Smoke & Irons Music Fest to benefit Ignite the Courage charity

Bartlett firefighters’ Smoke & Irons Music Fest returns Friday, Aug. 7, and Saturday, Aug. 8, to Apple Orchard Park in Bartlett with a deep lineup of musical artists and a mission to help those in the community who need it most.

For the second year in a row, the fun will start Thursday with a kickoff party at Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling Company, 106 S. Riverside in St. Charles. The event opens at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, and will feature South City Revival at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Joe Stamm Band at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Go to ignitethecourage.org to register.

The fest itself runs from 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Apple Orchard Park, 696 W. Stearns Road in Bartlett. Admission is $10 at the gate for attendees 21 and older, while those under 21 can get in for free.

“The Smoke & Irons Music Fest boasts a carefully curated lineup featuring incredibly talented artists from throughout the country, creating one of the best collections of original live music in the Chicago suburbs,” President and Event Director Nick McLeod said.

Friday’s musical lineup consists of Eli Howard & the Greater Good at 4 p.m., The Filthy Heathens at 5:30 p.m., Sam Morrow at 7 p.m. and Rob Leines at 9 p.m.

Performing Saturday will be the Evan Stock Band at 1 p.m., Matt Keen at 2:30 p.m., Andy Thomas at 4 p.m., Jive Mother Mary at 5:30 p.m., Ben Chapman at 7 p.m. and The Band Feel at 9 p.m.

The festival creates a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere with attractions to keep attendees entertained throughout each day and food trucks selling lobster rolls, pizza, gyros, tacos, barbecue and more.

Streamwood Professional Firefighters Local 3022, also a platinum sponsor of the fest, will host the Smoke & Irons Bags Tournament at 2 p.m. Saturday. Registration costs $50 per team and cash prizes will be awarded, including $300 for first place. Registration is available on the day or in advance at scoreholio.com.

Pollyanna Brewing has been a top sponsor of the fest since 2018 and will be bringing its Optimist Society Mug Club to the fest. There will be an expanded tap selection, more seltzers and special variant releases from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, several beer and spirit tastings, and a special mid-year Optimist Society signup opportunity that includes free admission to the fest for two.

The annual event has raised more than $185,000 since 2017 for Ignite the Courage, a 501(c)3 charity created and run by the firefighters that directly assists individuals and families in need in the communities they serve, as well as fellow first responders.

In its assistance to community members, Ignite the Courage doesn’t focus on any one disease but any disease, ailment or significant tragedy that an individual or family may face. The organization aims to be there for people in these situations and encourage everyone to not lose hope and never give up.

Ignite the Courage’s recipient selection committee identifies the individuals and families in need and also partners with area hospitals for that purpose. But it can always use more help to find a family in need. If someone you know is in need of assistance, contact the organization at ignitethecourage.org/contact.