Effingham Native Austin Weinstock to Perform at The EPC

The Effingham Performance Center announces Effingham native Austin Weinstock, who goes by the stage name Austin Edwards, will be returning to his hometown stage for a night of country music.

(AUSTIN EDWARDS)

Austin Edwards, as seen on "America’s Got Talent", will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, August 22, at the Effingham Performance Center. The show, which is sponsored by Washington Savings Bank, is a social distancing concert where concert goers will be seated in “fan pods” with six feet of separation between each party.

“We are excited to have Austin at The EPC,” said Kim Jansen, executive director of the theater. “I know our community has been cheering him on during this season of America’s Got Talent, and we are looking forward to watching him live on our stage.”

With restrictions due to Covid-19, the Effingham Performance Center will require all patrons to wear masks when entering the building and while traveling through the public areas in the building. Once patrons are seated and socially distanced, they will have the option to remove their masks.

“At this time, we are presenting concerts where we can socially distance our patrons by limiting the number of seats available,” said Jansen. “It will still be some time before we can host national touring acts and sold out shows in our auditorium, but we are taking small steps back.”

Although Austin loved performing on national television for the America’s Got Talent judges, he is excited to return to his hometown and take the stage at The EPC.

“I have so many amazing memories of Effingham and the surrounding communities,” said Austin. “I remember my hometown of Effingham being like our own little circle of the world that we were fortunate enough to live in. Our communities, even in surrounding counties, would always come together for each other in times of need.

“I cannot wait to come home and perform for such amazing people on our hometown stage at the Effingham Performance Center, which is one of the best performance venues in the entire state,” he added.

Austin said being on America’s Got Talent has been an amazing experience – one that he will not soon forget.

“Being on America’s Got Talent has been an immeasurable feeling of excitement, nervousness and hope,” he said. “I was excited to perform in front of amazing high energy crowds, yet nervous due to the possible negative response to me as an artist.”

Prices for the Austin Edwards concert are $15 for all seats. Prices do not include taxes or fees. Public sale for tickets opens at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 5.

Tickets may be purchased at The EPC’s Box Office, by calling 217-540-2788 or online at www.ticketmaster.com/epc. For more information about the theater, visit www.theepc.org.