No encore. Downtown Canton Music Fest won't return this summer. Here's why

CANTON − The Downtown Canton Music Fest won't return this summer to Centennial Plaza.

Last year's inaugural event, featuring tribute bands and local and regional musicians, had replaced the former long-running Canton Blues Fest.

"With all of the outdoor music events happening throughout the summer in our area, we felt it best to focus on unique events that appeal to different parts of our community to introduce and reintroduce our downtown to locals and visitors alike," said Todd Herberghs, director of the Downtown Canton Partnership.

Summertime music: 5 cool things about Friday's Downtown Canton Music Fest: Big crowd, terrific Tom Petty act

Some new events have been planned, he said, including the Downtown Canton Mimosa Trail on May 11 which is nearly sold out.

Several DJ nights are also planned at Centennial Plaza, as well as the monthly First Friday events in downtown Canton, he noted. First Friday will feature live music at the plaza: Trailer Park Ninjas, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday; Böaterhead, 6 to 10 p.m. June 7; Fool House Band, 5 to 10 p.m. July 5; Chris Higbee, 5 to 10 p.m. Aug. 2; and New Wave Nation, 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 6.

Downtown Canton Music Fest had replaced the Canton Blues Fest

When the two-day Downtown Canton Music Fest was first announced, it drew mixed reactions because the Canton Blues Fest was ending. The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce had coordinated the Blues Fest. Others criticized an event reliant on tribute bands.

Presented by the Downtown Canton Partnership, the music fest featured a small stage and the main stage at Centennial Plaza. A total of eight bands performed each day, including rock, pop, blues, R&B, jazz, Americana and alternative.

Low turnout but big on sound: Downtown Canton Music Fest kicks off new two-day event

Admission was free, but results were mixed. Thursday's turnout was sparse. Friday afternoon and evening drew a big crowd, however.

King's Highway, a Tom Petty tribute band, and ZYGRT (Led Zeppelin, Yes, Genesis, Rush and Toto tribute band) played faithful and well-executed versions of songs by the rock 'n' roll icons. Attendees spoke positively of the event, which attracted visitors from both inside and outside Stark County on the second day.

Other bands included Motown and Eagles tributes.

Tribute shows abundant in Stark County this summer

Even without the Downtown Canton Music Fest, plenty of opportunities remain for Stark County residents to attend tribute shows.

Numerous tribute artists are scheduled this summer at Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater, Plain Township Amphitheater, Canal Fulton's St. Helena's Amphitheater and the Massillon Amphitheater at Duncan Plaza.

Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com.

On X (formerly Twitter) @ebalintREP and Instagram at ed_balint

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Downtown Canton Music Fest not returning this summer in Stark County