Cord Fitch Memorial Steel Guitar Show

April 24 & 25, 2026

Benton Civic Center 414 W. Hudelson St.

Benton, Illinois 62812



Cord Fitch Memorial Steel Guitar Show Returns to Benton in 2026

After twelve successful years in Mount Vernon, the Cord Fitch Memorial Steel Guitar Show is returning to the Benton Civic Center in Benton, IL. on April 24–25, 2026. Organizers are excited to bring the beloved event back to this newly remodeled venue, which offers modern amenities, excellent accessibility, and a comfortable setting for fans of traditional country music.

Country music enthusiasts can expect two full days of classic country entertainment centered around the unmistakable sound of the pedal steel guitar. Featuring nationally acclaimed performers alongside outstanding regional musicians, the show continues its tradition of celebrating authentic country music while supporting a meaningful cause.


Featured Performers

Friday evening will spotlight legendary country vocalist Leona Williams, joined by the smooth traditional stylings of Ron Williams for a night of classic country favorites.

Saturday’s highlight will feature acclaimed vocalist Amber Digby, widely respected for her powerful voice and dedication to traditional country music.


Steel Guitar Artists

This year’s impressive steel guitar lineup includes:

  • Doug Jernigan
  • Lynn Owsley
  • Caleb Lidley
  • Russ Weaver
  • Jim Loessberg
  • Dick Overby
  • Albert Swenddal
  • Darrell Cummings
  • Barry Wheeler
  • Gary Lloyd
  • Nick Stine
  • Dan Burnham
  • Larry Dolan
  • Dave Bolin
  • Gary Sill
  • Virgil Franklin
  • Kendell Scott
  • Clayton Deering

(Lineup subject to change and may not be complete.)


Additional Artists

The weekend will also feature performances by singer-songwriter Joe Arview, the uplifting Stoffel Family Gospel Show, and Cajun-influenced fiddler Dennis Stroughmatt with friends.


Stage Band & Host

Backing the performances will be a talented stage band including:

Rick Boyer, Jeff Stoffel, Joe Arview, Dennis Stroughmatt, Earl Erb, Mark Fitch, Jason Zilm, Polly Bug, Everett Bug, Melody Freeman, James Jinkerson, Peggy Bode, and Jerry Mayo.


Serving as Master of Ceremonies will be former Southern Illinois Productions president Dow Smith.


Tickets & Lodging

Ticket sales begin March 1, 2026, through the Benton Civic Center website.    https://www.bentonciviccenter.com/ Tickets will also be available at the door (subject to availability). All seating is general admission:

  • Friday Show: $40.00
  • Saturday Show: $45.00
  • Two-Day Combo Ticket: $75.00 (about 12% savings)
    (Plus a 7.5% processing fee.)

Discounted lodging options are available through the Southern Illinois Productions website. https://www.southernillinoisproductions.org/lodging


Comfortable & Accessible Venue

The Benton Civic Center offers ample paved parking directly outside the facility, full ADA compliance, and a mostly single-level layout, making it easy for guests to move comfortably throughout the venue.


Supporting a Meaningful Cause

The show is proudly sponsored by Southern Illinois Productions Inc.. After covering operating expenses, all proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals, helping support their important charitable healthcare mission.


Come enjoy great music, fellowship, and support a wonderful cause — we can’t wait to see you there!




____________________________________________________________________


On behalf of the Southern Illinois Productions Board,

we appreciate your loyal support for our

2025 Cord Fitch Memorial Steel Guitar Show

in Mt Vernon, Illinois and You are truly making a

difference and Shriner’s Hospitals for Children

values your support tremendously.

SIP Board Members puts on only one show per year

and since we are a not-for-profit organization,

we work very hard to raise as much money as possible

for the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. We appreciate

each and every one of you that came to the show

and our donors and we wouldn’t be where we are

today without your support.

Because of your support we are able

to give $5,000 to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children this year.


Thank You!


Sincerely,


      The SIP Board Members



you can visit our website; https://www.southernillinoisproductions.org/

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