Freed Fest brings music legends, rising talent and free live performances to Downtown Salem
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SALEM -- On Saturday, downtown Salem will celebrate the hometown music pioneer who helped give rock and roll its name.
Freed Fest honors Alan Freed, the Salem High School graduate who coined and popularized "rock and roll" as the name for the music that changed American culture. This year's celebration brings an exceptional lineup of internationally accomplished musicians, industry professionals and emerging local talent to Salem for a full day of free music and entertainment.
Beginning at 10 a.m., live music will fill State Street and participating downtown businesses, including Kast Iron Soda Works, Delight on Broadway, Beltempo Insurance, and Nature + Nurture. Visitors can stroll through downtown Salem, discover live performances, dine at local restaurants and explore the city's boutique shops.
The day will also spotlight 15-year-old Salem High School singer-songwriter Payden Bello. A student at Salem Music Centre, Payden will make his public debut performing original music at both Kast Iron Soda Works (10 a.m.-noon) and outside of nature + nurture at the Alan Freed Stage in McCulloch Park (12:30-3 p.m.) before traveling to Nashville in the coming weeks to introduce his music to a wider audience. Like Alan Freed, Payden is beginning his musical journey right here in Salem.
A Rare Opportunity to Meet Top Music Professionals
From 3:30 to 5 p.m., Salem Music Centre and The Sessions Panel will host a free, public panel at Salem High School featuring a remarkable group of seasoned touring musicians, session players and entertainment professionals.
The panel's featured guests include:
-- Leland Sklar, one of the most recorded bassists in music history, whose work can be heard on more than 2,000 albums and alongside artists such as Phil Collins, James Taylor, The Doors and many more.
-- Nic Collins, son of Phil Collins and an accomplished drummer who has performed with his father, Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics, and his own band Better Strangers.
-- Christine Ohlman, the dynamic, longtime vocalist with the Saturday Night Live Band.
They will be joined by other accomplished music professionals, including Nashville bassist David Santos, who has worked with Billy Joel, John Fogerty and Crosby, Stills & Nash; composer and arranger Rick DeJonge, whose credits include film, television and Walt Disney World productions; and entertainment attorney, music-business consultant and professional musician Paul Quin.
The free, interactive session will give aspiring musicians and music fans the opportunity to hear firsthand stories from the road and recording studio, ask questions, make industry connections and learn how professionals build lasting careers in music. More info on The Sessions organization at TheSessions.org.
An All-Star Concert in the Heart of Downtown Salem
From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the celebration moves to Lincoln Plaza at State Street and Lincoln Avenue in downtown Salem for a free evening concert.
The performance will bring together an all-star house band of accomplished local professional musicians including Josh Mighell, Sam Jennings, Reese Charlotte, Cristian Labra, Michael Weber, and Danny Shipley. Salem Music Centre students Sydney Thompson, Beckett Morriss, Aiden Good, and David Ross will also be joining the stage. Together, the house band will perform an evening of hits, favorites and unforgettable music reflecting the rock-and-roll legacy Alan Freed helped launch. Special guest appearances will be featured throughout the performance.