First ever Endless Summer Festival supports mental health through music

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A new festival showcasing local musicians is raising awareness about the importance of mental health for all communities.

This Saturday, Washington Street in downtown Binghamton will be closed off for the Endless Summer Festival.

The event combines local bands, deejays and vendors on the one-way portion of the street near Court Street. It will feature local artists Matthew Cornwell, Allie Torto, the Grown Ups, and Edge & Babi Lou.

Edge first got his start in Binghamton and is glad to give back to his hometown that spread his music and lifted him up.

“No, it’s really nice to do this event for the area. Especially to be able to put on an event that highlights local acts that are growing and flourishing. It’s pretty awesome,” said Edge.

The festival gains its name from an EP that Edge released and performs around town.

Stadium 138, Craft, and Black Sheep Tavern are all supporting the event.

Although the live music doesn’t start until 5 p.m., the DJ and local vendors open at noon.

Event organizer Kim Washington says one table stands out: the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier.

Washington says the festival hopes to raise awareness for minority mental health.

“It’s a very big stigma amongst the minority community. I mean growing up in a minority family like it wasn’t very encouraged to get help. So, I think that’s why we kind of came together and was like well, if we’re throwing it in July we might as well try and raise as much awareness as we can,” said Washington.

The event is free, but there are packages involving merchandise and free drinks available for purchase.

For more information, go to Endless Summer Fest Bing on Instagram or Facebook .

• Mother and son arrested for ‘heinous’ sex abuse against several children
• Local Democrats on Harris candidacy
• YWCA receives funding for breast cancer prevention
• First ever Endless Summer Festival supports mental health through music
• Binghamton homeowners can get up to $40,000 to repair their house

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.