Arts Center, Blues Group to Present 'Downtown Billtown Music Festival'
Published 09.11.2013
News
Events
On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Community Arts Center will once again showcase several of the area's finest musicians in the second annual Downtown Billtown Music Festival. From 4 to 10:30 p.m., gifted local talent will provide 40-minute sets highlighting a variety of musical genres and artistic presentations.
In mid-2011, the Billtown Blues Association initiated the idea of shining a spotlight on local musicians – many known only in their own city block, but deserving to grace a world-class stage. Members knew they could capture the talent, but what about the stage? It only took a few seconds to convince Rob Steele, executive director of the arts center, and a partnership was born.
Steele offered all the technical and production elements the CAC has to offer, and organizers agreed the event needed to be a "long-term, annual" endeavor. All also agreed that the focus would be on presenting multiple genres of music, establishing the event as family-friendly, affordable to all of Williamsport, and of the highest quality for the enjoyment of musicians and their audience.
The first Downtown Billtown Music Festival was held Oct. 20 and deemed a success by all involved; immediately following, plans were underway for No. 2.
This year’s event will feature local singer-songwriter J.R. Scott; Uptown Music Collective creation, The Urban Souls, youngsters who compete in size with their instruments; The Sauers Family, six family members singing traditional and contemporary Christian music; prominent blues favorite, the Dirty Mojo Blues Band; The Frank Wicher Band, featuring outlaw country; the wildly popular Clyde Frog; college-circuit rockers AudioBox; and a special return of the Beatles cover band, Rubber Soul.
New this year will be catered food and beverage in the lobby for the convenience of all patrons, with prices starting at just $1 for hot dogs and adult beverages, courtesy of hospitality partners Durdach Brothers and The Country Store.
Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Friday at the CAC box office, 220 W. Fourth St. Phone and web orders will follow at 10 a.m. Advance tickets are $5, with $3 pricing for students with ID, and children. Tickets at the door will be $8.
Information is available from the Billtown Blues Association and the Community Arts Center.
In mid-2011, the Billtown Blues Association initiated the idea of shining a spotlight on local musicians – many known only in their own city block, but deserving to grace a world-class stage. Members knew they could capture the talent, but what about the stage? It only took a few seconds to convince Rob Steele, executive director of the arts center, and a partnership was born.Steele offered all the technical and production elements the CAC has to offer, and organizers agreed the event needed to be a "long-term, annual" endeavor. All also agreed that the focus would be on presenting multiple genres of music, establishing the event as family-friendly, affordable to all of Williamsport, and of the highest quality for the enjoyment of musicians and their audience.
The first Downtown Billtown Music Festival was held Oct. 20 and deemed a success by all involved; immediately following, plans were underway for No. 2.
This year’s event will feature local singer-songwriter J.R. Scott; Uptown Music Collective creation, The Urban Souls, youngsters who compete in size with their instruments; The Sauers Family, six family members singing traditional and contemporary Christian music; prominent blues favorite, the Dirty Mojo Blues Band; The Frank Wicher Band, featuring outlaw country; the wildly popular Clyde Frog; college-circuit rockers AudioBox; and a special return of the Beatles cover band, Rubber Soul.
New this year will be catered food and beverage in the lobby for the convenience of all patrons, with prices starting at just $1 for hot dogs and adult beverages, courtesy of hospitality partners Durdach Brothers and The Country Store.
Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Friday at the CAC box office, 220 W. Fourth St. Phone and web orders will follow at 10 a.m. Advance tickets are $5, with $3 pricing for students with ID, and children. Tickets at the door will be $8.
Information is available from the Billtown Blues Association and the Community Arts Center.