Rock band Saliva to headline Squeal on the Eel

Mar. 8—Click click boom! Saliva is coming down to the Squeal on the Eel main stage June 15 at Riverside Park.

The rock band was announced as the headliners by the festival organizers Friday morning on social media.

The band released their self-titled debut album in 1997 and soon signed with Island Def Jam Records. They were regularly featured on MTV.

From 2002 to 2007, the band had two albums reach 19 on the Billboard Charts.

One of their most popular songs, "Always," released as the first single of "Back into Your System," tackled domestic violence. The song was inspired by a real-life incident that a woman the band knew had experienced.

Included in the mainstage lineup at Squeal on the Eel is The Hype, an 80's glam rock cover band who will make their return to the festival. Country musician Levi Riggs will also perform.

Organizers Stephanie Helton and Jason Snyder said they try to pick a known band that they think Cass County would enjoy.

"It's Cass County. We're country town," said Helton. "So, we definitely always want to throw in a country act."

Helton said The Hype was well received by festival attendees in 2003 and were also eager to return this year.

"They wanted to come back," Snyder said. "The people who reached out to us said 'bring The Hype back.' Yeah, we probably got to do that."

Snyder and Helton said there was no other place in the country where music fans could see the three acts for just $10-$15 dollars.

This year Squeal on the Eel will feature a second stage. Performing on the Community Foundation stage will be Twisted Riddlers and River Road.

Despite heading into it's third year, the organizers said doing the actual organizing hasn't become any easier.

Helton and Snyder also teased that four new local non-profits would receive funding at this year's event.

Squeal on the Eel recently received 501©(3) status. Pre-order tickets are $10 and tickets the day are $15.