THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!
"WHERE COUNTRY ROOTS
MEET NEON LIGHTS"
Get ready for a kickass day of country music, cold drinks & Midwest vibes! We’re bringing the heart of the Black Dirt Country Rock community to life right here at Exit 210 Saloon with an incredible lineup of local and regional talent. This all started thanks to the Black Dirt Country Rock Facebook group, founded by Chris Lewis of Homer, IL. During the pandemic, Chris built a space for music lovers to stay connected, discover new artists, and support local talent. His group has grown into a powerful hub where artists find fans & venues, bands collaborate, shows get promoted & new talents arise! Now, it’s time to turn all those shares, likes & posts into a LIVE CROWD for a day (and night) to remember!
We can’t wait to be part of this history in the making. So, round up your friends, bring the family, and let’s make memories at the Black Dirt Country Jam!
MEET YOUR MAIN EVENT SPONSOR
YOUHAS DIAGNOSTICS
“Started in our own trucking yard, built with grit and know-how.”
We’re proud to welcome Youhas Mobile Diagnostics as the Main Event Sponsor of this year’s Black Dirt Country Jam!
What began as a way to keep their own fleet running strong at
Youhas Trucking
quickly evolved into a full-blown repair operation for the community. Backed by hands-on experience, hard-earned know-how, and a deep commitment to quality, the crew at Youhas Diagnostics now offers
full-service automotive and diesel repair—from small engines to commercial semis. “Pickup or Peterbilt, lawn mower or Land Cruiser—if it’s broke, we’ll make it better.”
They fix every customer’s ride like it’s one of their own—because that’s how they got started.
- Diesel & automotive repair
- Small engine to big rig service
- Mobile diagnostics & on-the-go support
- Locally owned, family trusted
“We started by wrenching on our own fleet—now we help keep yours moving too.”
BDCJ
BANDS & ARTISTS
KOLTEN TAYLOR & THE TRUCK TOPPERS
HEADLINER
Get ready to cap off the night with a show-stopping performance from our official headliner — Kolten Taylor & the Truck Toppers! This powerhouse band blends outlaw country grit with rock ‘n’ roll energy, delivering a sound that’s unapologetically raw, relatable, and born from real-life blue-collar stories. Kolten Taylor’s songwriting pulls straight from the dirt — inspired by country living, hard work, and the moments that define small-town America. While attending college in Champaign-Urbana, Kolten picked up the guitar and started writing with close friends and family — what began as late-night jams evolved into a full-throttle regional act. Their debut singles “Neon Glow” and “Good Time Bad” showcase the powerful collaboration between Kolten and guitarist Zach Dable, highlighting their unmatched chemistry and gritty lyrical style. Together with their band, they’ve opened for artists like:
- Noah Hicks
- Jason Boland
- Alex Williams
- Huser Brother Band
Whether it’s a rowdy anthem or a soul-baring ballad, Kolten Taylor & the Truck Toppers bring an electric energy to every stage they step on. Their live show is more than music — it’s a connection, a celebration, and a damn good time.
MUDDY CREEK & CO.
In a world full of cookie-cutter sounds, Muddy Creek & Co. is the real-deal revival of Southern Rock with a fresh edge. Hailing from Southern Illinois, this 4-piece powerhouse blends classic tone and timeless songwriting with a modern twist that hits home for fans of all ages.
Known for their infectious choruses, killer musicianship, and thoughtful lyrics, Muddy Creek & Co. doesn't just play music — they create moments that stick with you. From swampy grooves to high-octane anthems, every set is a ride you don’t want to get off.
Currently touring across the region and building serious momentum, this band is turning heads and raising glasses everywhere they go.
MICHAEL SPARGER
Born and raised in
Lafayette, Indiana,
Michael Sparger brings real-deal country soul and blue-collar grit to every stage he steps on. With roots that run deep in
family, faith, and tradition, his music is a tribute to the legends —
Waylon, Merle, Conway — and to the loved ones who shaped him. A proud
U.S. Army veteran and member of the
101st Airborne Division, Michael's patriotic spirit and work ethic shine through every lyric. Influenced early by his
grandpa Oathel and
Uncle Phil, he started picking guitar as a kid and hasn’t put it down since. With one heartfelt album out and another on the way, he’s pouring his heart into every note — all while traveling with his biggest supporter,
his dad “Pop”, right by his side. Michael Sparger’s music is real, raw, and rooted in country tradition!
ELLIOTT BOOE &
THE IMPOMPTUS
Born and raised on Midwestern backroads, Elliott Booe went from singing behind his dad in the truck to dropping his debut album “First Off” in 2025, playing 500+ shows, writing 300+ songs, and racking up Song of the Year nominations at the 2025 Josie Music Awards with “Freewheeler” and “Song on the Radio.” Backing him on stage and adding an undeniable spark is co-frontwoman Kaylin Kole, known as the Midwestern Hippie. A Nashville-based singer-songwriter with over 200,000 streams and 15K social followers, Kaylin brings soulful country with bold, genre-crossing flair. With 13+ years of performing and two powerful EPs (“Inception” & “Bourbon Warfare”), she’s opened for RaeLynn, Scotty McCreery, Terri Clark, and shared the stage with Lauren Daigle and Ben Fuller. Together, Elliott & Kaylin are a force — blending classic country roots, story-driven songwriting, and a live show that commands attention. Fresh off their biggest show yet opening for Brantley Gilbert at The Mill in Terre Haute, they're just getting started. Keep your ears open for their next single “Honkytonk Queen” dropping this August —.
ZACK FEDOR
From the backroads of Illinois to the heart of the Midwest music scene, Zack Fedor is the real deal—a storyteller, a multi-instrumentalist, and a damn fine country soul. With his band The Long Goodbyes, he blends the dusty grit of red-dirt country with the soul of Americana rock, carving out a sound that’s raw, real, and 100% Midwestern. Since 2011, Zack’s been pouring his heart into every lyric—singing about hard work, small towns, heartbreak, and hope—the kind of stuff that hits you right in the chest. Whether he's strumming the guitar, wailing on the harmonica, or leading a sing-along at your favorite dive bar, his shows feel like a front porch jam session with your best friends.
You’ve seen him at fairs, festivals, and roadside taverns—but now it’s time to catch him where he belongs: under the lights at
Black Dirt Country Jam.
TYSON SCHULTE & THE TRUTH BE TOLD
Tyson Schulte is an independent singer-songwriter focusing on red dirt country & alternative country music. He grew up in Northern Illinois on the outskirts of the Quad Cities. Make no mistake — this good ol’ boy spent his time in the livestock barns raising show cattle and hogs, hunting, and dedicating his time to 4-H and FFA. He taught himself guitar while in college at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and spent many nights performing at karaoke contests. Tyson won the Illinois State Fair Karaoke Contest in 2021 and 2022, earning the opportunity to open up for: Toby Keith, Craig Morgan, Kendell Marvel, Brooks & Dunn. After winning for the second time and being featured in the New York Times, he took it as a sign from God to pursue music more seriously. Since then, Tyson has released 6 singles, gained 85,000+ followers on social media, and has been filling up his calendar with solo acoustic shows all across the Midwest. He has also opened for: Tracy Lawrence, Jake Owen, Uncle Kracker, David Nail, Gretchen Wilson. Tyson compares his sound to artists like Whiskey Myers, Gavin Adcock, Gary Allan, and Warren Zeiders — bringing a bold blend of outlaw energy and country grit to every performance.
OWEN KNAP & THE RUSTY STRINGS
From the cornfields of small-town Illinois to stages across the country,
Owen Knap & the Rusty Strings
are bringing that homegrown country fire wherever they go! With
over 4 million streams,
100+ shows a year, and a sound that’s as authentic as it is electric, Owen is proving that small-town roots can make a big-time impact. He’s rocked
CMA Fest, opened for national acts, and turned every honky-tonk, fairground, and festival into a singalong — blending heartfelt lyrics, gritty vocals, and a band that brings the heat. Whether you’re two-steppin’ or raising your drink,
Owen Knap & the Rusty Strings
will make sure you feel every word, every chord, and every damn mile of the road they’ve traveled.
BORDERTOWN & CO.
Hailing from the heart of East-Central Illinois, Bordertown & Co. is turning heads with their bold blend of country, rock, and metal. Formed in March 2022, this trailblazing band pulls influences from legends like Hank Jr., Johnny Cash, Guns N’ Roses, Deftones, and Whiskey Myers — fusing gritty outlaw vibes with heavy riffs and Southern swagger.
Their sound is a fearless fusion: traditional country storytelling meets the intensity of modern rock, delivering a live experience that’s anything but ordinary. From rowdy anthems to soul-searching ballads, every track packs a punch and tells a story rooted in small-town life, resilience, and raw emotion. With shows alongside national acts like Low Down Drifters and Bryan Martin, they've built a reputation as a must-see live act. Whether they’re shaking up local honky-tonks or commanding a festival stage, their energy is infectious and their connection to the crowd is real.
en
ISAAC DURST & THE
MIDWESTERN CHARM
At just 22 years old, Isaac Durst is carrying the torch for real country music — one soul-stirring lyric at a time. Hailing from the Peoria, IL area, Isaac blends honky-tonk roots, bluesy soul, and hard-earned storytelling, creating a sound that’s as timeless as it is fresh. Isaac’s musical journey started by chance — after getting caught singing in high school, he discovered a voice he never knew he had. At 18, he taught himself guitar on a 1980s Yamaha passed down from his Papa, playing 3-5 hours a day until his fingers bled. That same relentless passion now fuels every note on stage.
From street corners to honky-tonk dive bars, Isaac has played anywhere and everywhere — chasing the grind with heart and grit. And it’s paying off: He’s already opened for legends like: Zach Top, Sammy Kershaw, Diamond Rio, Trace Adkins, Casey Donahew, Koe Wetzel, Ol' 60, Gavin Adcock, Ty Myers. With his debut 4-song EP now streaming on all platforms and a recent set at Tailgate N' Tallboys in Bloomington, IL, Isaac is proving he’s not just preserving country tradition — he’s bringing it to a whole new generation.
TAYLOR BRUNINGA &
THE BANDITS
Straight outta Mapleton, IL,
Taylor Bruninga & the Bandits are bringing the grit of southern rock and the soul of classic country to the Black Dirt stage! With a sound that slams like
Skynyrd, grooves like
Travis Tritt, and punches with the raw energy of
Koe Wetzel &
Bryan Martin, this band is here to leave boot prints on your soul. Whether it’s a whiskey-soaked barn burner or a gut-wrenching ballad that'll stop you in your tracks, Taylor's songs hit different—real stories, real heart, no fluff. This ain’t his first rodeo either—he’s shared the stage with legends like
Chris Cagle,
Bryan Martin, and
HARDY. AND trust us, he ain’t just filling the lineup—he’s making it unforgettable.
TAYLOR BRUNINGA &
THE BANDITS
Straight out of
Indianapolis, Indiana,
Steve Hickman brings
blue-collar country soul to the stage with heartfelt songwriting and a gritty Southern rock edge. With a voice shaped by
real-life stories, 20 years as an
electrician, and deep roots in
love, life, and hard work, Steve’s music hits you where it matters — right in the heart. Steve began writing songs at just
10 years old, teaching himself to
play, sing, and write by ear. Today, with
over 2,500 original songs under his belt, he’s made a name for himself performing at
bars, festivals, coffee shops, and private shows across the region. His sound fuses
classic country storytelling with
Southern rock and blues melodies, delivering lyrics that are
relatable, raw, and deeply personal. When asked what sets his music apart, Steve says: “I want to write songs that make people feel the story — whether it’s serious, sad, funny, or romantic. I want listeners to feel something real… something they’ve lived through.” If you’re a fan of
old-school country with real emotion and stories that stick with you,
Steve Hickman is your guy. His album
"Moral Dilemma" and other singles are available now on all major streaming platforms.
SPONSOR SECTION
We know how hard people work to earn a living—how long the days can be, how tight the margins often are, and how every dollar a small business invests carries real weight. That’s why it means so much to have the kind of backing we do.
Our sponsors are more than logos on a banner—they’re neighbors, friends, and hardworking folks who believe in what we’re building here: a free, community-first music event that brings people together with cold drinks, live country music, and small-town pride. Their support helps us keep this event free and open to all and ensures that the spirit of Midwest hospitality shines through in every detail. Big or small, we are honored to have YOUR names tied to this it all! It’s because of THEM that we can celebrate what matters: good people, good music, and a damn good time.
So when you see these names—shake a hand, say thank you, and if you can, support the folks who help make this possible. Because behind every sponsor is someone who said, “I supoort you!" and that’s something worth celebrating.
If you believe in this as much as we do and want to play a part, we still have sponsorship opportunities open until August 18th!
Please email emily@exit210.com to get involved and help us make this year’s Black Dirt Country Jam something we can make a tradition out of!
ELITE EARTHWORKS
We’re proud to recognize Elite Earthworks, LLC as one of our valued sponsors for Black Dirt Country Jam! Locally owned and rooted in the heart of East-Central Illinois, Elite Earthworks specializes in excavation, grading, land clearing, driveways, and small-scale demolition—handling nearly any dirt-moving job you can throw their way.
Founded in 2022 by Jayden Cox, Elite started with one skid steer, a reliable pickup, and a mission: to deliver the kind of honest, meticulous work he wished he could hire himself. What began as a side hustle quickly grew into a full-time operation trusted by homeowners, farmers, and contractors across Champaign and Vermilion Counties—and into western Indiana.
From basement digs to brush clearing, driveways to finish grading, Elite Earthworks is built on clear communication, reliable timelines, and results that speak for themselves.
