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For the first time ever, the growing Urbana community and its local library are teaming together to showcase well-known and talented entertainers in a free, all-day music event.
"We're trying to bring some quality entertainment to the area. People often think of libraries as these quiet places, but they're not and we wanted to get some energetic, live music for our lineup," said Elizabeth Cromwell, public relations manager for Frederick County Public Libraries.
Beginning at noon on Saturday, the Urbana Music Festival will be held in the grassy common area in front of the Urbana Regional Library.
Working together with the Villages of Urbana social committee, Cromwell and volunteers garnered some big-name acts for the day. The Kelly Bell Band, an award-winning blues band with a loyal fan base, will kick off the event on the rock stage.
Described as "Muddy Waters meets Parliament Funkadelic with shades of D.C. Go-Go", the group — with Kelly Bell at the helm — plays a mean brand of "phat blues" all around the East Coast.
Over on the acoustic stage, Mac Walter, a D.C.-based singer and songwriter, will play guitar, followed by the band Whatever and some classic rock favorites.
The final two performers of the day include locals Jon and Carrie Lewis, as well as alternative rock favorite Jimmie's Chicken Shack.
"I think it sounds like a really cool thing. We barely get to play during the day, so we're looking forward to it," said Jimi Haha, frontman and founder of Jimmie's Chicken Shack.
Based in Baltimore and Annapolis, Jimmie's Chicken Shack has enjoyed success since its inception 16 years ago. They play all over the East Coast and Midwest and have a huge following.
"We call our songs music for people with ADD. Stylistically we're all over the place, but it's basically rock ‘n' roll," Haha said about the group's original music.
Their latest album, "Fail on Cue," was released a year ago on the band's own label, Fowl Records. The rockers are currently writing songs for a new CD. During Saturday's concert, the four-member band plans on performing songs from all of their albums.
"We just want people to come out and have fun with us," said Haha.
Jon Lewis is also looking forward to the event. An area favorite, Lewis often performs with his wife Carrie.
"In our music we want to move people — to make them think or laugh or feel what we were feeling when we wrote that song. It is such a cool thing to experience something and then capture it in song for others to experience in a way as well," he said.
The couple, who have been playing together for over a decade, met in college. They sang and played guitar for each other on their first date. Lewis describes the duo as bluesy, but says Carrie's sound is more jazzy and soulful, while his has a folksy element. Together, the Lewis' enjoy sharing their love for each other and their music with their various audiences at coffee houses, festivals and other venues in and around Frederick.
Lewis also serves as a children's librarian at the main branch of Frederick County Public Libraries, and is excited about the way this festival unites both libraries and music.
"It's been great fun to be able to sing and read to kids," he said.
The Urbana Music Festival came about as Cromwell was looking for a way to highlight the Urbana branch of the library. Since the local community had hosted small music events, she saw an opportunity to join forces for a larger experience.
"We're hoping this continues and it is an annual event," she said. The library will also stay open later during the festival, encouraging the public to check out the Frederick libraries' newest member.
In addition to the bands, amusement park rides for children, crafts and food vendors will be available. The entire event is free and open to the public.
"In this era when everyone is worried about money, the library is an important avenue because we have so many free events for families," Cromwell said.
Urbana Music Festival
When: Noon-8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung Street, Urbana
Tickets: Free
For information:
301-600-7000
www.fcpl.org
Entertainment Schedule
Noon - The Kelly Bell Band (Electric stage. Phat Blues) www.phatblues.com
1:30 p.m. - Mac Walter (Acoustic stage. Jazz/Blues) www.macwalter.com
2:30 p.m. The band Whatever (Electric stage. Classic rock) www.thebandwhatever.com
4 p.m. Jon and Carrie Lewis (Acoustic stage. Folk) www.myspace.com/jonandcarrie
5 p.m. Jimmie's Chicken Shack (Electric stage. Funk-metal/Ska/Reggae) www.jimmieschickenshack.net
Also featuring:
Children's amusement park rides
Crafts
Food vendors.
