By CHRISSY PRICHARD

Express News Staff

Forgefest 2012, “The Adirondack’s Largest Tribute Concert,” is being planned for Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Hiltebrant Recreation Center. This family friendly event will feature the bands Wicked, Blaze of Glory, Kashmir, and Completely Unchained, as well as local favorites Showtime. Gates will open at noon, with music starting at 1 p.m. The classic rock will go all day, wrapping up around 10 p.m.

Each of the tribute bands has worked to perfect the look, sound, and stage presence of the bands they are covering. This full day of performances promises a mix of nostalgia and amazement for classic rock fans. New this year, the concert will be followed by a Rock ‘n Roll fireworks spectacular.

The first band to take the stage will be Wicked, at 1 p.m. From the Utica area, Wicked plays many of their own original songs, plus covers a wide range of rock ‘n roll from the 80’s through today, performed with high energy, professionalism, style and true rock and roll conviction. All members are experienced music veterans, coming together with one purpose: to “Rock the House” with a great live show and to keep you coming back for more.

Showtime will take the stage next, at 2 p.m., playing a mix of cover and party tunes. This band from Herkimer has been playing locally since the late ‘90s and has developed a wide fan base throughout Central New York.

Kashmir will start at 4 p.m., playing Led Zeppelin tunes. Kashmir seeks to re-create the experience of a 70’s Zeppelin show utilizing authentic vintage stage gear, costumes, and special effects, with great attention to detail in a non-pretentious way. Kashmir is a very entertaining show bringing only the best of Led Zeppelin to their fans. Close your eyes, and you will think you have traveled back to the 70’s.

At 6 p.m., Blaze of Glory will perform hit songs by Bon Jovi. All the way from British Columbia, they feature an outstanding five-piece ensemble that has been carefully hand-selected from some of Canada’s finest recording acts—both for their unmistakable musical prowess and their remarkable resemblance to the members of Bon Jovi. Authentic costumes and hair styles faithfully pay homage to Bon Jovi’s 30 years of sold-out concerts creating a spectacular presentation.

At 8:15 p.m., Completely Unchained will take the stage covering Van Halen songs. A favorite from last year’s Forgefest, Completely Unchained re-creates the ultimate Van Halen production—the attitude, sounds, excitement, energy and most of all the fun that Van Halen produced. No one else brings the entire package together like Completely Unchained. They take the concept of a tribute band and raises it to a whole new level. Not only do they recreate the music with unsurpassed skill, but the stage energy and the production at a Completely Unchained show is unmatched.

The concert will be held outdoors on the lawn, so spectators should bring chairs, blankets, or whatever they need to get comfortable. The show will be held rain or shine, and in the case of inclement weather will be held inside the pavilion. Coolers and outside food and beverages will not be permitted, but food and beer will be available at the show.

Nearly 20 vendors will be on hand throughout the day offering a variety of wares and services. Food will be available from Tony Harpers and a number of other vendors. There will be a tattoo artist on site as well.

And don’t forget to bring the whole family. Kids will have a great time playing on the bouncy house and slide that will be set up, as well as on the playground. There’s plenty of room for the kids to run around on the field, too. There will also be face painting and other kid-friendly activities, so there’s no need to leave the little ones home with a sitter.

Free parking is available on site with overflow parking available along North Street beyond the venue. Spectators will receive wristbands and may come and go as they like throughout the day. Pets on leashes are welcome to attend.

Also new this year, photographer Kathy Stockbridge will be on hand, taking pictures throughout the day. Photos will be available after the concert on her website, www.flashbackphoto.smugmug.com/music/forgefest-2012. From the Rome area, Stockbridge does all sorts of photography, but her specialty is concert and event photos. She strives to capture the essence of the moment, and makes it easy for concert-goers to get a professionally done memento from the show without having to take photos themselves.

The concert is being organized again this year by Adirondack Special Events, a partnership between Jim Connerty, Dennis Michael, Donna Pohl, and Jane Slack. Serving the Central Adirondacks, they specialize in planning and promoting any type of event including concerts, sporting events, cultural events, weddings, reunions and civic events.

Connerty says the show was a little easier to plan this year, since they’ve done it once before. He is expecting to sell about 1,200 tickets this year, since the event went so well last year. “Everyone that came last year is still talking about it. The people that came really enjoyed,” he says. “The buzz on Facebook, around town, and really all around the state is way beyond what it was last year.”

Pre-sale tickets to Forgefest can be purchased online at www.ForgeFest.com and at FastTrac stores in Old Forge and around central New York. Pre-sale tickets are $20, or four for $60. They can be printed directly from the website and are available through the day before the show. Tickets at the gate will be $25. Tickets for children ages six through ten are $10, and children 5 and under are free. For more information on the event, the bands, lodging and more, visit the event website, the Forgefest Facebook page, or call (315) 369-5456.