YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Simply Slavic has entered a five-year commitment to have its annual festival at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre.
The agreement makes Simply Slavic the first nonprofit event to sign a long-term contract with JAC Management Group for use of the downtown venue, according to a press release from the group. JAC Management is responsible for daily operation of the city-owned amphitheater.
Simply Slavic, which celebrates the heritage and traditions of the region’s Slavic people, moved to the amphitheater last summer because of street closings downtown in the wake of the explosion at Realty Tower.
The new location proved to be a success. More than 5,000 people attended the festival last year despite a last-minute change in location.
As a result, JAC Management Group extended the opportunity to Simply Slavic to make the venue its home for the next five years.
This year’s festival will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 13, and noon to midnight Saturday, June 14.
“This partnership marks a major milestone for Simply Slavic,” said John Slanina, president of the Simply Slavic Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to continue growing in a space that offers a premier festival experience for our guests while remaining rooted in downtown Youngstown, where our city’s Slavic communities have long flourished.”
Jordan Ryan, executive director of Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, added: “We were honored to support Simply Slavic in 2024 when they needed a new venue, and after seeing the festival’s incredible energy and success, we knew this was a perfect fit for the amphitheater’s future.”