ST. CLOUD -- A first-of-its-kinds musical event is gracing downtown St. Cloud this weekend.

The Central Minnesota Common Roots Festival is in full swing featuring live music on 17 stages, at eleven venues, with over 200 musicians in downtown St. Cloud.

Pioneer Place owner and festival committee member Dan Barth says they are already seeing amazing turnouts since Thursday's kickoff.

"We had a great turnout last night. It really gets cranked up tonight. We have 11 venues, 17 stages, and 262 musicians booked for the weekend here in downtown."

The weekend concert event is a grassroots effort way to support the downtown businesses during the 5th Avenue street construction project, and at the same time highlight all local musicians.

One of the bands performing this weekend is nationally acclaimed vocal a cappella group Tonic Sol-Fa. Lead Singer Shawn Johnson says St. Cloud has become their second home and they were excited to be a part of this first-ever event.

"It seemed like such a cool thing to bring people to downtown. And to support a place we all love, live and return every year it's fantastic."

Band member Jared Dove says the festival is a great way to the community to help upcoming local artisits.

"This is what helps these bands build a following and get to where we are at or even beyond. It's great to have this home base and the support."

The event is free to attend, expect for Friday night's performance at the Paramount Theatre featuring Tonic Sol-Fa. That show requires a special button for admission which will be available for $20. The music ends Saturday night.

More From Mix 94.9