The Moxham section of Johnstown will be all jazzed up from early afternoon to sundown with a free music fest.
The fifth annual Village Street Jazz and Blues Festival will be held from 1 p.m. to sundown Aug. 19 in the Moxham neighborhood.
Ben Gallagher, owner of The Village Street Cafe, 165 Village St., organizer of the event, said about 350 jazz afficionados attended last year’s event, which closes Village Street between Grove and Park avenues.
“Last year was one of our best years,” Gallagher said.
“Some come to hear a band they like and leave, but the majority stay from beginning to end.”
A variety of jazz forms to attract young and old will be performed by regional bands.
Performances will feature the best of traditional and smooth jazz with Candle in the Wind, from Altoona, from 1 to 2:30; new, dynamic jazz with Brex, featuring local favorite Nathan Santos and other regional musicians, from 3 to 4:30; real blues and boogie with The Hawks Blues Band, from Altoona, from 5 to 6:30; and jazz and groove with Hexagon, from State College, from 7 to sundown.
“At first, we had only traditional jazz. Now we also have blues and jazz fusion, or rock,” Gallagher said.
“That gets ages 20-35, and we still have ages 65 and older. In the middle, there’s blues for everyone. It’s a good balance.
“My friend, Scott Jeffreys, helps me put together the music.”
Half-hour intermissions during the day will be covered by Johnstown musician Jenny Drummey, who plays independent radio-inspired folk.
There will be some chairs available for seating, but Gallagher advises guests to bring their own to guarantee a seat.
“We’ll have a canopy for cover and one main stage where the music will be performed,” Gallagher said.
In addition to music, there will be several side events.
Moxham Renaissance will have a fundraiser basket party, Bo Moore’s Downtown Music will celebrate moving from downtown Johnstown to Moxham, and Brad Clemenson will have a book signing for “Murtha: War Fighter, Fighting for the Soul of America,” which he co-authored with former newsman Jim Penna.
Village Street Cafe will offer its full menu, plus smoked barbecue chicken prepared outside by Gallagher.
Adult beverages will be supplied by Conemaugh Township Volunteer Fire Department, which will collect all proceeds from sales.
“We started with beer last year, and this year we’re adding wine,” Gallagher said.
If you go ...
What: Fifth annual Village Street Jazz and Blues Festival.
When: 1 p.m. to sundown Aug. 19.
Where: Village Street between Grove and Park avenues in the Moxham section of Johnstown.
Admission: Free.
Information: 539-9330.
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