Peoria’s All-American Festival is back with a bang this year on Sunday, July 4, bringing super group Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, and the largest Independence Day fireworks show to the Valley.
“The All-American Festival is a time-honored pastime in our city,” says Peoria Councilmember Bill Patena. “After such a difficult year, I’m proud that P83 will be the place where the community can come together in a safe manner and celebrate Independence Day.”
After a successful virtual All-American Festival at Home last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the city of Peoria is moving forward with an outdoor festival at the Peoria Sports Complex, located at 16101 N. 83rd Avenue. To ensure all festival attendees enjoy a safe and healthy event, this year’s All-American Festival will be a free, ticketed event with the most current COVID-19 mitigation protocols in place at the time, which may include social distancing, mask wearing and hand washing recommendations, among others. There will also be several food trucks, waterslides and three bands performing, most notably, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, and a spectacular fireworks finale show.
“We are so honored to have such a talented group with a hometown favorite like Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers at our All-American Festival this year,” says Peoria Arts and Events Manager Marylou Stephens. “While we had a wonderful virtual event last year, we’re ready to host our traditional Independence Day celebration and provide a safe and family friendly event in Peoria once again.”
The Event’s Entertainment
Rob West and Mickey and the Motorcars will open for Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers at the All-American Festival. Mickey and Motorcars began 17 years ago and has helped shape Austin’s roots-rock resurgence that has played out over the last two decades. With their anticipated new album “Long Time Comin’,” the Motorcars have cemented their place as elder statesmen of that alt-country scene. Rob West has made a name for himself in Arizona as a former professional golfer and fun-loving country star. From rocking party tunes to emotional ballads, West’s music is an honest reflection of life’s trials and tribulations. In 2019, he released his debut album, “Arizona.” The All-American Festival will be the third time Rob West has performed for fans in Peoria.
Formed from the ashes of the Refreshments, Dead Hot Workshop, and the Gin Blossoms, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers emerged in 1999 as a Southwestern super group specializing in post-grunge, pop Americana. After the Refreshments disbanded, Clyne and drummer P.H. Naffah retreated to Tempe, where the two composed a slew of new songs during a week-long excursion through the Sonoran Desert. Intimate shows at local bars followed, and the pair steadily pieced together a lineup of local veterans that would soon comprise Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. By 1999, Clyne and Naffah were joined by ex-Gin Blossoms guitarist Scott Johnson, ex-Dead Hot Workshop guitarist Steve Larson, and bassist Danny White. That same year they released an independent song “Honky Tonk Union,” which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s internet sales chart. After 11 albums and many national and international tours, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers were inducted into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on July 2, 2019.
For more information about this year’s All-American Festival, visit peoriaaz.gov/events.
