Today, Erie Mayor Joe Schember and Gabi Watson, Events Manager at the City of Erie, announced the headliners for CelebrateErie, which be held this year from Friday, August 15 to Sunday, August 17. Danielle Blackburn, Highmark Vice President of Sales also spoke.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and AHN Saint Vincent Hospital is the MainStage sponsor of CelebrateErie.
The Celebrate Erie Mainstage opens Friday night, August 15, with Americana music by local favorite Matt Texter and The One Shots, followed by a unique blend of country and rock by Erie-native Brenna Bone. These incredible acts lead into the headlining country performer – Russell Dickerson.
Russell Dickerson has made a big impact on country music with a string of multi-platinum hits. His single “Yours” became a heartfelt wedding staple and was followed by more chart toppers like “Blue Tacoma,” “Every Little Thing,” and “Love You Like I Used To.”
Known for his blend of heartfelt lyrics and pop-country energy, Dickerson fuses together genres to create a sound that is very uniquely him, shaped by his experiences, Tennessee roots, and his adoration for his family. In 2025, his latest single “Happen to Me” has gone viral, most likely appearing on your Tiktok for-you page. “Happen to Me” broke into country’s top 25 and is the fastest-rising single and biggest streaming debut of Russell’s career.
On Saturday, August 16, Erie’s Reminiscent kicks off the event with Motown hits followed by Bachata Rebelde’s rich Latin sound. They will open for the headlining performer – Gym Class Heroes!
An incredibly versatile band with an even more unique sound, Gym Class Heroes broke genre boundaries by blending hip-hop, rock, funk, and pop into chart-topping hits. They saw early success with their 2006 certified three-time platinum hit “Cupid’s Chokehold.” Their collaborative hit “Stereo Hearts”, with Adam Levine topped the Billboard Top 40, reached number four on the Hot 100, and has topped charts internationally. Frontman Travie McCoy’s hit “Billionaire ft Bruno Mars” went 4x platinum.
Sunday night, August 17, begins with original roots and soul music from Preach Freedom and Connect. This is followed by a blast back to the past with bob, an interpretation of Bob Dylan.
To culminate the celebration of this summer, CelebrateErie will close with the Erie All Stars as they pay tribute to the Beatles, with special accompaniment from the Erie Philharmonic.
The Beatles’ iconic catalog includes legendary hits like “Let It Be,” “Hey Jude,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and “Eleanor Rigby”. The City of Erie is so excited for this performance and cannot wait to showcase Erie All Stars’ ability to capture the catchy melodies, energetic rhythms, and unforgettable tunes of The Beatles.
All of these acts will present a wonderful weekend of entertainment that celebrates all that Erie has to offer.
