PONDSIDE—The first annual JP Music Festival will rock Jamaica Pond Park on Aug. 20 with about two-dozen local bands in a free concert.
The festival has been established as a nonprofit organization with the intention of making it an annual event. It was founded by well-known JP musician Rick Berlin; Shamus Moynihan, the music booker for JP’s Midway Café; and Randace Rauscher Moore, executive director of JP Centre/South Main Streets.
“Jamaica Plain has no shortage of talented and diverse musicians, composers and performers,” said Berlin in a press statement. He said the festival is inspired by similar events in Cambridge and Somerville, and will highlight the “amazing musical nexus that is Jamaica Plain.”
The festival will be held at the park’s baseball field. It will also feature food sales, with proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of Boston.
The festival has organized quietly, but had about 100 bands apply to perform. The line-up will be announced later this month.
Musicians will perform on two stages from 1 to 7 p.m. An after-party with more bands will be held at the Midway Café on Washington Street.
For more information, see jpmusicfestival.com.