Federal Frenzy once again lived up to its reputation as a showcase for local rock, pop and hip-hop.

The music festival took place Saturday on West Federal Street in  downtown Youngstown and it checked all the boxes – although it was a bit too cold for most people to hang around outside.

The Mahoning Valley produces more than its fair share of musical talent that performs original songs, and sooner or later, all of them get a chance to play Federal Frenzy.

The annual event is presented by Penguin Productions of Youngstown State University. It’s a full-circle thing, because the sheer volume of trained musicians coming out of YSU’s Dana School of Music is the main reason why this area has so many talented bands.

This year’s Frenzy got off to an early start, with a first-ever Friday edition at Penguin City Brewing. The extra day was a nod to the brewery, which hosted the festival the past two years because many downtown streets were closed. Expanding to two days allowed six more bands to take part.

The move back to West Federal Street was a welcome boost for that part of downtown. It felt like something new.

“For many of our students, this was the first time they experienced a Federal Frenzy on West Federal Street,” pointed out Carolyn Jesko, assistant director of programming at YSU. It was also the first time Frenzy had indoor stages in West Federal Street bars since 2019. Pandemic restrictions prevented them in the ensuing years.

At its post-event debriefing, the Penguin Productions team talked about getting the West Federal Street nightlife area back to its heyday before the pandemic.

Last weekend’s Federal Frenzy was a step in the right direction. Penguin Productions can’t do a thing about the weather, but the festival was produced smoothly and without a glitch.

Saturday was raw and gray, with wind tunnels at the intersections and the occasional black cloud of doom wafting overhead.

It never rained, but the chill kept the crowds way down at the two outdoor stages – there were maybe 100 to 200 people watching each show. 

On the other hand, it was good for the bar owners. Every bar was bustling the entire day.

Federal Frenzy’s greatest appeal might be that it’s an opportunity to catch every new band that you’ve been wanting to see, all within two days.

Some newer acts displayed a ton of potential. They include Late Night Drive, featuring powerful singer Torrance Bajuszik and some really tight musicians; heavy rockers Nineteenth Paradise; ska band Fine Young Men; and party starters the Head Trips, who played a stripped down set at The Varsity Club.

I only caught about half of the performances, and this list would be a lot longer if I had seen all of them.

The headliners, California rockers Ultra Q, are probably still wondering if Youngstown is always this cold.

The Summit-FM put together an eclectic lineup of acts from throughout the 330 for the second outdoor stage, and it’s too bad they didn’t get the big crowds they deserved. The bands included Canton indie rocker Anya Van Rose and Akron jamgrass ensemble Hunter Skeens and the Forerunners.

November Loop of Youngstown, which might be the area’s longest-running band, also made a rare appearance. 

Downtown Youngstown will again be the place for outdoor live music this coming Friday.

The monthly First Friday party will take place from 5-8 p.m. on Phelps Street, with the aforementioned Late Night Drive performing, along with vendors, games and other attractions. The free event will then move to Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre for an 8 p.m. concert by RDNA, which is one of the region’s most popular rock bands.

Let’s hope the rain holds off.

For a complete look at everything going on in the Mahoning Valley, check out The List.

Pictured at top: RDNA will give a free concert at The Amp at 8 p.m. Friday.