From Bluegrass to Rock, Festival’s Saturday Entertainment Offers Variety

By

StateCollege.com Staff

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July 16, 2011 – 10:34 am

Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, Community & Entertainment, Local News, State College, StateCollege.com

The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts spans five full days.

But Saturday — Saturday is, arguably, the biggest one of them all, the flagship of the festival days.

Saturday often sees the festival’s biggest crowds in State College. And greeting them is a full slate of live entertainment in the downtown and on the Penn State University Park campus.

Here’s a breakdown that spotlights some of the day’s musical highlights:

Tolins’ Bluegrass Revue
1:30 p.m., Festival Shell stage, Old Main Lawn
If you’re looking for some good mid-afternoon bluegrass, this is the artist to check out. You may have heard them play at Zeno’s Pub, but come give them a listen as they play to a different crowd — and during the day.

Zak Sobel Band
4 p.m., Allen Street stage
You might remember the Zak Sobel Band as one of this year’s Battle of the Bands winners for Movin’ On. ZSB will be playing its folk-inspired songs from the recent album “Barcelona” as well as other original songs, but don’t be surprised if you hear the group cover an oldie or two.

Mark DeRose and The Way Home
7:30 p.m.; Sidney Friedman Park stage
The acoustic jams of Mark DeRose have been heard all over the college circuit and will now debut in the State College community. The band has opened for artists such as Michelle Branch, Blues Traveler and Josh Kelley. This is a perfect musician to see as the sun sets on arts-fest Saturday.

Velveeta
10 p.m., Festival Shell stage, Old Main Lawn
If you’re looking for something a little different and some throwback jams, you’ll be in the right place with Velveeta. Covering all sorts of ’80s songs, they are bound to get you dancing and wishing you still had your leg warmers and sweatbands. Oh, and make sure to bring your dancing pants.

The Rustlanders
10 p.m., Allen Street stage
Arguably one of the most popular band at the festival, the Rustlanders are back to rock the night away with their classic rock stylings and blues influences. Their newest, self-titled album has had a worldwide release and is being heard by rock fans of all ages.