MUSIKFEST SIGN LANGUAGE PERFORMANCES: ArtsQuest has announced its partnership with VSYN+, a first of its kind streaming platform in sign language entertainment, for a two-night event at this year’s Musikfest that will include sign language performances by nationally recognized deaf artists and entertainers from the signing community.

Taking the stage at Musikfest Café Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Nyle DiMarco, winner of America’s Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars, will emcee and introduce all performances. To start, SignTasTic!, a fun, interactive game show designed to teach American Sign Language, with show host Dan Cook, will challenge and entertain both the hearing and non-hearing crowd.

DJ Nicar will join the stage for two musical performances with ORL B THA CODA, a musician and sign language storyteller, followed by a set from Keith Sho’Roc Brown, the first hard of hearing pop recording artist who sings and uses American Sign Language simultaneously. The final performance of the night will feature Mandy Harvey, a deaf singer and songwriter who was a finalist and Golden Buzzer winner on America’s Got Talent.

On Aug. 7 at 5 p.m., the evening host and emcee, Justin Osmond, deaf musician, activist and member of the famous Osmond Family, will bring back SignTasTic! and host Dan Cook for another interactive game show, followed by musical performances from Darius McCall, Jamar “J. Cacao” Scales and Beautiful the Artist. Darius McCall is a deaf rapper, who has made significant contributions to the deaf hip-hop community, while Jamar “J. Cacao” Scales is an ASL performer, songwriter and producer. To wrap up the event, Beautiful the Artist, a former Miss Black Deaf America and a deaf rapper, will perform.

All sign language performances will be held in the Musikfest Café on Sunday and Monday evening. The event is free to attend and open for the entire community to enjoy. American Sign Language (ASL) will be used throughout SignTasTic! and all musical performances. Sign Language interpreters will be on-site to provide English interpretation.

MUSIKFEST APP: The free Musikfest app, powered by PNC, is now available for iOS and Android devices. This popular app is crucial for ‘fest-goers attending the nation’s largest non-gated music festival with 15 free stages.

The app, as in previous years, allows guests to navigate need-to-know information such as hundreds of musical performances, dozens of food vendors/artisans, access to exclusive sweepstakes and real time updates that include special giveaways, pop-up performances and more. The app also includes an interactive festival map.

The 2023 free stage performances schedule will be continually added to the app throughout the summer leading up to the festival, with the ability to search for specific bands so you don’t miss them. Download the Musikfest app now with Apple or Android. Musikfest runs Aug. 4 through the 13 with preview night Aug. 3.

Visit Musikfest.org for more information and purchase tickets to headliner concerts at the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza.