A second annual music festival on Saturday at Westside Bowl aims to bring people together for live music, community and raising money for suicide prevention.
“Life’s a Beach Music Festival” started after Event Organizer Brian Markle lost his father to suicide in 2018, with proceeds from the event going to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Markle, also a member of the band Storms Within, performing at the event, says that his father was the reason he got into music more than 20 years ago.
When it comes to mourning or celebration, Markle believes music has its place.
“At least for me, when I’m down in the dumps, it helps knowing that I’m not the only one that’s been there before,” Markle said.
The event features 20 bands, giveaways, and vendor tables provided by Goddess Elite and The Mausoleum. The festival runs from 4 p.m. until midnight on Saturday, April 11.
“We are always proud to partner with folks who are raising funds for deserving nonprofits,” Nate Offerdahl, co-owner of Westside Bowl, said.
Markle says that Westside Bowl was an easy choice for hosting the festival following last year’s turnout.
“Westside has been my partner for 2 years now, and I will never do it anywhere else,” Markle said. “The hospitality they give bands that play there is unmatched.”
Markle stated that the number of bands has doubled since the inaugural festival, and adding vendors gives attendees the chance to support small businesses.
The headlining act will showcase an album release set from “The Undone,” a Youngstown band known for “rust belt rock” music.
Brian Markle, event organizer
Local artists performing at the event also include Candace Campana, Ohayo and Matty Park, among others.
“I love doing mixed genre shows because there is something for everybody there,” Markle said. “Who knows, maybe you leave liking something you didn’t know you’d be into before.”
The festival will also feature a “School of Rock” band made up of students from Austintown Fitch.
From heavy metal to classic cover songs, Markle says a goal of the festival is to see people having a good time while enjoying the company of fellow music lovers to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Westside Bowl.
Markle says that he hopes that the event will grow year after year and plans to expand to a weekend-long festival in the future.
Tickets to the festival are $25 at the door, and full information for the event can be found by clicking here.
Westside Bowl is located at 2617 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown.
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