Golden Voice lives – LIVE: iconic local studio featured Oct. 8 at Riverfront Museum

Jerry Milam mans the soundboard back in the day at Golden Voice in South Pekin.

Music from the 1960s and ’70s and memories of Midwest musicians from then such as Dan Fogelberg, Head East, REO Speedwagon, Starcastle and Styx will be featured the afternoon of Oct. 8 at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, where the Golden Voice LIVE fund will be explained, and tunes — performed and also shared by area disc jockeys — will be heard.

Visitors to the museum undoubtedly have seen the huge wall of vinyl showcasing some of the artists who recorded at Golden Voice, operated by Jerry and Mary Ann Milam in South Pekin from 1966-78, recording the aforementioned artists and others playing folk, country, psychedelic, Gospel and other styles.

Now, its history will come to life. Jerry Milam will be present, reflecting on the recording studio, and he’ll be joined by Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Steve Gibson, the one-time Golden Voice session guitarist who went on to be music director at the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Awards.

Live music on the plaza — coordinated by veteran recording artist and Younger Than Yesterday store owner Craig Moore, and with musical help from current and former members of area bands Eargazm, Hindsight, the Nikbeats, Ready Steady Go and Super 88 — will feature a set of material by Brillo & The Firebirds, Carl Trent (1970’s “Caterpillar Man”), the Coachmen, the Shags, and Suburban 9 to 5, followed by classics by REO, Styx and others, and then Fogelberg numbers played by the Dan Fogelberg Foundation Tribute Band featuring Eric Mills, accompanied by Sheldon Felich, Jay Hennessy, Eric Mills and Tim Harr.

Other sounds and sights will range from an exhibit of REO guitarist and Peorian Gary Richrath’s guitars, video greetings from people who recorded at Golden Voice, and PRM President John Morris discussing the fund that will ensure a permanent Golden Voice presence at the museum.

Tickets for the event — 2-6 p.m., rain or shine — are $15 ($10 for PRM members) to help support a lasting Golden Voice exhibit.



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