Mikey Pennington, center, takes the stage with his band Common Grounds during the inaugural Next Up Music Festival in Marysville last Saturday. Photo by Tyler Zepp

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Marysville was buzzing with excitement this past Saturday as the inaugural Next Up Music Festival took over the town, filling the streets with electrifying energy and sensational music. The festivities kicked off at 1:30 p.m. and continued until 10 p.m., leaving attendees exhilarated and craving more.

The headliners, ONOFF, a dynamic rock 'n' roll trio from Ireland, now beloved local business owners, set the tone with their opening line, "How are you doing, Marysville?" The crowd's joyous response echoed through the streets, setting the stage for a night to remember.

“It was a great day for everyone, the bands rocked, and the weather was perfect,” said Paulie Daly, ONOFF's lead guitarist and singer. “David, Mikey and the Next Up Crew should be extremely happy with what they all accomplished. I’m super proud of my friends and honored to be involved.”

Mikey Pennington, left, poses with an excited fan during the Next Up Music Festival in Marysville last weekend. Photo by Tyler Zepp

Mikey Pennington, the mastermind behind this festival, previously stated that his goal was to bring a sense of Warped Tour to the local community and the general consensus among attendees was that he succeeded. The festival boasted an impressive lineup with various genres of music including rap, hip-hop, country, RnB, punk, rock, and other mixed or alternative styles. The lineup included Cold Flame, Boston Crooks, Nothing Special, The Filthy Kids, Seven Asterisk, and Judo Rooster. Each band delivered powerful performances, blending original music with the occasional crowd-pleasing cover.

The electric atmosphere permeated the closed-off section of D Street in Marysville with Pennington tirelessly ensuring the event's seamless flow. From setting up stages to serenading the crowd, Pennington's dedication was palpable. He periodically took the stage to direct festivalgoers to the second smaller stage inside Skip's Marysville Music Café where the energy remained high despite the nice cool indoor setting. The band Seven Asterisk was notable for having everyone on their feet singing and dancing as was The Filthy Kids who captivated audiences with their punk, rock, and indie tunes.

Mikey Pennington, left, talks with a young fan during the Next Up Music Festival in Marysville last weekend. Photo by Tyler Zepp

As the sun began to set, Pennington's own band, Common Grounds, took to the stage for the first time in three years. A sea of people quickly swelled, reflecting this monumental reunion and the effort Pennington and his team had put into orchestrating the event. The culmination of their hard work was evident as the band played to the largest audience of the night, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.