Bash on the Bay to feature Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band

PUT-IN-BAY - Country music fans are expected to flock to Put-in-Bay next week, as the island village welcomes Brad Paisley and the Zac Brown Band to its annual Bash on the Bay.

Christopher Lewis, director of marketing and sales for Shores and Islands Ohio, said the successful celebration is expected to draw approximately 10,000 people to South Bass Island and the nearby mainland areas.

"It's on Wednesday and Thursday next week," Lewis said, noting that the five-year-old country music festival generally sees some very famous performers. "They've been doing it for a few years now, so they're able to get some pretty good acts.

Previous Bash on the Bay events featured such stars as Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Kid Rock and Toby Keith.

Other artists to perform at festival

This year will be no exception, as Bash on the Bay welcomes Paisley on Wednesday, along with performers Jake Owen, Blanco Brown, Paulina Jayne and Hubie Ashcroft. The Zac Brown Band is scheduled for Thursday, with Chris Janson, Morgan Evans, and Eskimo Brothers.

Paisley ranks among the most highly awarded country musicians, with 24 number one hits, three Grammy Awards, 14 Country Music Awards and 15 Academy of Country Music Awards. He also continues to appear in Nationwide Insurance commercials with football legend Peyton Manning.

The multi-platinum-award-winning Zac Brown Band also owns three Grammy Awards and is credited as one of the most dynamic acts in music today.

Lewis said Bash on the Bay brings a significant economic impact to the area. He said the festival is projected to benefit area businesses by approximately $11 million. Hotels and restaurants on the island are expected to be packed, with business expected to overflow to the nearby mainland communities, particularly Sandusky and Port Clinton.

Put-in-Bay Airport to be closed

"It's especially exciting for Put-In-Bay," Lewis said. "It's a big event for them, but also for the mainland."

Lewis also pointed out that the island's airport, where the concerts will be held, will be closed to all air traffic,

"No planes are coming in or out," Lewis said. "All the ferries will be running those days." Shouldering the burden for travel will be boats from the Miller Ferry and Jet Express lines, with support coming from the Kelleys Island Ferry.

The event offers attendees from out of town an opportunity not only to participate at the concerts, but to venture out into the area and discover all that the northern part of Ohio has to offer, Lewis said. He added that such events have a tendency to lure visitors back during other times of the year.

"It's really exciting for us," he said.

mmagnuson@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Brad Paisley and Zac Brown Band are coming to Put-in-Bay next week.