SPRINGFIELD, Mo., June 5, 2023 — Drury University is proud to announce that “Generations: The Ozark Mountain Daredevils & Friends” concert will come to the O’Reilly Family Event Center on September 16, 2023. The concert will not only celebrate the deep tradition of music in the Ozarks, but will serve as the first public event to kick off the 150th anniversary of Drury, founded September 25, 1873.
Headlining the concert will be local legends The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, joined by an impressive lineup of local bands and performers who have been deeply influenced by the Daredevils’ music and the spirit of the Ozarks, including The HillBenders, Molly Healey String Project, The Shandies, Justin Larkin, Lyal Strickland and other special guests.
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, formed in 1971, have always been indefinable in terms of music genres, producing sounds of country-rock and electric bluegrass all on the same record, writing lyrics both whimsical and poetic, singing harmonies and playing to sold-out crowds across the United States.
“Drury’s 150th anniversary is a truly momentous occasion as we celebrate the legacy of Springfield’s first higher educational institution. We warmly invite the entire community to join us in this joyous celebration,” said Jasmine Cooper, director of university communications and media relations. “The Ozark Mountain Daredevils hold a significant place in Drury’s history, and it is fitting to have them return to our campus for the ‘Generations’ concert to help kick off our year-long celebration. Through this celebration, we pay homage to the past generations of Drury and embark on a journey into the next 150 years of excellence.”
Several members of The Daredevils were former Drury students, with two earning their degrees from the university. Reflecting on his time at Drury, John Dillon ’70, a founding partner of the Daredevils, acknowledged the foundational role the university played in his musical journey. “Everything started for me at Drury. I wrote my very first song as a freshman in the old men’s dorm. And the education I received, with a focus on liberal arts and the humanities, directly led to my life in music which now spans more than half a century. As a proud Drury graduate, I am honored to be a part of its 150-year celebration,” said Dillon.
Public ticket sales begin on Friday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at Drurytickets.com, by calling 417-873-7000, or in person at the box office located at 935 N. Summit Ave., Springfield, MO. The box office is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Additionally, a VIP experience package is being offered, providing attendees with exclusive access to an event the evening prior to the concert. Priced at $75, the package includes a 90-minute presentation by Michael Kuelker, author of the book “The Ozark Mountain Daredevils – On Record,” as well as an interview and Q&A session with John Dillon, Michael “Supe” Granda and Dwight Glenn. The VIP package also includes a copy of the book, the Daredevils’ latest two CDs and an autographed concert poster. The presentation will take place on Friday, September 15 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy finger food and a cash bar during the event. VIP tickets can be purchased online at Drurytickets.com or by calling 417-873-7000.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JCooper020@drury.edu.
