Family Harmony: JustUs Takes the Stage at the Illinois State Fair

By: Forgottonia Times™ Report

On August 14th, the father-daughter duo JustUs took the Apex Stage at the Illinois State Fair, delivering a memorable two-hour performance. The band, known for their unique blend of musical styles, showcased their talents to the diverse audience of passersby and dedicated fans.

The duo shared: "To arrive and see our name on a board telling guests who was playing made us feel like stars." The Apex Stage, strategically placed in a high-traffic area, ensured their music reached a broad audience. As people strolled by, many stopped to enjoy a few songs, drawn in by the compelling mix of familiar tunes and fresh interpretations.

This performance marked a significant milestone for JustUs in more ways than one. The duo invited two seasoned musicians to join them: Joel Wetzell from Macomb on drums and Kevin Hunt from Blandinsville on bass and electric guitar. The fuller sound added depth to their performance, showcasing the band's ability to evolve and adapt. "This experience showed how well we gel together and create an awesome sound," they noted.

For JustUs, performing together is more than playing music; it's a continuation of a cherished tradition that many generations of family musicians have shared. The duo expressed how special it was to share the stage, feeling as though they were "continuing to participate in a family blessing." Rheghan's powerful voice and her father's harmonies created a sound that resonated with the audience, inviting them to dance and sing along.

One of the standout moments from their performance was their rendition of "Don't Stop Believin'," reimagined with a country blues twist. The risk of putting their unique spin on such a beloved classic paid off when they witnessed the crowd's delight as they recognized the song. "It's fun to start songs like that and watch people's eyes open up when they go 'Hey! I know that song!'"

Looking ahead, JustUs has a couple of local performances in September, then plans to take a brief hiatus in the winter to work on new material and prepare for a refreshed setlist in the spring. Inspired by their experience at the State Fair, they are considering incorporating more instruments and musicians into their performances in 2025. "We loved playing with a full band at the State Fair, so come 2025, JustUs may include more instruments, musicians, and songs. Stay tuned!"