WQLN's Sounds Around Town: 2023 Season

WQLN

Sounds Around Town is underway and continues on Thursdays throughout July. Enjoy upcoming acts live on the forested grounds adjacent to WQLN studios or catch them later, when the shows are broadcast on television.

CONTINUING FRIDAY, JUL. 14

One of Erie's most unique concert series is back for its 10th year in a row: Sounds Around Town. The one-of-a-kind setting of the WQLN campus allows local artists to perform in the woods that surround the studio, in front of a live audience, while being captured on camera to be aired on television at a future date. The Sounds Around Town music series has always provided a showcase for the artists of our region and a time capsule of the bands that were popular at the time of the recordings. The series originated in the late 1970s and had a brief revival in the 1990s, however the current series is the longest running yet.

Sounds Around Town traditionally starts the first Friday after the Fourth of July weekend and runs for a total of four Fridays in a row. This year, singer-songwriter (and 2023 40 Under 40 honoree) Elle Taylor kicked off the series with her band on July 7. On Friday, July 14, the Meadville-based rock cover band Touch of Grey will take the stage. Week three will feature the troubadour rock sounds of Sunday at the Station, and wrapping up the series on Friday, July 28 will be Erie area singer songwriter Josh Travis.

When asked why people should choose to spend their Friday evenings at Sounds Around Town, WQLN's marketing coordinator Chantel Rodriguez said, "It's an enriching and soul-stirring experience that celebrates the talent and spirit of our local musicians. It provides a sense of unity and community pride where friends meet new and old connections. It's also a chance to be part of something beautiful, where music weaves its magic and hearts are uplifted in a place we call home. We love our local bands, local beer, and local food. It's what loving Erie is all about."

These family friendly concerts are free and open to the public and start promptly at 7:30 p.m. It is recommended that you come early and bring your own chair or blanket. This year's sponsors are National Fuel, Smith's Provisions (who supplies hot dogs for the hungry visitors), and Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, who will be providing beer samples throughout the evening. There will be plenty of parking as well as a golf cart available to transport individuals who are in wheelchairs or are unable to walk down the path to the concert.

Fridays in July // 7:30 p.m. // WQLN Studios, 8425 Peach St. // Free // For more info: wqln.org