Experience local music at Radiopalooza – Speakeasy, Clay Parker, Michael Foster and many more to perform this weekend

WHYR 96.9 FM Baton Rouge Community Radio will spotlight local bands for its fourth annual Radiopalooza community music festival Saturday at 3 p.m. at North Boulevard Town Square.

The free event kicks off with a performance from Jason Martin and the Corner Pocket, followed by Captain Green at 4 p.m., a Baton Rouge songwriter showcase at 5 p.m., Pacifico at 6 p.m., Speakeasy at 7 p.m., Liam Catchings and The Jolly Racket at 8 p.m. and Michael Foster Project at 9 p.m.

The songwriter showcase will feature performances from Ryan Harris, Denton Hatcher, Jodi James, Clay Parker and Eric Schmitt.

DJ Clay Achee is part of this year’s music selection committee. He says the major difficulty was having only seven spots to fill. In the past, the festival has had more than 10.

“I wish we had 20 spots,” Achee says. “Baton Rouge has so many great bands. Narrowing it down is painful. However, people can look forward to a diverse, universally lovable lineup this year.”

The event debuted in summer 2011 and spotlights a wide range of local music talent. It also introduces locals to the volunteer-run radio station, according to Rebecca Marchiafava, a member of station management and operations.

“The great thing about community radio is that we give a voice to the local people and musicians,” she says. “We offer a mix of music and talk programming from a local perspective. This is our biggest annual fundraising event, but it’s also a great outreach event and opportunity to show people what the city has to offer in terms of music, culture and community.”