Summer Arts Festival presents Joe Mullins and his band

“First impressions mean a lot,” he said. “If it’s not quality music, I can see that. My lifelong mission is to kill stereotypes. I’m sure most people who don’t like it couldn’t name one bluegrass band.

“There’s more good activity in the 70-year history of bluegrass than there’s ever been. You’ll find substance and a message, a story.”

Mullins is ready to show local audiences when his band and The Boxcars bring an evening of bluegrass to the Summer Arts Festival at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at the Turner Pavilion at Veteran’s Park.

Presented by the Springfield Arts Council, admission is free.

Just completing its 11th anniversary, the Radio Ramblers have toured the world the past six years, including a European tour, 100 performances and 40,000 miles behind them in the last year.

Mullins said he’s fortunate to be surrounded by surrounded by talented bandmates, including two from the Bluegrass State – Kentucky – which adds to the feel.

The band previously performed at the Arts Festival during its early days and Mullins is enthusiastic to share the band’s growth since. For Mullins, who’s based in Xenia, it’s sort of a homecoming.

When not touring and performing, he runs Classic Country Radio, AM 1500, in Xenia.

“It’s always good to be in my back yard,” he said.

In addition to bluegrass, the Radio Ramblers will also take on gospel tunes from its hit album that garnered a 2016 International Bluegrass Music Association award for Gospel Recorded Performance for the song “All Dressed Up.”

Audiences will also hear the band’s newest single, “Long Gone Out West Blues,” from its forthcoming CD “The Story We Tell,” which will be released in August.

“All our music is family-friendly and we love the festival mood,” said Mullins.

The Radio Ramblers are also taking an area brand on their tours this year. Springfield-based Rue Farms Rustic Potato Chips is the group’s national sponsor.

The performance’s other attraction, The Boxcars, are also Grammy-nominated and IBMA winners.

How to go

What: Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers; The Boxcars are also on the bill.

Where: Turner Pavilion, Veteran's Park, Springfield

When: 8 p.m. Thursday, June 29

Admission: Free

More info: 937-324-2712 orwww.SpringfieldArtsCouncil.org