WARREN, Ohio – The inaugural 717 Credit Union Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival welcomed thousands of attendees and raised $7,500 for three local organizations.
The daylong festival, which was held Saturday at the Warren Community Amphitheatre, raised $2,500 each for the United Way of Trumbull County, Game Changers Inc. and the Greater Warren-Youngstown Urban League.
The event featured food and drink vendors, including multiple rib makers, and a musical lineup that included the Warren Community Gospel Choir, Damian Knapp, Cleveland’s Backstreet Blues Band, Sacksville Rhythm & Blues Band, Jazz in the Park Allstars, Norman Nardini, Aaron McCoy and Friends, Solomon Hicks and Shemekia Copeland.
“717 Credit Union is proud to give back, lift up our neighbors and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Warren and our surrounding communities,” a news release from the credit union states.
Pictured at top: From left are Ken Haidaris, owner and president of Sunrise Entertainment; Dorian Smith, senior vice president of 717 Credit Union; John Demmler, president and CEO of 717 Credit Union; Thomas Conley, president and CEO of the Greater Warren-Youngstown Urban League; Christine Cope, president and CEO of the United Way of Trumbull County; and Michael E. Engram Jr., founder and executive coach of Game Changers.