by Hanna Singh
It’s almost that time again. The Peach Festival is on its way, and an exciting roster of local musicians and performers has been announced. With over 12 hours of live music at Railroad Park, the 2-26 Peach Fest is bringing a whole day’s worth of peachy fun to Ruston Louisiana.
The performance list includes a talented lineup of bands, singers, and musicians beginning 9:00 AM and finishing at 10:30 PM. Wrapping up the show will be the headliner band “The Chee Weez” all the way from New Orleans.
Lineup:
RussTown Band – 9:00AM -10:00AM
Virlyn Bangcot – 10:00AM-11:00AM
Trey Gauthreaux – 11:00AM-12:00PM
Swamp N Roll Pat Mason & Bayou Boogie – 12:00PM-1:00PM
Josh Love Band – 1:00PM-2:00PM
Elise Clare Causey – 2:00PM-3:00PM
Stampede – 3:00PM-4:00PM
Averyal Goyne – 4:30PM-5:30PM
TIPSEY – 6:30PM-8:00PM
2026 HEADLINER The Chee Weez – 9:00PM-10:30PM
With the days inching closer, many of the performers are just as excited for the event as the Peach Fest goers. Returning performers, “The Chee Weez” expressed their excitement in playing at the Peach Festival for the 4th time. Chee Weez vocalist and bass player, Joey Mangiapane, shared their experience in performing previously and highlighted their expectations for this year.
“We last played The Peach Festival in 2020.” The Chee Weez said. “We’re looking forward to being back this year. We don’t play Ruston that much, but we’ve always had a great time in that area. Everyone is extremely friendly and are always ready to have a good time. We play a little bit of everything, but we mainly play 80’s music. I’ve been playing music since I was 15. I’ve always liked the interaction with the audience. We try to get them involved as much as possible.”
The Josh Love Band, a local rock and blues band led by lead vocalist “Josh Love” will be taking the stage as a return performance as well. As a childhood musician turned local rock star, Love described some of his journey in becoming the performer he is today, and why he does it.
“I started playing guitar after seeing a high school talent show tryout,” Love said. “Music was always around in my life. From listening to the radio and going to church, it was always in my life. I remember fondly jamming in the car with my dad to Rush and Living Colour. Music is a beautiful form of expression and can positively impact people. That’s why I love it.”
Later in the afternoon, Averyal Goyne will take the stage as a first time Peach Fest performer to show some love to the pop rock genre. A lover of all types of music, Goyne plays from the heart because of how it makes herself and others feel. She is looking forward to bringing some of that joy and emotion to the stage on June 6th.
“There is nothing in the world that can replicate the same feeling I get when performing,” Goyne said. “I live for all the emotion it brings. Also, I greatly enjoy watching people in the audience, seeing them sing along or having a smile on their face at each show while seeing familiar ones, leaves me with the utmost gratitude and excitement for what’s next. For the Peach Fest I would say people can expect an authentic, high-energy performance, that is well curated and will get you off your feet. This moment is the moment, and I love to live in it.”
Trey Gauthreaux, a Ruston local, will be playing right at home at this year’s Peach Festival. A musician with Louisiana roots, Gauthreaux is excited to meet people who travel from afar to see the festival right here in his hometown. He will be playing a mixture of R&B, classic rock, blues and country.
“What I’m looking forward to most is meeting people that come from all over the world for this.” Gauthreaux said. “I’ve met people that come all the way from England to come to the Peach Fest. I’m also looking forward to all the great music that will be performed throughout the day. I’m thankful to be a part of such an amazing event. People can expect to see me perform original music along with what inspired me to write. Also, I will be playing my favorite cover songs.”
With a variety of genres and performers this year, Peach Fest goers can expect a high-energy and fun-filled day of live performances. Peach Festival admission is free to the public and you can find all this live music happening in Downtown Ruston at the Railroad Park Stage. Get ready for a peachy summer and don’t miss this year’s musical performances!
