Music lovers may want to head into Marshall over the next week, as the East Texas town presents a "Magical Musical Tour." Live music of all kinds will be on tap in downtown over the next eight days.

It began Friday afternoon with joyful noise ringing out, inside the Ornelas Spiritual Life Center at East Texas Baptist University. The hymn sing at ETBU is just the first of dozens of acts visitors can tune into, in Marshall this week.

"It is different music all week," said Ed Michel, Executive Director of the Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau. "From hymnal sings to everything from jazz to boogie woogie; to a little bit of classical to rock is going to occur and we think that's really special. It's going to be fun. It's going to be exciting."

Michel says if you love live music, you'll want to be here. Over the course of eight days, more than 200 musicians will perform at various venues in downtown Marshall.

"Music is great, I mean people love to be entertained," said Michel. "If we can present our special brand of it, that's what we want to do."

Director of Visitor Services, Geraldine Mauthe says the family friendly festival all leads up to the main event, the sixth annual "Jeans N' Classics" featuring the Marshall Symphony Orchestra. Marshall is one of the smallest cities to have such an elaborate band. And, Mauthe says that's something that deserves some build up, and a lot of attention.

"You know, this is our first time doing eight days of music, and if we're going to be known as a music capital, we need to begin to have events that bring people into Marshall."

Tourism officials say the festival is an opportunity for anyone to get out and explore downtown, as musicians create soundtracks for them, as they shop and eat.

"There will be musicians performing in the streets of Marshall," said Mauthe. "It's just a wonderful time. No matter what type of music you like, there's something for you."

There are no admission fees to come out and listen to the different musical acts, except for the "Jeans N' Classics" concert, which will be held on Saturday, September 8th. Funds raised from that event, will benefit the Marshall Symphony Orchestra and the Marshall Regional Arts Council. For information on ticket prices or for a schedule of acts and venues, click here.