Every year, in addition to Musikfest veterans, new artists come into the fold every year at the nation’s largest free outdoor music festival.

One of those, Matt Wheeler of Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart, hails from Lancaster. Matt has the opportunity he’s been waiting for, set to perform a solo set at Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz on the festival’s final day, Sunday, August 12 at 7 p.m.

We caught up briefly with Matt to get his thoughts on the gig.

What does the opportunity to perform at Musikfest mean to you?
Playing at Musikfest has been a goal of mine for years. I feel honored to be included in one of the region’s great festivals.

How did you react when you found out you had been selected to play?
I was excited! I connected with Dena Marchiony from The Philadelphia Songwriters Project, and was happy to hear that one of the opportunities she was booking was a showcase at the Lyrikplatz at Musikfest. When I was offered the opportunity, I jumped at the chance!

What are your hopes/expectations for your set?
I hope to make some new fans that I hope also become friends. I love to connect with the audiences I play for, and I expect that the Musikfest audience will be ready & willing to hear some original music – I don’t take those opportunities for granted.

Learn more about Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart by visiting mattwheeleronline.com.