The 2011 KahBang Festival launched in epic fashion Saturday as several performers laid down crowd-pleasing sets at the KahBang Kickoff Concert in downtown Bangor. Josh & Allison from Bangor's own Temperature of the Sun got the afternoon started as crowds swarmed in Westmarket Square and enjoyed artists displays as part of the Annual Sidewalk Art Festival. Performers on the day also included Jenna Campbell, The 220's, The Class Machine, Dean Ford and Late Cambrian who had won a slot to play in the "Kickoff to Kahbang" competition powered by OurStage.com.

But the day was defined by spectacular performances from Vanityites and The Gay Blades.

Vanityites, a Portland based act, got the crowd energized with their raucous stage presence and sound. The band will also be performing on the Me Stage at the Waterfront Concert Grounds on Saturday, August 13th [buy tickets].

The night came to a close as the veteran group The Gay Blades rocked KahBang for the 3rd year in a row. Frontman James Dean Wells delighted on-lookers and drummer Quinn English kept the buildings rattling as the dynamic duo once again proved why they are the only band with the sole distinction of being the only band invited to perform at every KahBang Festival to date.

The Festival rolls on all week, with performances by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Atmosphere and Lupe Fiasco on Friday 8/12 and Chromeo & My Morning Jacket on Saturday 8/13.