Music transforms downtown Youngstown into outdoor festival

YOUNGSTOWN — Nationally acclaimed bands and local music acts transformed downtown Youngstown into an outdoor music festival.

People of all ages planned their Saturday night around “Rock the Block,” the unofficial kickoff to the city’s downtown entertainment schedule. They filed onto Federal Street between Phelps Street and Wick Avenue to hear acts perform on the outdoor stage.

“It’s a good way to get out of the house with my kids and listen to some music while supporting the local people,” said Joe Valentino, 46, of Campbell.

Valentino brought his two sons, Tyler, 13, and Joe Jr., who was celebrating his 17th birthday. Valentino said the event was a great way to spend time together in a fun atmosphere downtown.

“There’s still life down here and there are still things to do locally, and it’s good to stay local,” he said.

The show featured four nationally-acclaimed bands. The acts — Burn Halo, Since October, The Veer Union and headliner Halestorm — have all had a single on the Billboard charts this spring. Several local acts also performed, both on the main stage and inside Barley’s bar.

Read more in Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com