2016 Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival

Blake Williams, master of ceremonies at the Spring 2016 Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival - photo by Bill WarrenMC Blake Williams brought The Wayfarers, a southeast Ohio band, on stage to kick off the March edition of the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival, aka SOIMF. Host band, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, took the stage next. The band featured several selections from its new gospel project, Sacred Memories.

Nothin’ Fancy then brought their high energy show to the Roberts Center stage, followed by Art Stevenson and High Water from Wisconsin. The Primitive Quartet, a SOIMF favorite, once again delighted the audience with their Gospel singing. Balsam Range closed out the Friday show.

Saturday was opened by America’s Got Talent alum Mountain Faith. Art Stevenson returned on Saturday for a second set of music and Joe Mullins also brought the host band back for a second day. The Dry Branch Fire Squad provided sets of old time music and the musings of band leader, Ron Thomason. The legendary Paul Williams made a rare appearance since his retirement. Paul provided an excellent set of bluegrass Gospel music with Paul’s son Richie providing part of the vocal trio along with Joe Mullins.

Doyle Lawson brought Quicksilver to the stage and provided the audience with a top shelf performance. The festival was closed out with a joint performance by Doyle and Paul. They were joined by Joe Mullins, Jason Barie, Eli Johnston, and Josh Swift. The audience did not want them to stop, even after nearly an hour and a half show.

The fall edition of SOIMF will be November 11 and 12.