East Central College will host an evening of diverse live music at the free ECC Season Kickoff Music Festival on Friday, Aug. 23, from 5-9 p.m., outside in the college’s Quad.

The ECC Music Festival will feature performances by the Funky Butt Brass Band, Woodshine, and the Pamwe Marimba Band. This event marks the beginning of the Music Department’s 2024-25 season.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Coolers are not permitted.

The festival is supported by ECC’s Music Department and ECC Patrons of the Arts. Proceeds will benefit the Metallica Scholars Initiative, which provides scholarships for students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing. The college is seeking donations and sponsors for the benefit concert.

The Dive will serve food options, including hot dogs, wraps, chips, beverages, and more. There will also be opportunities to donate to the cause.

An eclectic music lineup includes:

Funky Butt Brass Band: Formed in 2008, this band honors the New Orleans brass band tradition with a fresh, funky twist. Inspired by the Dirty Dozen and Rebirth Brass Band, they blend classic brass tunes with Motown, Southern rock, blues, and '70s funk.

Woodshine: This bluegrass band from Washington adds a rock twist to their performances. They play at venues throughout the area.

Pamwe Marimba Band: United by their love for marimba music, this band plays a range of music from traditional Shona songs to original compositions. The marimba is a percussion instrument with wooden bars struck by mallets.

For more information about ECC, the concert, the Music Department, and the Metallica Scholars Initiative, visit www.eastcentral.edu.