Riley Herder is a self-described eclectic musician and will be bringing a wide range of musical selections to the free stage at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Allen County Fair.
His influences can be heard in both the songs of other artists and the original music that he writes. Some of his earliest childhood memories are of listening to the radio to hear 1990s grunge artists Pearl Jam and Nirvana, 1960s rock artist Creedance Clearwater Revival and blues artists of all kinds.
Because he has been passionate about music from a very early age, Herder, 19, continues to pursue his dream of making it in show business, be it on the stage or behind the mixing board.
“Right now I’m a recording arts major at Labette Community College,” Herder said. “I’ll hopefully get to keep working in the music world in a studio.”
Herder’s self-titled band has been playing together for the last four years. The group has been touring the regional music scene from Parsons to Pittsburg to Independence. While some of the shows played in front of a younger audience tend to lean toward a more aggressive sound, Herder recognizes the audience he’ll be playing in front of Monday.
“I think we’ll do a more middle of the road lineup of songs,” Herder said. “I think we’re also going to do an acoustic set.”
As Herder moves forward in his career he still likes to remember his roots and the area he is from.
“I’m just happy we get a chance to play in front of everyone here,” Herder said. “The people in Allen County have always supported us and we’re just so thankful for that.”
Eclectic musician takes the stage
