Celebrate a famed local poet at The Town and the City Festival

Lowell continues its centennial celebration of native author Jack Kerouac with a weekend of music and art.

More than 50 diverse acts perform throughout various locations as part of the festival in Lowell. Lawrence Libby

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Celebrating what would have been native son Jack Kerouac’s 100th birthday, the city of Lowell is putting on a two-day affair sure to get Bostonians “on the road” to the northern city.

The Town and the City Festival is a music and arts festival set in downtown Lowell that celebrates the spirit of the novelist and poet — from its very name (a nod to his first major published work set in this historic mill city) to celebrating the creativity for which he was known by booking diverse musical genres and artistic disciplines.

“We’re thrilled that we can bring attention to the Jack Kerouac centennial and the city through our festival,” said Chris Porter of Porter Productions and president of the Board of The Kerouac Foundation, in a statement. “Kerouac had an impact on so many in music from Dylan, the Dead and the Beatles to Patti Smith, Tom Wait and The Doors. We’ve built a lineup that is intentionally diverse in styles and provides an opportunity for people to see talent from the city, the region, and beyond.”

More than 50 acts will hit the stage, among them Colleen Green, Lowell Chamber Orchestra, Free Soil Arts Collective, the Cambodian American Literary Association, and Aaron & The Lord (featuring Aaron Perrino from The Sheila Divine). Performances will take place in event spaces, bars, cafes, and galleries around town, including Lala Books (an obvious nod to the literary theme), Zorba Music Hall, The Luna Theater, Academic Arts Center, Gallery Z, Smokehouse Tavern, The Old Court, The Purple Carrot Bread Co., The Worthen Cafe, and Brew’d Awakening. Designed as a walkable event, single- or two-day passes give you access to performances across all the participating venues.

The weekend will also feature the first ever The Town and The City Festival Record Show on April 10 from noon to 5 p.m. at Mill No. 5., where you can shop for vinyl and other collectibles from more than 30 vendors.

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Celebrate a famed local poet at The Town and the City Festival

Lowell continues its centennial celebration of native author Jack Kerouac with a weekend of music and art.

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