It began in 1985 with 24 bands riffing through short sets on the gazebo in Oakdale Park. The tradition stuck for Salina and the owners of S.M. Hanson Music – and soon became the opening act of the Smoky Hill River Festival.

Rick and Steve Hanson joined in the KSAL Morning News Extra with a look back across the decades and what this event has grown into.

Listen to the interview here:

The 2026 Smoky Hill River Festival kicks off this Thursday in Salina’s Oakdale Park. Here’s a list of bands and performers who will be on hand on the Eric Stein Stage. Gates open at 4:00 pm on Thursday June 11 – music begins at 5:45.

The Bands:

5:45 House of Artifacts – 3-pc Salina band with classical, psychedelic, and progressive rock. 1st time at Festival Jam
6:00 Phiya – 3-pc band from Wichita. They played a great set of rock last year – kicking off this year!
6:15 Randy Baldwin Band – 1st time at Festival Jam. They have played during the Festival. Local Salina rock band – 5-pc
6:30 Don Wagner & Friends – These guys play country, bluegrass, and folk. Now a 6-pc band from Salina and Bennington
6:45 King Tones – Salina based blues band. They got rained out in 2024. 4pc band will play the blues.
7:00 Urban Spelunkers – A hit last year – playing Americana 4-pc from Kansas City area. Guitar, banjo, violin, and bass.
7:15 Roadhouse Saints – 1st time at Festival Jam. 70’s and 80’s classic rock. Wichita area band with experience.
7:30 Kyndred – Hard Rock 5-pc band from Hays. They will light it up. Rained out in 2024. Played in 2023.
7:45 Soul Preachers – Classic Rock 3pc band from Salina.
8:00 Hey Radio – High Energy from Wichita – a crowd favorite 5-pc band – exciting skate/party/pop-punk music.
8:15 Bootleg Mercy – This 4pc band calls McPherson, Hutchinson, and Salina home. – playing Rock/Grunge
8:30 Fast Food Junkies – HOT Bluegrass!! 2nd time performers from the McPherson area. 3-pc banjo,guitar, and bass
8:45 Cash Hollistah – Hip-Hop with guitars, drums, vocals, and DJ – exciting Salina area performers
9:00 Love Like War – A hit last year – Central Kansas roots – 5-pc playing Alt Rock. Check out the singer with a box!
9:15 Paramount – Played in 2022 – Salina based Anthem Rock band – exciting. Sing along with these guys.
9:30 Steve Hanson & Co. – The founder of SM Hanson Music. Always a variety – always great.
9:45 The Blades – A Salina favorite. You gotta love a rock/pop/funk band with horns!