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MIDDLETOWN — Most eyes may focus on the skies at the Ohio Challenge, but there's lots to see and hear on the ground too, especially this year.

Every Ohio Challenge has had entertainment acts, but that lineup was bolstered this year, partly to encourage more people to stay longer, said Brian Humanic, who booked the acts.

"What we're doing is we've added a little more, branched and pulled in two national acts," he said.

The MidFirst Ohio Challenge kicked off Friday, July 18, with local eclectic stalwarts Johnny B. and the Gravediggers, the United Voices of Middletown choir, the group Two or More, featuring Jerry Hughes, formerly of the local country band Yankee Grey and the party band Dangerous Jim and the Slims, unique for the band's three-horn section.

Starting at noon today, July 19, is a "showcase of upcoming talent" featuring younger family members of well-known local musicians. Zach and Evan Walton's father plays with the band the Rubbles. Nick Humanic and Robbie Bauer's fathers Brian Humanic and Bob Bauer played with the Bosstones, a regional group.

The classic rock band Beowulf, from Middletown, plays from 4 to 5:30 p.m., followed by the Dave Cousino Trio at 6 p.m. Cousino is a retired airman promoting his new CD "Texas Wind." The trio plays jazz/blues/rock.

Finishing off Saturday, from 8 to 10 p.m., is one of the national acts, Howard and the White Boys, a top blues band from Chicago.

The final day of the Challenge begins with the Rubbles, a 60s-style band that plays Beatles and Rolling Stones music and more from noon to 2 p.m. From 2:30 to 4 p.m. is the Linden Davis Group, a jam band along the lines of the Allman Brothers. Finally, the other national act, Parrots of the Caribbean, wraps up the Challenge with their tribute to Jimmy Buffet from 5 to 7 p.m.

MidFirst Ohio Challenge Entertainment

Today

Noon to 3 p.m. — Showcase of upcoming talent with Zach and Evan Walton, and Nick Humanic and Robbie Bauer.

4 p.m. — Beowulf, classic rock

6 p.m. — Dave Cousino Trio, jazz/blues/Rock

8 p.m. — Howard and the White Boys, blues

Sunday

Noon: The Rubbles

2:30 p.m. — Linden David group, Jam Band

5 p.m. — Parrots of the Caribbean, Jimmy Buffet tribute

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.