5th Annual Martin On Main to be Held Saturday

The 5th annual festival will be held from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4. The event is being presented by the .

Musicians from the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum will perform acoustic guitar music from noon to 6 p.m. at the main stage on Center Square. Clay Hess, a Grammy-award winning bluegrass artist, will be the headliner.

Hess has toured for three years with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, and is widely considered one of the hottest flat-pickers on the bluegrass circuit. In 2005 and 2009, created two limited-run Clay Hess Signature models.

Hess is expected to take over the main stage around 3 p.m. He will be accompanied by his son, Brennan Hess, and Jon Garon, owner of My Favorite Guitars.

Closing the main stage from 6 to 8 p.m. will be Shaun Hopper, an acoustic "fingerstyle" guitar player.

Don't fret (pun intended) if you decide to wander beyond Center Square -- music will also be provided throughout the day at stages near the and .

While most musicians will be celebrating with their Martin guitars, instruments will range from banjos to mandolins -- all are welcome.

Other Martin On Main Features:

• Over 50 artisans will display their talents and sell their work.
• Local restaurants will bring a tasting of their cuisines.
• joins for a fifth year, crafting a unique brew to celebrate the festival.
• will feature local wine.
• Martin Guitar will have a special display that features the history of the company.
• Martin Guitar products will be available for purchase.

Ever wanted to own a Martin Guitar? Me, too.

Martin has donated a guitar to be raffled off during the festival. All proceeds will benefit non-profit organizations. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the festival, or in advance at the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce office.

For more information, visit www.martinonmain.org.

Editor's Note: Information provided by Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce. Edited by Mallory Vough, editor of Nazareth Patch.