Music festivals to fill weekend

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A pair of back-to-back musical festivals on Central Square will enliven the downtown area the weekend of July 11-12.

Paul Taylor will headline the Downtown Jazz Fest on July 11. On the following day, the inaugural 2DE Gospel Festival will be headlined by two-time Grammy Award winner Tye Tribbett.

The Jazz Fest is sponsored by the city of Youngstown and the Mahoning County Visitors Bureau.

Tickets will be $8 in advance and $10 the day of the show. Ticket-purchase information will be released at a later date.

The show will start at 7 p.m. and will take place rain or shine.

Taylor is a contemporary urban jazz saxophonist known for his instantly identifiable tones, infectious melodies and live performances.

He released his debut album, “On the Horn,” in 1996. His 10th and latest album is titled “Tenacity.”

2Deep Entertainment and the city of Youngstown will co-sponsor the Gospel Festival, which will have the theme “All Lives Matter.”

Gates will open at 1 p.m. and the festival will kick off at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $25 (plus fees; $15 for children 3 to 12), with a VIP section for $45.

For information or to purchase tickets, go to 2DeepEvents.com or call 330-397-7567.

Tribbet, a four-time Stellar Award winner, will headline the bill, which will also include performances from the Emancipation Community Choir, Yanno, Youngstown Mass Choir, Warren City Wide Youth Choir and many more.

Hosting the event will be Youngstown State University radio personality Chris Gunther.

Special awards recognizing individuals within the Youngstown community who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence will be given out at the festival.