Crowds walk through downtown Marysville during Rock the Block, the Institute of Rock's first fundraiser benefiting its new nonprofit arm, NOTES. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

YUBA-SUTTER, CA (MPG) – The streets were alive with the sound of music Saturday, June 13, as three major local events in Marysville and Yuba City brought performers, families and music fans outdoors despite high temperatures.

The day began in downtown Marysville with the first Rock the Block event, hosted by the Institute of Rock. While owner and founder Stevie Bogan has organized similar downtown music events in the past, this was the first held under the Rock the Block name and the first fundraiser for NOTES, the music school's new nonprofit arm.

The event also marked one of the Institute of Rock's largest undertakings to date, featuring nearly a full block closure, live music, family activities, water slides and a planned water fight aimed at giving families a free, music-centered way to spend the day.

Mikey Pennington takes a turn in the dunk tank during Rock the Block before hosting Emo Nite 530 later that evening at Stassi's Fourth Ward Tavern. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

"We had a few snags with the generators and getting the water pumped in for the water fight," said Stevie Bogan, owner and founder of the Institute of Rock. "But things like that happen and we're making the best of it."

Crowds were slightly lower than expected because of the heat, but families still gathered in the shade at Plaza Park to watch local music acts and enjoy the afternoon. A fan favorite was Jordan Reading, the Science Wizard, who performed two free shows during the event.

"I wanted to do this for free because I think music is important, and it's just a great thing they're trying to do for the community," said Reading.

As of press time, organizers were still finalizing proceeds from the event and were unsure whether Rock the Block had broken even. Organizers noted that the event was an expensive undertaking but said the first-year effort offered lessons for future events.

Families gather near inflatable slides and bounce houses during Rock the Block in downtown Marysville. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

"These things are always a learning curve, and I'm excited for the next one," said Delores Lucich, Bogan's wife and event volunteer. "With each street shutdown, we're learning more about how to improve things for the next one."

Mikey Pennington was among the early volunteers at Rock the Block, taking a turn in the dunk tank before heading to nearby Stassi's Fourth Ward Tavern to host his own event, Emo Nite 530. That event appeared to draw a strong crowd, with photos and video clips shared from the night showing the backyard area filled close to capacity. Many attendees called it the "best event yet" in Pennington's "Next Up" series.

Musicians gather on stage at Skip's Open Mic Music Cafe following the Aftermath Showdown, the finale of the venue's Battle of the Bands competition. Photo Courtesy of Mario Baumback

Across the bridge in Yuba City, Skip's Open Mic Music Cafe hosted the finale of its Battle of the Bands competition, the Aftermath Showdown. The finale featured five local bands described by organizers as among the most talented in the area, each competing for a $1,000 cash prize. The lineup included Encore, Tin Man, Not the Same, Trading Firs and Gas Station Chicken.

Gas Station Chicken, a Marysville student band that recently won a similar competition in Sonoma County, saw its winning streak come to an end with a third-place finish. However, the band still took home the Audience Choice Award. First place went to Trading Firs, while Not the Same finished second.

Together, the three events highlighted the steady momentum of Yuba-Sutter's local music scene, from student bands and young performers to established community musicians.

A crowd fills the backyard area at Stassi's Fourth Ward Tavern during Emo Nite 530, hosted by Mikey Pennington as part of his "Next Up" event series. Photo Courtesy of Mikey Pennington