The Uptown Music Collective is off and running, with lessons, classes, and workshops in full swing for what is shaping up to be an exciting 23rd year for the nonprofit school of music. The lineup of this year’s performance season has not yet been announced, but it’s sure to appease all music lovers, from ’80s and ’90s to classic rock and everything in between.

The UMC will officially kick off the new year with a “Back to School Blues” fundraising event, featuring the newest Community Performance Groups, from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at New Trail Brewing Co., 240 Arch St., Building 18. Guests will be introduced to this year’s Community Performance Groups (CPGs) and enjoy a mix of blues, jazz, classic rock, R&B, and more, all while taking in the great outdoor atmosphere of New Trail.

“These students have been working hard to prepare for their time on stage,” UMC founder and executive director, Dave Brumbaugh said. “For some, this will be their debut performance with their group. Our lineup includes some of the youngest UMC students to our adult bands who participate in our Adult Music Program.”

The Collective’s Community Performance Program gives learners a real-world musical experience, offering an opportunity to refine their style in a specific genre, work alongside their peers, and gain exposure as high-caliber musicians at a young age. Students audition to be a part of the CPGs before being selected to perform at a wide variety of community and private events organized by companies, individuals and organizations, including The Little League World Series opening ceremonies and championship game, The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn., The Billtown Blues Festival and more.

“We’re excited to start the new school year with these students front and center,” UMC marketing director, Jared Mondell said. “This is our first Back to School fundraising event and we’re looking forward to partnering with New Trail to make this a successful premiere. For those who have never been to a UMC show, this is a great opportunity to see what the Collective is all about, and for those who never miss a performance, this is yet another chance to celebrate the talent, hard work, and commitment of our students.”

Attendees will have an opportunity to stock up on UMC T-shirts and grab a small grazing box or some food truck fare, courtesy of The James Restaurant, Real Taste 570, and the Empanada Shack.

The Sept. 30 event is just one of many fundraising opportunities for the Uptown Music Collective. The nonprofit will announce the start of its annual campaign in October, take part in Giving Tuesday efforts, will host a special winter fundraising concert, and has historically participated in the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania’s Raise the Region giving campaign. Each of these efforts, along with an annual corporate partnership program, allows the UMC to keep tuition costs consistent for students and offer financial assistance to those who need it. Through the UMC Scholarship and Financial Aid programs, the Collective is committed to never turning away a deserving student because of their inability to pay and offers its dynamic music education to any students willing to work hard and learn.

Back to School Blues, sponsored, in part, by the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, will be held rain or shine. Tickets, which can be purchased at Eventbrite.com by searching for “Back to School Blues,” are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information, visit uptownmusic.org or follow the Uptown Music Collective on Facebook and Instagram, where sneak peeks of performers will be released in the days to come. Interested in making a donation to the Uptown Music Collective? Reach out to Adrienne Wertz, development coordinator, at adrienne@uptownmusic.org.