By Kathleen Leese

For Miami Valley Today

TIPP CITY — Music will fill the air as the 2024 Canal Music Fest gets underway on Saturday, June 8, in Tipp City bringing music, food and friends together to celebrate the beginning of summer.

The Canal Music Fest, which started in 2010, has grown from approximately 200 people to over 4,000 in attendance in recent years. The event will be held at the rear of City Park in Tipp City, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and music scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Tipp City Area Arts Council (TCAAC) and is a family friendly event that is free and open to the public. The concert will take place rain or shine.

Meredith McKee, executive director of the Tipp City Chamber of Commerce, hopes everyone will attend, “We’re just very excited for Canal Music Fest 2024. A great opportunity for people to come and experience all Tipp City has to offer.”

In addition to “lots of music and vendors,” McKee invites the public to “come early and experience our restaurants and shops.”

Those attending will have the opportunity to hear Draw the Line — Aerosmith Tribute Band, which is the officially endorsed Aerosmith tribute band that is originally from near the Boston, Massachusetts area. The group which began in 1991, has been touring for over 30 years and has traveled in the United States as well as in several other countries, to sold out crowds of up to 20,000 people.

Steven Tyler, Aerosmith lead singer, has described Draw the Line as the best Aerosmith tribute band. Some original Aerosmith members have at times performed with Draw the Line, including Ray Tabano, Aerosmith founding member.

Also performing during the concert will be Michael Williams, known as a finalist on The Voice and American Idol. Williams is 22 years old and is a singer and songwriter from Cincinnati. His hit songs include “Honey,” “If We Got Us,” and “Do You Love Me?”

znels, known as a local favorite, will be performing at the concert as well. znels brings a combination of pop, rock, alternative and electronic music to the stage and even features his dog, Zero, in his music. znels has produced and released his single, “limelight” on Spotify and his latest song, “be kind and rewind,” which he co-produced with Connor Daniel (Iann Dior, The Veronicas, Demi Lovato). znels is described as a “nostalgic alt-pop daydream.”

In addition to the music, food vendors will be at the park including Bolasko’s Concessions, Buckeye Burgers, Daryls House of BBQ, Johnny Wontons, Kona Ice, La Grange Mexican, Raging Bull Pizza and Susie’s Big Dipper. Skull Dollz Face Painters will also be at the event.

Those attending the concert should note no backpacks or coolers are allowed and those attending should bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Four legged friends are allowed to attend the concert as long as they are on a leash, are friendly and the owners clean up after them. It is a good idea to bring water for them. It is also noted that the event is handicapped accessible.

The TCAAC, a non-profit organization, helps to promote Tipp City’s economic growth and cultural heritage including promoting the arts and performances throughout the year.

Over 40 sponsors are making this year’s concert possible. For a full list of the sponsors or more information about Canal Music Fest 2024, go to www.canalmusicfest.com.

The writer is a regular contributor to Miami Valley Today.