CRANBERRY TWP — Music will fill the air later this month when the Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs convention comes to town.

The event, held every two years at various locations around the state, will run from April 19 to 21 at the Pittsburgh Marriott North Hotel in Cranberry.

According to Kathy Kemerer, convention chairwoman, the event features a series of workshops, activities, programs and performances featuring musicians from across the state and country.

The 87th convention kicks off April 19 with a meet and greet and performance by the RML Jazz Trio. Workshops on music club programs and American music are also scheduled, with musical performances throughout.

On Friday, National Federation of Music Clubs Young Artist winner Kevin Ahfat will perform at 8 p.m. Ahfat, a Juilliard School student and celebrated pianist, will present a mix of classical and contemporary arrangements, Kemerer said. That performance is free and open to the public.

Additional workshops and festivals are also scheduled, as is a banquet and a presentation from Deborah Freeman, chairwoman of American Music for the National Federation of Music Clubs.

Throughout the weekend, a festival competition will be held for students in music and dance, from beginner to high school senior. Kemerer said the performances are meant to provide feedback and evaluate the students, as they are rated and points are awarded. This is the first year Pennsylvania will hold a competition, with the winners announced Saturday afternoon and more than $1,000 in awards given out.

Kemerer said 18 students from the area, including Butler, Cranberry Township and Wexford, will participate in the competition.

Full convention registration is $40, while daily registration is $25. Student and collegiate registration is $20 for the weekend and $10 daily. Pre-registration is available at pfmc-music.org.