Fertile Soil an eclectic blend of new, classic and country-rock
Fertile Soil performs “an eclectic blend” of new, classic and country rock. A typical set list from the band might include songs by Jimmy Buffett, Fleetwood Mac, the Doobie Brothers, and Tom Petty. Every night you can expect several songs from our “roots”—the Beatles and the Eagles. If the crowd prefers something from the country charts, Fertile Soil is ready with tunes by Dwight Yoakam, Johnny Cash, or Little Big Town. Some of the more mature wine drinkers might request an oldie from the ‘60s. The band can answer that with songs by the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, and the Rascals. Prefer a little bit of soul? How about something from Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight or Harold Melvin? And if the crowd really feels adventurous they may want to jitterbug to our medley of “At the Hop” and “The Peppermint Twist”. Fertile Soil made its first appearance in November of 2007. It was intended to be a “one-time thing—a church fundraiser”. But it turned out to be such fun that it grew to twice a year. Then it was once a month. Now the band plays almost every weekend. The original Fertile Soil line-up included Brent Koeneman (lead vocals, guitar, percussion) and Bruce Harmsen (guitar, keyboards, vocals). Brent and Bruce had been founding members and toured the Midwest with “Footloose” in the 1980’s. Drummer and vocalist Larry Willis (“Special FX” and “Blues Lifters”) was soon added to the mix. In 2011, when Fertile Soil was in need of a guitarist, the band reached out to old friend David Lee Halstead to fill the void. David has been performing all over the country for nearly 40 years. He has a versatile and unique style that listeners love. Tim "Hanz" Granade has returned as singer/bassist for Fertile Soil. Tim has played with numerous acts throughout the Midwest--most notably in the touring band of country singer Brandy Clark. The latest addition is vocalist Lauri Kumke. Lauri most recently performed with local band Shady Gray. Once again Fertile Soil has six vocalists that can mix and match a wide variety of vocal styles.
Fertile Soil has versatile sound reinforcement and lighting equipment that allows us to adapt to any number of settings. The band is equally comfortable in an outdoor festival type of setting—or a more intimate indoor venue. We are often complimented for our ability to perform at a sound level that permits casual conversations to take place. Fertile Soil is looking to book weekends during 2019. The past couple years has found the band playing dates at festivals, benefits, night clubs, bars, dance halls, and wineries throughout Southern Illinois and Southeastern Missouri. During the summers, Fertile Soil has had outdoor gigs at the Marissa Coal Festival, the Blessing of the Bikes “Hog Fest” in Cobden, the Grand American at the World Shooting Complex, and three consecutive years at the entertainment tent at the DuQuoin State Fair. The band also made its first appearances at the Isle Capri Casino in Cape Girardeau, MO, the East Perry Community Fair at Altenberg, MO, the SIUC Homecoming Tailgate Party and the annual “grape stomp” at Hemmen Winery in Brazeau, MO. For more information on Fertile Soil, check us out on Facebook or at our website http://fertilesoil.yolasite.com/ To book Fertile Soil call or text 618-317-4409 or email harmsen@myfrontiermail.com
