29 bands played on 7 stages Saturday; organizers hope to make it an annual affair

Text and photos by Bob Palermini, Ashland.news

Downtown Talent came alive with sound Saturday as the first-ever “The Talent Show” music festival took over the streets, offering a free afternoon of live performances by 29 bands across seven outdoor stages. With temperatures peaking at 90 degrees, festival goers packed water bottles, grabbed shade when they could, and wandered between venues to catch everything from outlaw country and indie rock to old-time jazz and electronic pop.

The event, produced by Ana Byers, was designed as a walkable “choose-your-own-adventure” experience. Stages were hosted by local businesses and Talent Town Hall, with set times staggered so visitors could sample multiple acts. Audiences gathered on sidewalks and lawns, some staking out spots for the afternoon while others roamed from stage to stage.

Highlights included a dynamic set from The Rosalees at Art Bop Beer Co., an energetic performance by The Power Outages and a heartwarming family set by Opal & the Swallowtails at Talent Maker City.

Moderate crowds kept the festival lively but manageable. Families roamed the stages, and many took advantage of food trucks and shaded patios to escape the afternoon heat.

Organizers say they hope to make The Talent Show an annual event.

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