Golden Embers performing July 12

FAIRBURY, Ill. — A trio of central Illinois musicians will entertain Historic Farm Days visitors Friday, July 12, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Pavilion.

The Golden Embers band is comprised of Brian Steffen, Robin McPherson and Rick Metz, all originally from Fairbury.

“Brian is our lead guitar on a Martin acoustic/electric. He’s just phenomenal what he can get out of that guitar. We try to work minimum equipment if we can, travel light,” Metz said.

“Robin plays bass and drums, and I play drums and bass. Robin and I are siblings and we switch off. We also get a little fiddle here and there and a little bit of harmonica here and there.

“We play a lot of 1970s music. We do a lot of songs and when we’re playing we can see the lips in the crowd singing along with us.

“We perform three hours straight. Every individual in the band picks a song. I’ve been with bands where you have a honcho out front and they say we’re doing this, this and this, and you don’t have a say. Everybody has a say in this outfit. Everybody does bookings. It’s just like a tripod, you have to have three legs for it to stand.”

The trio first played together just as the COVID shutdown began in March 2020.

“We were at a jam session and Brian asked if we wanted to try some three-instrument music. I said I was game if my sister is, so away we went,” Metz noted.

The Golden Embers play throughout central Illinois and have a busy schedule leading up to Historic Farm Days.

“I think we have seven gigs scheduled in June and for a little garage band that’s almost too much, but I’m not gong to say I don’t enjoy it because I love it. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t,” Metz added.