Mikey Pennington, left, and Skip Bertsch share a lighthearted moment on stage while thanking the crowd during the Next Up Music Festival on Aug. 16 at Skip’s Open Mic Music Café in Yuba City.

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The sun was still high over Plumas Street when the first chords rang out, echoing through Yuba City’s Hart Plaza. Inside, festivalgoers thumbed through crates of vintage vinyl, while outside, the parking lot transformed into a buzzing live music venue. It was exactly the kind of moment Skip Bertsch had envisioned when he moved his music café from Marysville last year — a space where the local music scene could come alive.

That vision became reality Aug. 16 during the Next Up Music Festival, hosted by David Terrases and Mikey Pennington.

“It’s always been about trying to help create something special for the Yuba-Sutter area and the local music scene,” Bertsch said. “Especially for all the new up-and-coming music students.”

Jake Gibbons, center, performs with Outlaws in the Golden State during the Next Up Music Festival on Aug. 16 at Skip’s Open Mic Music Café in Yuba City.

Although the crowd started slow under the late-afternoon sun, the venue filled by evening. In total, 18 bands performed ranging in genre from heavy metal to pup-punk, alt rock and more. What’s more is that approximately 90% of the music played was all original, offering a rare break from the cover-heavy sets many local fans are used to.

“I think everything went really well. We had an amazing turnout and without a doubt put on the best local show of the year,” Pennington said. “Now we’re just hungry to make the event even bigger and better and have already been putting some of our ideas in motion. I’m excited to see what the festival becomes!”

Among the fresh additions brought in by Pennington and Terrases was  Beauty is Betrayal, a metalcore-hard rock group reminiscent of Flyleaf or Evanescence. This was the band’s first time performing in the area and the gig seemed to make a strong impression.

Jake Gibbons, center, of Outlaws in the Golden State dances and moshes with fans mid-set during the band’s outdoor performance at the Next Up Music Festival on Aug. 16 in Yuba City.

“The audience’s energy (despite the heat) was absolutely electric, and they embraced us wholeheartedly,” said Bri Cowgill, the band’s lead singer. “Witnessing such a vibrant community go all in for local music was incredibly inspiring.”

Cowgill’s commanding vocals are matched only by her powerful story of passion and resilience.

“As a child, doctors tested me for every skin disorder imaginable, but my unique blend of internal and external symptoms left them baffled,” Cowgill said. “Eventually, they threw in the towel and named it after me (Brianna’s Disease) — truly a one-size-fits-me disorder.”

Her condition, similar to stiff skin syndrome, has left her in near constant pain and limited mobility. The biggest challenge during performances is breathing, as her skin and enlarged organs restrict it.

“Thankfully, I’m working with an amazing vocal coach who helps me control my breathing while keeping my stage presence engaging,” Cowgill said. “Beyond that, I don’t dwell on it much — my focus is on delivering an awesome show for everyone.”

And deliver she did, drawing headbangers and turning the heads of passersby. Cowgill said she especially enjoyed sets from Trachea and Light The Way and even discovered a favorite snack from local business Freeze-Ums.

“Trachea absolutely crushed their performance, and chatting with them was a blast — such a cool bunch of guys.” Cowgill said. “Light The Way had the crowd hooked from start to finish. And Erica from Freeze-Ums is a total rockstar — huge thanks for her support and those awesome freeze-dried treats!”

Bri Cowgill, center, leads Beauty is Betrayal through a high-energy set during the Next Up Music Festival on Aug. 16 at Skip’s Open Mic Music Café in Yuba City.

Not all acts were newcomers. Outlaws in the Golden State returned after playing last year’s Folk in the Fall festival — another event where Bertsch left a positive impression.

“As soon as we heard it (Next Up) was on Plumas Street and Skip was in on it, we were in,” said Jake Gibbons, the band’s lead singer. “We knew it was gonna be good when we pulled up and could smell the food trucks from down the road.”

OGS formed in the storage room of a small barn in Lincoln, California, which has since been converted into a studio. The band describes its sound as “punktry” — a mix of punk, country, metal, screamo and genre-defying flair. The standout song of their set was “Loser Boyfriend,” an original single currently being recorded for their upcoming self-titled album.

“We like to say we’re just re-polishing the cow-punk turd,” Gibbons joked. “It sounds like a bunch of wannabe punks in a barn to me.”

He described the festival as “top notch” and said he looks forward to returning.

“It was actually quite intense sharing a bill with so many phenomenal acts,” Gibbons said. “We couldn’t be more stoked to be a part of this crew of talented folks.”

For updates on the next Next Up Music Festival, visit nextupmusicfestival.ticketspice.com or email [email protected].