It returns Saturday. And organizers promise a bigger and even better event than the one in 2016.

 

Everything is in place for the Second Annual Sound Waves and IPAs Craft Beer and Music Festival at Bridgeport City Park.

 

Craft beer vendors are lined up and the music lineup is in place, according to Claude Ryan of Deep Root Productions, who is serving as a consultant to get the event ready for the public.

 

“I’m excited that it’s in its second year because those involved believe it was successful enough the first time around that they opted to do it again,” said Ryan. “We had a nice turnout last year and I think with a more concentrated effort on marketing this year, going with statewide promotion … that you’re going to see an even bigger crowd.”

 

The event is scheduled tomorrow, June 24. It starts at 4:30 p.m. and will run until 10 p.m.

 

Admission is $40 for general admission and $60 for VIP. The VIP allows for an early entry at 3:30 p.m. to get a start on some of the beers in place, an early listen to the first musical act and also Ryan said will be a commemorative mug.

 

This year, there will also be a special $20 admission for those who do no want to drink. Those are for individuals wishing to enjoy the musical lineup and perhaps serve as a designated driver.

 

Bob Greer, who along with his wife Mary Kay and the Bridgeport Arts Council, helped create the concept, agreed with Ryan. He believes year two will be solid.

 

“We felt the first year was a success for a startup year. We were at a breakeven point from an economic standpoint when you weigh in all the factors, including many visitors from well beyond the area,” said Greer. “The participation and the reviews of the event were nothing but positive, which was part of the rationale to bring it back.

 

“We hope to have continued growth and have expanded the advertising base to extend to rest of the state,” he continued. “The goal with that is to have overnight guests, which is where you find big economic impact.”

 

Part of the rationale initially was to raise enough funds through the event to fund programs by the Bridgeport Arts Council throughout the year. While that didn’t happen, Greer said nothing has changed from that standpoint.

 

“The long-term goal remains to have funding generated for the entire arts council season,” said Greer.

 

Prior to last year’s event, some voiced concerns that having a beer festival could cause problems. Greer said, fortunately, that wasn’t the case.

 

“There weren’t any incidents and no arrests at all. That aspects of it, once those that were on hand saw the setup, noticed that it’s not a drunken situation. If you’re goal is to get drunk, then you’re in the wrong place,” said Greer.

 

All individuals attending will receive a four ounce cup. The cups are used to go to the beer vendors and sample their offerings. Most of the vendors have multiple choices.

 

“It’s really a music festival with a beer component,” said Greer.

 

Ryan said for those who enjoy music of all genres that this year’s lineup should suit everyone’s taste. And he said it should also provide a few surprises.

 

“It’s about as diverse a bunch of bands that can expose people to from local to across the country,” said Ryan.

 

The leadoff band will be Annie Neeley & Lucky Old Sun from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Neeley is from Bridgeport and will provide the local component.

 

After Neeley, The Lawsuits will perform from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. They are out of Philadelphia and Ryan said they feature a smooth rhythm and blues sound with a heavy jazz influence.

 

Starting at 6:15 p.m. and going until 7:30 p.m. are The Defibulators. The group is out of New York and may be the most unique of the bunch. Ryan said it’s hard to describe them, but said they are more of a blend of country and punk. He said they are listed as “Brooklyn’s Kings of Alt-Country.”

 

At 7:30 p.m. Matt Mullins & The Bringdowns will perform until 8:45 p.m. They also have an eclectic mix of genres fueled a driving rhythm section.

 

The headliner, said Ryan, are “true headliners.” Bridgeport will play host to Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band starting at 8:45 p.m. and going until 10 p.m.

 

“This is a New Orleans fund, big band type sound ground. They have the outfits and they have the look and were involved with a group that won a Grammy for a kids’ album,” said Ryan.

 

The band assisted with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo for "Infinity Plus One"!!! The group won the Grammy this year.

 

“This is a strong lineup,” said Ryan.

 

Click HERE to visit the Web site, which now includes participants on the beer front.

 

Editor's Note: Pictued above are scenes from last year's Sound Waves and IPAs event. Photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.