioz website. The Gillioz was built in 1926, just before Route 66 was commissioned, and is located on the original alignment of the Mother Road. The theater was restored in 2006 and continues to be used as a venue for live music and the occasional movie.
The Birthplace of Route 66 Festival is in its fifth year and greatly expanded last year, with a special performance by the Springfield-based Ozark Mountain Daredevils at the Gillioz. This year’s festival includes a car and boat show, a 6.6-mile run and a parade.
According to its website, the festival still has yet to announce its “headliner” concert for Saturday, Aug. 15.
(Image of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band by clkohan via Flickr)