5th Annual Utica Music & Arts Festival Kickoff
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: September 13, 2012
Utica's biggest three day music festival has finally arrived! Tonight is the kickoff of the 5th Annual Utica Music and Arts Festival.
Some say they're sad it's the last Saranac Thursday but the festival gives concert-goers one more chance to get their music fix. Musicians and attendees say the best part is bringing the community together.
"Have you ever seen over 100 bands in 13 venues over 3 days? Because if you haven't, this is a cool thing," says Rick Short, musician.
"New York City music scene kind of knows where Utica is now. We get a lot of artists that travel in and that's really cool," says Melissa Walker, coordinator.
"I've been in it from the ground up and it's just growing and elevating and i can see it turning into another south by southwest," Andy Niles, musician.
"Brings people together and people get to meet their neighbors and we're all out here together and i think that's the best part," says Brian Kuprian, attendee.
Coordinators say the festival also brings an economic impact to the city. Walker says the fest brought in over $200,000 dollars last year. The festival kicks off tonight and will run through Saturday. Coordinators encourage anyone and everyone to come out, make some new friends, and don't forget those dancing shoes!
For more information and the full lineup, head on over to www.uticamusicandartsfest.net
Some say they're sad it's the last Saranac Thursday but the festival gives concert-goers one more chance to get their music fix. Musicians and attendees say the best part is bringing the community together.
"Have you ever seen over 100 bands in 13 venues over 3 days? Because if you haven't, this is a cool thing," says Rick Short, musician.
"New York City music scene kind of knows where Utica is now. We get a lot of artists that travel in and that's really cool," says Melissa Walker, coordinator.
"I've been in it from the ground up and it's just growing and elevating and i can see it turning into another south by southwest," Andy Niles, musician.
"Brings people together and people get to meet their neighbors and we're all out here together and i think that's the best part," says Brian Kuprian, attendee.
Coordinators say the festival also brings an economic impact to the city. Walker says the fest brought in over $200,000 dollars last year. The festival kicks off tonight and will run through Saturday. Coordinators encourage anyone and everyone to come out, make some new friends, and don't forget those dancing shoes!
For more information and the full lineup, head on over to www.uticamusicandartsfest.net
