South 71 is a fun-loving acoustic trio with a self-described “groovy vibe” that will be playing at the Storm Lake Star Spangled Spectacular at the Sunset Park Bandshell from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.

                South 71’s playlist is mostly 1960s and 70s music with an eclectic mix of genres and originals by their talented musicians. The group formed in 2013.

                Barb Johnson lives in Storm Lake and is well-known for her skills on flute, guitar, lead vocals and harmony. She started as a professional musician as a teen in Escondido, California. Performing throughout southern California and Arizona area on saxophone, flute, keyboard, guitar, lead and harmony vocals with Entourage and Who’s Drivin’. For 25 years, she has been playing and performing in Storm Lake and surrounding areas with Serenity, S.O.S., Influenced and Blues Driving, to name a few groups. 

                Mel Kimblad is also a well-known area musician, living in Sioux Rapids, she has been performing in front of audiences since childhood. She has been with Blues Driving, Band of Believers, S.O.S. and 13 years with the Opry All Star Band and 10 years as a featured artist with the Jackson Opry Christmas show. She provides lead vocals, harmony vocals, harmonica, accordion and percussion.

Maury Muhm, lead guitarist, lead vocals and harmony lives in Spirit Lake and is an experienced guitarist of 45 years, He has performed bluegrass with Boone River Boys, Rising Creek, Bluegrass Rendevous and Bill Floyd. He is currently playing with the Opry All-Star Band, Jesse James and the Outlaws.

South 71 and all Star Spangled Spectacular entertainment is family friendly and free of charge for the Spectacular. Entertainment is funded through private donations.

Information and updates regarding the 2019 celebration are available on the Spectacular’s new webpage, www.starspangledspectacular.net, the Spectacular’s Facebook page at Star Spangled Spectacular or Twitter @SLSSSpectacular.

For real time alerts, text SPECTACULAR to 31996 for time and location information for Star Spangled Spectacular activities (note this is a new code).