Pedaler's Jamboree is en route. Five bands to catch this Memorial Day weekend

Aarik Danielsen, Columbia Daily Tribune
·2 min read
A look at a previous Pedaler's Jamboree.
A look at a previous Pedaler's Jamboree.

I want to ride my bicycle / I want to ride my bike.

Those Freddie Mercury lines aren't far from the lips of the riders and artists who participate in each year's Pedaler's Jamboree. A Memorial Day tradition in mid-Missouri, this mobile party leads cyclists down the Katy Trail from Columbia to Boonville; bands and buskers play strategic stops along the way, culminating in a live-music extravaganza complete with artistic fireworks — and literal ones.

This year's lineup should easily keep its promise of diverse sounds radiating from around the state. Here's a look at just five of the most exciting acts on the Pedaler's slate.

Ha Ha Tonka

One of two first-ballot Missouri hall of fame-type bands on this year's lineup, this Ozarks-forged outfit keeps company with the poets, examining the American landscape — exterior and interior — through a textured blend of indie-rock, folk, country and even a bit of small-town gospel sound. Performs at 9:30 p.m. festival Saturday in Boonville.

More: One of Missouri's best, Ha Ha Tonka's first record in six years offers music for all seasons

Hooten Hallers

Andy Rehm with The Hooten Hallers performs during the third day of the Biscuits Beats Brews festival on Oct. 1, 2023, in Rocheport, Mo.
Andy Rehm with The Hooten Hallers performs during the third day of the Biscuits Beats Brews festival on Oct. 1, 2023, in Rocheport, Mo.

The other hall-of-fame caliber band playing this year's Jamboree finds John Randall, Andy Rehm and Kellie Everett churning out perfectly skronky, swampy jams that mine every shade of the blues upholding rock 'n' roll. Performs at 11 p.m. festival Saturday in Boonville.

More: How The Hooten Hallers' new album upholds their place as one of Missouri's best bands

The Spooklights

Ben Miller with The Spooklights, the band formerly known as MK Ultra, performs during the first day of the Biscuits Beats Brews festival on Sept. 29, 2023, in Rocheport, Mo.
Ben Miller with The Spooklights, the band formerly known as MK Ultra, performs during the first day of the Biscuits Beats Brews festival on Sept. 29, 2023, in Rocheport, Mo.

Missouri mainstays Pat Kay and Ben Miller twine two favorite festival forms: earthy Americana and pulsing dance music, creating a sound perfectly calibrated for the live, outdoor listening experience. Performs TBA.

The Molly Healey String Project

A Springfield resident — and frequent visitor to mid-Missouri — Healey isn't just majoring in string theory. The accomplished singer, songwriter, violinist and cellist surrounds herself with kindred musicians, creating a sound that folds classical influence into rock 'n' roll weather systems. Performs at 12:30 p.m. festival Saturday in Rocheport.

Bad Names

Powered by seasoned players and old-school soul man Ben Hinkebein at the microphone, this Columbia band delivers something reliably dynamic and crackling. Performs at noon festival Sunday in McBaine.

For more on this year's Pedaler's Jamboree, and the full musical lineup, visit https://www.pedalersjamboree.com/.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: 5 can't-miss acts at this year's Pedaler's Jamboree bike and music fest