BELFAST — For awhile in Belfast, it looked like The Day The Music Died, when the annual Free Range Music Festival had to shut down in 2014. Out of the ashes, thanks to Launchpad, a Bangor-based incubator for artists and musicians, The All Roads Music Festival rose to take its place last year.

An annual festival held in May in Belfast, it’s a celebration of local and indie music talent, gathering some of Maine’s finest emerging musicians under one banner and held in multiple venues throughout downtown Belfast.

The 2016 event, slated for Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21, is already coming out of the gate with a bang with headliners Rustic Overtones and hip hop artist Spose, two of the hottest acts on the Maine music scene. More than 20 music artists will perform in 2016. The festival features performances in a variety of genres including indie rock, folk, pop, bluegrass and indie folk, as well as performers from related contemporary genres, such as alternative country, punk and hip-hop. The festival also includes discussion panels, curated showcases and the Maine Songwriters Circle.

Launchpad founder Meg Shorette said, “While we will always have a few repeat artists, the wealth of Maine music talent continues to grow and evolve each year giving us endless options for this Maine music focused event.  Like most festivals, you're likely to recognize the names at the top of each venues schedule but  don't miss the early part of the day. Bands like Wait, Goldenoak, Leveret and Jon King are really starting to stand out in this scene.”

The event takes place at various venues throughout the city, including the Belfast Free Library, the American Legion Hall, Waterfall Arts and more. A full listing of venues will be posted with the full schedule, which can be found here.

Beyond the music, the festival aims to offer insights into the music business with panels such as “The Life of the Deal,” in which agents can help artists negotiate contracts, advances and performances. A cornerstone of this year’s festival will introduce Rustic Overtones as their first-ever All Roads Legacy Artist as a testament to what the group has achieved since its formation. Since 1993 the group has set the standard for indie musicians working in Maine, attracting audiences in-state and beyond with their unique sound and enthralling personality.The audience will enjoy a retrospective Q&A event, looking back at the journey the band has taken over the past 26 years, exploring their formation, success and creative methodology.

In addition, Launchpad’s mission is aligned with the All Roads plan to introduce the public to relatively under-the-radar musicians and singer-songwriters they might not ever have gotten exposed to, including the younger musicians of the Maine Academy of Modern Music, which showcases 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the First Church.

Other not-to-miss elements of this event include the opening party on Friday, May 20, from 7 to 10 p.m at Waterfall Arts with Wylde Lyfe and Fenimore, as well as a closing party with Jon King held after Rustic Overtones’ act at Three Tides in Belfast.

Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door, with VIP passes $30 in advance/$35 at the door. They can be found here.

 Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com