NolanFest to honor late OR student Nolan Gibbons in July

MARION — The family of Nolan Gibbons — an Old Rochester Regional High School student who died suddenly and unexpectedly last August — will hold a memorial event called NolanFest in his honor at 5 p.m. on July 11 at Silvershell Beach in Marion.

Gibbons, who was a rising sophomore at the time of his death, was known far-and-wide as a virtuoso musician.

He began singing at age nine with a local music troupe called the Showstoppers. At age 12, Gibbons won New England’s Got Talent with an a cappella version of John Lennon’s “Imagine” that he arranged himself.

The following year, he was cast as the lead vocal percussionist in a national all-kids a cappella group called Acapop! KIDS.

Gibbons traveled frequently all around the country to record music and film videos with the group culminating with a performance on the Kelly Clarkson Show in January 2020.

Most recently, he was working on an original album of songs he had been writing, recording, and producing himself. His parents will honor his plans by releasing his original music.

His next single, “My Turn,” will be released July 12 on streaming platforms.

The event will feature his family and friends from around the country who will speak, share stories, and perform on stage. Videos of Gibbons’ own performances will also be shown and food trucks will be onsite.

The event will end with a release of lanterns over the ocean around 9 p.m.

If you would like to perform or volunteer at the event, contact Laura at lmcarrillo1@gmail.com.