The Theater at Lime Kiln opens its 25th season with the third annual MusicFest on Saturday, May 17. This event marks the beginning of a new series called “Bands in the Bowl,” where Lime Kiln features area musicians.

The event will be held at Lime Kiln, which is located on Borden Road just West of Lexington, Virginia in Rockbridge County.

“We are creating more chances this year for local artists to perform at Lime Kiln and for area audiences to see what talent is right around the corner,” said Kim Renz, executive director. “There never seem to be enough opportunities for local artists to play in their own back yards, and we want to help.

MusicFest began as a fundraiser to help Lime Kiln. Renz said that the event "starts our year out right," by bringing together great acts ranging from bluegrass to singer/songwriters to rock and roll. From these acts will come future concerts in the Bowl, Renz said, adding that he hoped the artists will gain increased exposure to get other area performances.