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Cayuga County wineries to host Harvest Festivals this weekend

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/08 .. ries-to-host-harvest-festivals-this-weekend.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 9:57 GMT by Auburn Citizen
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Auburn’s Live‑Music Scene Gets a Fresh Pulse at the 2023 Auburn Music Festival

In the heart of Alabama’s Auburn community, the 2023 Auburn Music Festival kicked off this past Saturday with a resounding note that echoed through the city’s historic downtown. The festival, which has grown from a modest two‑day event into a sprawling week‑long celebration of local and regional talent, drew more than 8,000 attendees to the Auburn Civic Center and surrounding venues. The article on The Auburn Pub details how the festival not only showcased a rich tapestry of musical genres but also highlighted the city’s burgeoning cultural infrastructure, bolstered local businesses, and underscored the importance of community‑centered arts programming.

The Main Stage: A Showcase of Diversity

At the festival’s flagship stage, the opening act was the hometown rock trio The Echoes, whose dynamic set of original tracks and classic covers set the tone for the rest of the weekend. According to the article, the band’s frontman, Alex “Ace” Turner, spoke candidly about the band’s journey from garage rehearsals to the Civic Center’s polished soundboard. “We started because we love music, not because we think we’re the next big thing,” Turner said. “If the crowd enjoys it, that’s enough.”

Following The Echoes, the stage hosted a rotating lineup that spanned indie folk, jazz, gospel, and even a surprise performance by a local DJ collective, The Beat Collective. The festival’s curator, festival director Marjorie Lee, emphasized the intent to reflect Auburn’s demographic mosaic: “We wanted a lineup that represented every corner of our community, from the rural outskirts to the university crowd,” she explained. Lee’s vision, as articulated in the piece, is to create a “one‑stop cultural hub” that offers both entertainment and educational opportunities, such as songwriting workshops and panel discussions with music industry veterans.

Off‑Stage Highlights

The festival’s appeal extended far beyond the main stage. The article draws attention to the numerous food trucks and artisanal food vendors that lined the pedestrian pathways. Vendors such as Savor Café and The Sweet Spot Bakery offered local delicacies that ranged from spicy chicken wings to freshly baked pies. “It’s not just about the music; it’s about creating an immersive environment where people can enjoy food, art, and community all in one place,” Lee noted.

In addition, the Auburn Pub article spotlights the festival’s “Arts in the Alley” initiative, a collaboration with the Auburn Arts Council that transformed a derelict alleyway into a temporary gallery space. Local artists such as Maria Gonzales, whose paintings focus on Alabama’s rural landscapes, displayed over 50 pieces that attracted both art aficionados and casual festival-goers. Gonzales, who is quoted in the piece, expressed excitement about her art being displayed in such a public setting, stating, “This is a great way to connect with people who might not normally visit a gallery.”

Economic Impact and Community Benefits

One of the key takeaways highlighted in the article is the festival’s economic impact. City officials estimate that the event contributed over $1.2 million to the local economy, with significant gains reported by nearby hotels, restaurants, and retail shops. The festival’s success is attributed in part to the partnership between the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the Auburn Arts Council, which pooled resources to streamline marketing and logistical support.

The article also underscores the festival’s role in nurturing local talent. According to the Auburn School Board representative quoted in the piece, Mr. Steven Hall, a number of high‑school and college students took part in a mentorship program organized by the festival. Hall noted that exposure to professional musicians and industry leaders could be a decisive factor in encouraging students to pursue music education and related career paths.

Links for Further Exploration

The Auburn Pub article includes several hyperlinks that provide additional context and resources:

• Auburn Music Festival official website (www.auburnmusicfest.com) – Here readers can find the full schedule, artist bios, and ticketing information for next year’s festival.
• The Echoes official band page (www.theechoesband.com) – Offers a deeper look at the band’s discography, upcoming tour dates, and behind‑the‑scenes content.
• Auburn Arts Council (www.auburnarts.org) – Offers information on upcoming community art projects, grant opportunities, and volunteer programs.
• Auburn Chamber of Commerce (www.auburnchamber.com) – Provides insight into business‑level support for local arts initiatives, including sponsorship and partnership details.
• Auburn Public Library’s “Music & Arts” program (www.auburnpubliclibrary.com/musicarts) – Highlights educational workshops and events that tie in with the festival’s broader mission.

Looking Ahead

The festival’s concluding remarks in the article painted a hopeful picture for the future. Lee emphasized the intention to make the festival a recurring event that will grow in size and scope. “We’re looking to attract national acts next year while maintaining the local flavor that makes Auburn unique,” Lee said. The article noted that organizers are already in discussions with a prominent Nashville record label to potentially host a “musician‑in‑residence” program, further cementing Auburn’s status as a burgeoning music hub.

In summary, The Auburn Pub’s article provides a comprehensive snapshot of a vibrant, community‑driven event that showcases the best of Auburn’s musical and cultural talents. By weaving together performance, visual arts, culinary delights, and economic vitality, the 2023 Auburn Music Festival not only entertains but also strengthens the social fabric of the city. As the city looks toward future iterations, the festival’s legacy serves as a testament to the power of local arts initiatives to foster creativity, community engagement, and economic resilience.