This Saturday, several venues in downtown Kent will be hosting the 138th through 145th Multifestival Kent.

“I call it the 138th through 145th event because, through seven venues, we’ve had 137 events prior to this,” explains Myke Rock, music promoter, musician and one of the organizers of the festival. “This is the first of the multi-venue events. This is the first city-wide event.”

There are other Multifestivals taking place in various places in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

With music ranging from reggae, hip-hop and jam bands, to rock and alternative to folk and Christian, Multifestival Kent will be taking place at various downtown venues, including the Kent Stage, Fat Jimmy’s, Europe Gyro, Club Khameleon, the Robin Hood, the Gazebo on Main Street and the Vineyard Community Church.

The cost is only $10 for passes good at all venues and shows. Tickets are available at Multifestival.com or at The Exchange on Lincoln Street. Individual venues will have lower prices for those only wishing to attend one event. The festival lasts from 1 p.m. to 3 a.m.

At the Kent Stage is Faith Fest, featuring several Christian artists. Shining Souls, 7 Days of Grace, Co Pilots, Into the Machine, This Awkward Silence, For My Escape, Between the Lights, Illy Mob and Taller We Grow will be playing followed by a panel discussion with Cleveland reggae legend Carlos Jones, along with some local musicians, venue owners and music promoters.

“Were always looking for bands and great talent,” said Rock.

The festival will feature many different forms of that great talent.

“We’ve got veterans and up-and-coming artists on the panel,” added Hawkins, promoter and organizer of the Multifestival.

Also at the Gazebo, The Zou, KB and the Riptides, Sean Benjamin, Fireside Symphony, G-force family Revue, and Tapestar Radio will be performing.

Fat Jimmy’s will be hosting Jackie, The Carsons, The Thrifters and second performances by This Awkward Silence and Into the Machine.

“This Awkward Silence is going on showcase for a bunch of major labels,” said Hawkins. “They’ve been on Warped Tour twice.”

The Robin Hood will be hosting reggae, hip-hop and jam artists. Performing will be Tropidelic, Mic Lourdz, Illy Mob, The Grits, Microphonics and an after-jam party with Lotus Groove.

From New York, pop-punk band The Encore will be playing at both the Robin Hood at 7 p.m. and Europe Gyro at 11 p.m. Also playing at Europe Gyro are Masters of Luxury, Derica and Myke Rock, who will be doing a Beatles on Bass solo act. Admittance to this venue is free of charge, so you do not need a ticket for this event.

Paper Wall, Prevelation, Paperweight and Crazy James will be performing at Club Khameleon.

At 10:00 p.m. at the Firefly hookah lounge, Sean Benjamin and Fireside Symphony will be performing once again with Evil Robot Kevin.

The Vineyard Community Church will also be participating in the event. Kent’s own Silver Diamond Doves and Annabel will be performing. The only cover for this venue is a toiletry item to be given to those in need.

Contact all reporter Allan Lamb at [email protected].