Metro Jam 2026: Manitowoc Festival Debuts Live Jim and Rick Show, Celebrates 100 Years of Local Radio

June 19 will see Manitowoc’s downtown skyline glow as Metro Jam 2026 opens with a historic, live broadcast of the Jim and Rick Show from local AM station WOMT. The two‑day festival, running through June 20, marks the first time the event has partnered with a radio station and dovetails with Seehafer Broadcasting’s centennial celebration of live local radio. The move is a nod to the city’s musical roots and a fresh way to bring the community together.

Bob Mittnacht, one of Metro Jam’s founders, explained why the partnership feels like a homecoming. "Many of us that are musicians from way back in Manitowoc got our start listening to music on WOMT and WCUB," Mittnacht told local media. "So it’s a great thing to have that connection." The broadcast will air from Washington Park, allowing festivalgoers to hear the Jim and Rick Show’s signature non‑political format—local trivia, the fast‑paced “5‑Second Panic” segment, and a t‑shirt toss—while the crowds cheer in the open air.

After the radio show, the first act on the Washington Park stage will be The Fordney Brothers Band, a local outfit that blends gritty rock and blues into a sound that resonates with Manitowoc’s own musical heritage. The evening will close with Psycho Logic, a nu‑metal group renowned for high‑energy covers of System of a Down, Chevelle, and The Perfect Circle, providing a sharp contrast to the early‑morning broadcast.

Saturday’s schedule continues that mix of local flavor and national appeal. At noon, Dan Walker and Derek Pritzl will perform, followed by Biff Hansen and The Works at 2:30 p.m. Mittnacht stressed the importance of keeping the festival rooted in Manitowoc while also featuring acts from across the United States.

The headline act is slide‑guitar legend Sonny Landreth, who has shared stages with Buddy Guy, John Hiatt, and Eric Clapton at the Crossroads Guitar Festival. Landreth will take the Washington Park stage at 8:30 p.m., bringing a career that includes a recent Grammy win for an album he contributed to—a highlight Mittnacht called a "good get" for the event.

Metro Jam organizers note that the lineup reflects a deliberate balance of genres and experience levels. Local acts that have emerged from Manitowoc’s music scene sit alongside national performers who bring broader appeal, creating a program that showcases the city’s musical heritage while providing a platform for new talent.

Tickets for the two‑day festival are available through Metro Jam’s official website and local ticket outlets. The full lineup, including set times and additional performers, is posted on metrojam.org/lineup. The partnership with WOMT and the inclusion of the Jim and Rick Show underscore the festival’s commitment to community engagement—broadcasting live from Washington Park offers a unique blend of live music and radio that celebrates a century of local broadcasting while highlighting Manitowoc’s vibrant music culture.

Metro Jam 2026 will run from June 19 to June 20, with the final night featuring Sonny Landreth’s slide‑guitar performance. The event’s schedule, venue, and ticketing details remain unchanged from the festival’s previous editions. Organizers have confirmed that all programming will proceed as planned, with no announced changes to the lineup or schedule. Attendees can expect a two‑day showcase of local and national music, live radio, and community‑focused entertainment.

For more information, visit metrojam.org or check WOMT’s social media channels for updates on the live broadcast and festival activities.