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Who will perform at CelebrateErie 2024? Here’s what we know
Ja Rule in concert at CelebrateErie: Performs for thousands in Erie
Hip hop artist Ja Rule performed for about 15,000 people, on Aug. 20, 2022, during CelebrateErie as crowds filled State Street all the way south to Perry Square.
Christopher Millette, Erie Times-News
Several anniversaries, a final performance, a new album, an American rock band and a former “American Idol” contestant will all be part of the mainstage musical entertainment during this year’s CelebrateErie.
City officials announced the performers Thursday for the Aug. 16-18 festival in downtown Erie.
The mainstage will open with Erie’s popular Breeze Band as well as Ivan Montero, who is returning home to Erie for the celebration. One World Tribe also will be there celebrating their 30th anniversary and drawing back members from throughout the decades.
Erie’s Matty B & the Dirty Pickles will celebrate their 20th anniversary and the band’s final performance. Wheatus, whose early 2000s hit “Teenage Dirtbag” has found new life on TikTok, will also take the Erie stage, followed by Jimmy Eat World. That rock band is celebrating three decades and 10 albums and has recently released two singles, “Something Loud” and “Place Your Debts.”
Brooke Surgener will play a rare full-band show while Smilo & the Ghost will celebrate the release of their new album, “Twang & Fire.” Country singer Gabby Barrett, a native of Munhall near Pittsburgh, competed on the 16th season of “American Idol” and her debut single, “I Hope,” made the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for a record-breaking 27 weeks.
“These concerts close out each days’ events and bring tens of thousands of people downtown,” said Adrienne Nannen, the city’s events manager, via an email from the city. “We’re thrilled that we can provide them for free to our CelebrateErie visitors.”
CelebrateErie mainstage lineup
Friday night: The Breeze Band and Ivan Montero followed by headliner One World Tribe.
Saturday night: Matty B & the Dirty Pickles, Wheatus and then headliner Jimmy Eat World.
Sunday night: Brooke Surgener, Smilo & the Ghost and headliner Gabby Barrett.
When/where are the shows
These performances will all take place on the mainstage at Fourth and State streets, north of Perry Square.
Mark your calendar: Find out when and where Erie-area festivals will be held in 2024
The mainstage will open each of the three nights at 5:30 p.m., with the headlining acts going on at 8 p.m., Nannen told the Erie Times-News.
Dana Massing can be reached at dmassing@timesnews.com.