PenguinPalooza Will ‘Put the Spotlight’ on Local Bands

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The PenguinPalooza rock festival will make its debut Saturday, June 15, at Penguin City Brewing with a lineup that features The Labra Brothers, Sedona, Goners, Speedo Agreedo and 20 other acts.

It will be a lot like Federal Frenzy, the annual rock fest sponsored by Youngstown State University, but with a fresh lineup of mostly local acts. Federal Frenzy took place in April at Penguin City Brewing for the second straight year.

Harrison Rhinehart, organizer of PenguinPalooza, says the new event is a testament to the number and quality of local rock bands.

The singer and guitarist in Youngstown-based band Sedona said the Valley needed another rock festival, so he decided to do something about it.

“There’s a lot of good, solid talent in this area, and I want to put the spotlight on certain artists who don’t get the attention they deserve,” he said.

PenguinPalooza will have three stages. The main stage will be in the brewery’s taproom, with a second stage in the rear ballroom and an acoustic stage outdoors.

The event will also have food trucks and vendors. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Click HERE to purchase.

“I want it to be for everyone,” Rhinehart said. “You can walk in unfamiliar with every band, but knowing it will be something listenable that everyone can enjoy.”

While most of the bands are from the Valley, four of them are not: Like Tyrants (Cleveland), Ravine (Nashville), Johnny and the Man Kids (Buffalo) and Outrun Infinity (Philadelphia).

Rhinehart’s own band has been building a foundation over the past year. Sedona’s songs start with Rhinehart setting the pace on rhythm guitar, accompanied by Terrence Logue on acoustic rhythm guitar. Grant Schultz then layers on his electric guitar embellishments, and also plays horns. Justin Barnett is the drummer, and Ben Rhinehart plays bass.

Sedona followed up its debut EP, “Yat Club,” with a full-length album, “Slappers Only.” Earlier this year, the band released a single, “Remind Me.”

After PenguinPalooza, Sedona plans to take a break from performing and focus on recording another full-length record that will be followed by more shows in the late fall and winter, Rhinehart said.

Here is the schedule for PenguinPalooza:

Main Stage

• 2 to 2:30 p.m.: Jack and the Cadavers.
• 2:45 to 3:15 p.m.: Speedo Agreedo.
• 3:30 to 4 p.m.: Mellow Honey.
• 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.: Smokey Honey Blues Band.
• 5 to 5:45 p.m.: Johnny and the Man Kids
• 6 to 6:45 p.m.: Recess.
• 7 to 7:45 p.m.: Goners.
• 8 to 8:45 p.m.: Sedona.
• 9 to 10 p.m.: The Labra Brothers.

Second Stage

• 1:30 to 2 p.m.: Unc D.
• 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.: Honey Brother.
• 3 to 3:30 p.m.: Curli.
• 3:45 to 4:15 p.m.: Outrun Infinity.
• 4:30 to 5 p.m.: Shawn Perry.
• 5:15 to 5:45 p.m.: Negative Zen.
• 6 to 6:30 p.m.: Like Tyrants.
• 6:45 to 7:15 p.m.: Ophelia.
• 7:30 to 8:15 p.m.: Ravine.

Acoustic Stage

• 2 to 2:45 p.m.: Drake Morris.
• 3 to 3:45 p.m.: Forrester Grey.
• 4 to 4:45 p.m.: Henry Shorr.
• 5 to 5:45 p.m.: Rocco Sait.
• 6 to 6:45 p.m.: Danny McMaster.
• 7 to 7:45 p.m.: Nick Adduci.

Pictured at top: Harrison Rhinehart of Sedona (photo by Stephanie Sheronovich).

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.