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Whirlybird Brings Music Fans Downtown

Tropidelic playing to a packed house at the newly opened Jamestown Brewing Company during this year’s Whirlybird Music and Arts Festival. Photo by Daryl Simons Jr.

Dozens of bands, musicians, comedians and fans of music filled downtown Jamestown over the weekend, filling a variety of venues and playing a myriad of genres.

“I was incredibly impressed by all the artists,” said Miki Girts, founder and organizer of Whirlybird Music and Arts Festival. “The talent and quality of performance were beyond our greatest expectations. Tropidelic, Lespecial, The Audience & After Funk all delivered.”

This was the second year of Whirlybird in Jamestown, with an estimated 2,200 people in attendance over the three days.

This year featured new and returning artists, as well as comedians — around 70 in total — along with new venues.

“Whirlybird is one man’s vision that inspired an entire city to share their love for music, art and community,” said Paul Clemente, one of the founding members of Karate Sleepover, a local comedy group.

Rebecca McIlvain plays during the Whirlybird Music and Arts Festival that took place over the weekend in downtown Jamestown. Photo by Daryl Simons Jr.

Regarding the businesses involved, Girts added that,”all of our venues and several local businesses reported back with high sales, many new customers and positive experiences for all.”

“We call our attendees Whirlybirdies, they came from all over the country and took over downtown this past weekend,” Girts added. “We couldn’t have been more proud of their respect for each other and Jamestown. The compliments are pouring in with love for Whirlybird and our city. We couldn’t be happier with the turnout and response.”

Girts emphasized that Whirlybird will be returning next year.

“Whirlybird will be back,” he said. “For 2020’s event we’re forming a program committee to diversify our lineup and make sure we’re accessible and catering to all the people of Jamestown.”

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