The tradition continues for Shenandoah Side Sidewalk Sales, July 18th, 19th, and 20th. For over 70 years Shenandoah downtown Sidewalk Sales have offered the best bargains of the summer. Shop the Sales Thursday-Saturday and enjoy Thirsty Thursday live music at the Depot and the Shendig BBQ contest Friday & Saturday. Great deals inside and out July 18th thru 20^th. It wouldn’t be Summer without Shenandoah Sidewalk Sales.

      Shenandoah observes Everly Brothers Family Heritage Day commemorating Everly Brothers History in Shenandoah Thursday June 20th with new t-shirts, a movie showing, and of couarse music.

      “Harmonies from Heaven” documentary movie will be shown at 3:30pm at the Public Library & later at the Everly Brothers Childhood Home 800 W. Sheridan Avenue.    The documentary tells the story of Phil and Don Everly, focusing on the heyday of their careers in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. Featuring archival interviews with Don and Phil, the film follows their career from child performers on their father’s radio shows on KMA and KFNF in Shenandoah, through their move to Nashville and their recording decades.

     Enjoy a Free outdoor concert at 6pm by Touch of Grey band at Depot Deli 101 Railroad St. Touch of Grey is a band from the Omaha-area that blends classic rock with Grateful Dead songs. They will also perform their brand of Everly hits.  Over the past 3-4 years the band has had 100 performances in various towns in Iowa and Nebraska.  

     Members of the band are Matt Wilber of Carson, Ia. on lead vocals and John Scherle of Henderson, Ia. on guitar and vocals. John is a member of the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. DaVal Johnson performs on keyboards and vocals for the band and is originally from Council Bluffs. Sandy Steckman from Omaha supplies bass guitar and vocals. Josh Mason also of Omaha is on drums and vocals. 

     A new Everly Brothers Family t-shirt design is being offered for $20 at the concert or online at www.sciaiowa.com. The shirt is a tribute to these rock n’ roll pioneers that got their start in Shenandoah. It features a family publicity photo from their radio days at KMA and KFNF. They are dressed in their cowboy attire, the uniform of that time for performances.

     Don and Phil spent their formative years in Shenandoah and learned the value of hard work, performing, and musicianship that was an integral part to their success. Shenandoah was home to Ike and Margret Everly and their boys Don and Phil from 1945 to 1953. They sang and played guitar on live radio for Earl May on KMA and Henry Field on KFNF.

     In 1945 the Everly family moved to Shenandoah to accept a job at KMA radio station to perform live. From these humble beginnings in Shenandoah the Everly Brothers rose to world fame. Their father Ike instilled in his sons his love for music.  At the ages of 8 and 6, sons Don and Phil began to perform on their parents live on the Shenandoah radio shows. On weekends the family sang together traveling the area as the Everly Family.

     They stayed in Shenandoah until early high school. The family moved to Tennessee in 1953 and transitioned into a duo act. After decades of success in 1986 The Everly Brothers were among the first ten artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That same year they returned to their boyhood home Shenandoah and played to a crowd of 8,500 in a homecoming concert with parade, street dedication, and class reunion.

     You can learn more about the Everly’s history by visiting the preserved childhood home and Greater Shenandoah Historical Museum at 800 W. Sheridan Avenue. The museum will hold a 20^th Anniversary open house on Saturday June 22^nd 1- 4 p.m.

      The Mission of Shenandoah Everly Brothers Foundation is to honor and remember the Everly Brothers, preserving their Shenandoah history and keeping their music alive with events and concerts held annually.

     Don and Phil also established an Everly Family Scholarship in Shenandoah in 1986 with the proceeds from their Shenandoah Homecoming concert. Beginning with $25,000 from the Shenandoah concert and several other Iowa performances, it has been helping students in Shenandoah ever since.  They wanted to help Shenandoah kids with interest and dreams but need a little financial help to get there. Tens of thousands have been gifted to 6^th, 7^th, & 8th graders to help with music instrument rental and other music equipment, athletic equipment or fees, vocal and band fees, art or drama camps, private music or vocal lessons, academic tutoring, and more. Parents can learn more by contacting Bill Hillman, President of the Shenandoah Everly Brothers Foundation.

     For more information about Everly Brothers Family Heritage Day activities contact Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association at 712-246-3455, chamber@sciaiowa.com, www.sciaiowa.com.

North Star Housing LLC & Excel Development Group invites everyone to the June 12 Open House and Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association Ribbon Cutting at Shenandoah Senior Villas Apartments 11:30 am, 1401 W Sheridan Avenue. Help us celebrate Shenandoah's new senior housing property. Tour the facility and enjoy refreshments and Snacks Served.