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Live Local Music

The Art of Music at Arts Fest 2011

Posted by Pat Baxter on 07/15 at 12:43 PM

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past week, I’m sure you’re aware that one of State College’s biggest summer events is upon us.  That’s right, here in our pleasant, laid back world of central Pennsylvania, Arts Fest is happening, and it’s happening right now.  Some of the best artists from the region and beyond will display just about every kind of visual/physical art you can imagine: basketry, sculpture, glass, water colors, ceramics, painting… The list goes on.  There’s even a category of art called ‘other’ (see here).  All of it is put on display (and for sale) for the thousands upon thousands of Penn State students, alumni, townies, and people who got lost on their way to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or New York.  Whatever the case, Arts Fest has become the place to be in State College.

And not to be lost in all the visual art, is the art of music.  Arts Fest has its usual offerings of folk, blue grass, and country.  But you’ll also find other styles such as indie, jazz, and funk bands.  On Friday, see bands like Chicken Tractor (country), Ted McClosky and the Hi Fi’s (indie rock), and the Ultra Kings (rockabilly) perform.  It’s also notable that Penn State’s Essence of Joy has a concert.

Also in the mix, on Saturday, is Zak Sobel Band (who also played at Summer’s Best Music Fest), Duo Cieli (classical), and the Andrew Jackson Jazz Ensemble.  Sunday has such performers as Tussey Mountain Moonshiners (bluegrass), Atlas Soundtrack (reggae/hip-hop/rock), and the Earthtones (reggae).

Indeed, it is a fairly eclectic mix and you’re likely to find your genre of choice.  For a complete list of upcoming music performances see below:

July 15: http://www.arts-festival.com/schedule_07152011.php
July 16: http://www.arts-festival.com/schedule_07162011.php
July 17: http://www.arts-festival.com/schedule_07172011.php