This weekend, September 5-6, 2025, Bolm-Schuhkraft City Park in Columbia, Illinois, will come alive with the 12th Annual Songs4Soldiers Benefit Concert, a two-day festival dedicated to supporting combat veterans and their families. This family-friendly event, featuring top-tier national and local music acts, is one of Southern Illinois’ standout fundraisers, combining great music with a meaningful cause. With headliners like country star Craig Morgan and rock legends The Wallflowers, this year’s lineup promises an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Founded by Dustin Row, an Iraq War veteran, musician, and Columbia native, Songs4Soldiers began in 2013 as a heartfelt mission to support combat veterans facing financial hardships. Row’s experiences during his deployment, coupled with the loss of fellow soldiers, inspired him to create a platform that provides direct financial assistance to veterans and their families. Since its inception, Songs4Soldiers has raised over $1.4 million, helping veterans with essential needs like housing, medical expenses, and more. “Thirteen years later, I’m still in awe of the national, regional, and local support we receive,” Row shared, reflecting on the event’s growth and impact.
The 2025 Songs4Soldiers Benefit Concert kicks off on Friday, September 5, with gates opening at 5:30 PM. Presented by 92.3 WIL FM, the evening will feature country music star Craig Morgan, joined by Joe Stamm Band, Clusterpluck, and Andrew Lee. On Saturday, September 6, gates open at 2:30 PM, with 106.5 The Arch presenting The Wallflowers, alongside Jimmy Griffin and The Incurables, Dazed N Confused STL, The Yacht Rockers, Kent Ehrhardt and The Blue Moon Blues Band, and Mississippi River Rats. A side stage will also feature Tim Berg & The Kurtz Family Band performing both days, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
This diverse lineup, spanning country, rock, and blues, ensures there’s something for everyone. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the performances in the park’s relaxed, open-air setting. The event is handicap-accessible, with free parking and free admission for veterans and children 12 and under, making it an inclusive celebration of community and service.
Songs4Soldiers is more than just a concert—it’s a community-supported experience that brings together food, drinks, and a shared commitment to honoring veterans. The event is rain or shine, though performances may be postponed or canceled if weather conditions are deemed unsafe. Tickets are non-refundable, and attendees are advised to treat e-tickets like cash, as unauthorized duplication may prevent entry. Coolers, pets, and firearms are not permitted, but blankets and chairs are allowed in designated areas.
Sponsors such as Weber Chevrolet, Budweiser, Jim Beam, Veterans United Home Loans, and Country Financial play a vital role in making the event possible, ensuring that 100% of proceeds go directly to Songs4Soldiers’ mission of supporting combat veterans.
Since its founding, Songs4Soldiers has grown into a powerful movement, driven by volunteers, sponsors, and a dedicated “S4S Nation” of supporters. The organization’s work extends beyond the annual concert, with ongoing efforts to assist veterans in need. As Row emphasizes, “Songs4Soldiers exists to be that last option when you’re down and out.” The event not only raises funds but also fosters a sense of hope and community for veterans and their families.
The Songs4Soldiers Benefit Concert is a chance to enjoy world-class music while supporting a vital cause. Whether you’re a country music fan, a rock enthusiast, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend the weekend, this event offers something special. Grab your tickets, pack your lawn chair, and head to Bolm-Schuhkraft City Park for a weekend of music, community, and gratitude for our veterans. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit songs4soldiersstl.org.
