LOCK HAVEN — Downtown Lock Haven will soon become a major musical destination once again with the 9th Annual LH JAMS Music and Arts Festival, slated for Aug. 8-10.

The festival will feature an opening night on Thursday, Aug. 8, at the Price Performance Center on Commonwealth University-Lock Haven’s campus; a Main Street block Party on Friday, Aug. 9; all leading up to the all day music and arts festival on Saturday, Aug. 10.

The festival is held each year by the Clinton County Arts Council and offers a wide range of music, art, crafts, food and much more.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect for this year’s musical line up:

ROCKIN’ THE HAVEN

On Aug. 8, LH JAMS will kick off with Rockin’ the Haven concert at Price Performance Center.

Unforgettable Fire, the world’s premier U2 cover band along with opening guest the Uptown Music Collective are slated to perform at this ticketed event. This is the only ticketed event of LH JAMS. Not only will this be the musical event of the summer but it also helps raise funding for the Jeff Gummo/CCAC Scholarship for the arts.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with UMC performing at 6 p.m. followed by Unforgettable Fire at 7:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets visit www.lhjams.org/thursday-august-8-performances.

MAIN STREET

BLOCK PARTY

On Aug. 9, downtown will come alive in the evening with a Main Street Block Party featuring Willie Jack and the Northern Light starting at 6 p.m They are a newcomer to LH JAMS. “This PA band brings a unique rock band style with saxophone and keyboard overtones that sets it apart from most great regional bands,” Steve Getz, CCAC board member and LH JAMS coordinator, said. “Combine that with Jeff Oshetski’s high energy lead vocals and a tiny dash of Tom Waits style and you’ll have a perfect way to kick off the Main Street Block Party.”

Willie Jack and the Northern Light will be following by local favorite Velveeta. “Anchoring our Block Party, Velveeta will be back for the third consecutive year. It is highly unusual for LH JAMS to bring back a band in consecutive years but why not … Velveeta is the quintessential party band,” Getz said.

MAIN STREET

FESTIVAL

Art & Craft Vendors open at 10 a.m. during Saturday’s festival with music starting at noon and running until 10:30 p.m. Bands include:

Central Mountain

Jazz Cats

The Central Mountain Jazz Cats under the leadership of Ashley Crust will open the show. This is the second year the Jazz Cats will open the music festivities on Saturday.

“One of the priorities for the CCAC is to support education in the arts. At a time when many school districts are cutting back on art and music programs, we are proud to recognize this local youth ensemble’s dedication to practice several times a week after school,” Getz said.

FAYM Band

They say you can’t go home. Well don’t tell Faye DeBonis Meyer that because this is exactly what she will be doing on Aug. 10. Faye DeBonis Meyer and leader of the FAYM band, is a singer-songwriter that grew up in the Beech Creek area and later moved to the Doylestown area. FAYM has played extensively through southeastern PA both as a solo artist and with her band. She just released her new song ‘Run Around’ in late December of 2023 that she co-wrote with Brian Dibagio, Luke Tozour and John Hoff.

The Sorters

The Sorters, a northern tier PA band, was nominated as “best folk band” for the 2023 CPMA awards. The Sorters emerged organically from the daily grind of Spencer, Callie and Kyle at a farm store, where their shared passion for music led to post-work jam sessions in a cabin they constructed. Drawing inspiration from their morning task of sorting produce, the band aptly named themselves The Sorters.

Bonnie and the

Mere Mortals

Making their debut at LH JAMS is another unique group — Bonnie and the Mere Mortals.

“If this isn’t the best name for this Pittsburgh based group, I don’t know what is! Paint your nails black and put on heavy eye shadow, because Southern Goth is coming to LH JAMS,” Getz said.

James Supra and the Sarah Ayers Band

Rounding out the night will be two bands that are perfect for dancing in the streets, starting with the James Supra and Sarah Ayers Band.

“From Junior Wells to Led Zeppelin and just about everything in between, James, Sarah and the crew will open the ‘Dancin’ in the Street Party with a bang,” Getz said. “James Supra’s blues harmonica prowess is legendary in the world of blues. He had won so many awards that he was given the ‘LVMA Legacy Award’ along with ‘Best All-Around Performer.'”

Central City

Orchestra

Concluding a day filled with music is the Central City Orchestra — another outstanding LH JAMS performance that will be sure to bring the party!

Central City Orchestra is the premier 10-piece ensemble for the most memorable parties and festivals throughout Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic region.

CCO is comprised of three talented vocalists and seven musicians and led by Katie Robinette and Amy Banks who have over 16 years combined experience.

“CCO is unique in its ability to accommodate virtually any style or request with utmost precision. The large repertoire encompasses classic standards from R&B favorites, disco, funk, contemporary rock, current pop and much more,” Getz said.

“This will be a high energy performance and part of the LH JAMS ‘Dancing in the Street Party’ on Saturday, Aug. 10, Getz said. “Bring your dancing shoes!”