NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Music Preparatory Division at Stephen F. Austin State University, in partnership with the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, continues to add sponsorships to its first Music and Arts Festival, slated for Saturday, April 23, in downtown Nacogdoches.

The family friendly outdoor music festival is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and takes place predominantly on the downtown square. It will feature student music and dance performances, local artists, exhibit booths, children’s games and more, according to Alba Madrid, director of the Music Prep program in the School of Music. Music Prep students, Stephen F. Austin State University student musicians and community musicians will perform on several downtown stages and in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House, and local artists will exhibit works throughout downtown.

“We have extended our deadline for sponsorships because of the tremendous support we have received thus far,” Madrid said. “But we only have a few more days to accept sponsorships, although donations are always gratefully encouraged.”

The sponsorship deadline has been extended to April 8. Additionally, local merchants can be a part of the festival by showcasing their businesses at booth spaces that will be located around the square and along Main Street and/or by donating door prizes to be given away during the festival.

Sponsors so far include Deppisch Law Firm, Rex Perry Autoplex and Loblolly Properties Real Estate Brokerage Firm at the top Allegro level; Pilgrim’s Pride, Lisle Violin Shop and Etech at the Moderato level; and Commercial Bank of Texas, Chick-fil-A, Martin Construction, Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, Piney Woods Pediatrics and Regents Academy at the Adagio level.

Festival proceeds will help fund, in part, two major projects, including the creation of a Piano Lab and the newly established Strings Project. Opportunities also exist to fund Music Prep scholarships for deserving student musicians.

For more information about sponsorships contact Madrid at (936) 468-1291 or musicprep@sfasu.edu. For more information about Music Prep, visit sfamusicprep.com.