The 5th Annual Citrus Classic Balloon Festival has officially announced its music line-up for the 2012 event.

Taking place in Santa Paula, California on Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28, the event will feature a who’s who of local talent including a closing performance from one of the area’s most talked about acts, Big Band- Ventura County’s All Star 10 Man Cover Band.

Though the Citrus Classic draws attendees from all over the country to marvel at the breath taking hot air balloons during sunrise and sunset, as well as, enjoy sunset dinners, beer and wine tasting, car and tractor shows, kid’s activities, rides, games, vendors, food trucks and so much more, live music has always been an important part of the event.

Now in 2012, Festival organizers are raising the musical bar with a line-up of some the area’s most popular artists.

Headlining the event on Saturday, July 27th is, Big Band, a 10 man cover band, comprised of members of some of the area’s most successful bands. Big Band features 4 guitarists, 2 bassists, 2 keyboardists and an astounding 2 drummers that play a selection of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time. The crowd pleasing act has seen famous guests join them on stage in the past, and they’ll be taking the party to another level when the sun goes down on Saturday Night.

Prior to Saturday’s evening balloon glow, the event will feature one of the area’s most successful bands, Army of Freshmen. Having toured the world and played over 1,500 shows in 13 countries and 43 states, Army of Freshmen, will be making one of their only local appearances of the year at the Balloon Festival. The always energetic 6 man rock band will be releasing their 5th full length record later this year and will be celebrating their 15th Anniversary later this year.

Late afternoon will also see Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats, the throw back soul band, led by fiery front man, Jeff Hershey, take the stage, as well as, the popular harmony laden group of actual brothers, The Shoemaker Brothers.

Rounding out the early afternoon line up will be the reunion of local legends, Durango 95, who will be performing together for the first time in over 20 years, groovy Ojai rockers, Kyle Hunt and the King Gypsy and power pop band, Zachary James and the All Seeing Eyes.

Friday evening will feature music as well with performances from Skick, Cole Citrenbaum, Caught Red Handed and Juano and Friends.

As Citrus Classic Festival organizer, Carla Edwards explains, “There’s so much energy and excitement at the festival, we wanted the music to reflect that. We couldn’t be more excited. We think this is hands down the best music line up the festival’s ever had and it will set a precedent for years to come.”

2012 Citrus Classic Balloon Festival Music Line-Up and Schedule:

Saturday, July 28 - Big Band- The 10 Man Cover Band - 9 pm, Army of Freshmen - 7 pm, Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats - 5 pm, The Shoemaker Brothers - 4 pm , Kyle Hunt and the King Gypsy - 3 pm, Durango 95 - 2 pm, Zachary James and the All Seeing Eyes - 1 pm.

Friday, July 27 - Juano and Friends - 9 pm, Caught Red Handed - 7 pm, Cole Citrenbaum - 5:30 pm, Skick - 4 pm.

About the Citrus Classic Balloon Festival
Located in Santa Paula, California, the Citrus Classic Balloon Festival, now in it’s 5th year is the premiere hot air balloon event in Southern California. Taking place in 2012 on Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28, the 2 day event features hot air balloons on display at sunrise and sunset over scenic mountains and orchards. The family friendly event offers something for everyone including sunset dinners, wine and beer tastings, a kid’s discovery fest, skydivers, a car and tractor show, vendors, food trucks, live music and much more. Gates open at 6:30 am each day and close at 11:30 pm. The event is located at 18249 E. Telegraph Road in Santa Paula, California. Tickets are available in advance and on the day of the event at the gate. For more information on the Citrus Classic Balloon Festival please visit www.citrusclassicballoons.com