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.  The show starts each day at 10:00 AM and goes to 10:00 PM.  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, and Merlin Gene, an American country music singer-songwriter, and humorist known for his traditional country music, and comedy style songs.   

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

Albert Svenddal

Darrell Cummings

Barry Wheeler

Gary Lloyd

Nick Stine

Tyler Davenport

Dan Burnham

Larry Dolan

Dave Bolin

Ron Kyne & Ronald Kyne Jr.

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, Eugene Moles, Doug Rigsby,  Everett Bug, Melody Freeman, James Jinkerson, Peggy Bode, and Jerry Mayo.

Serving as Co-Master of Ceremonies will be former Southern Illinois Productions long time organizer and past secretary Dow Smith along with Merlin Gene, an American country music singer-songwriter, and humorist known for his traditional country music, and comedy style songs. 

Tickets & Lodging

Ticket sales begin March 1, 2026, through the Benton Civic Center website.    https://www.bentonciviccenter.com/events 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.)



The Benton Civic Center is offering a dinner Buffet both Friday and Saturday evenings of the show. To purchase your tickets in advance online is very easy to do, after selecting your show tickets it then ask if you would like a ticket for the buffet for $22.00 plus tax. It's very easy and convenient and they always do a great job with the buffet. You can view the menu at https://irp.cdn-website.com/bbcbacdd/files/uploaded/Menu.jpg

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

A Dinner Buffet will be served both Friday and Saturday evening and tickets will be available through the box office, menu and price details will be available on March 1st. Stay close to the music and skip the hassle of heading back out—a delicious buffet‑style dinner will be served right here inside the venue, exclusively for our concert guests. No driving, no lines, no missing a moment of the Steel Guitar Show… just a hot, hearty dinner waiting steps from your seat. Meal is priced extra. https://www.bentonciviccenter.com/events

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!