Meet Caleb Olson, the 20-year-old visionary building the movement for Lancaster’s local music renaissance.
1. Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your journey?
Hey! My name’s Caleb Olson. I’m a creative director, audio engineer, and owner of Montclair Breakfast, as well as President of the AMP (Audio & Media Productions) Club at PCAD. My journey started behind the scenes as a stagehand and a camera operator. Eventually, I started leading live production teams. I’ve always believed music and media have the power to bring people together, and over time, that passion grew into something bigger. I believe deeply in creating spaces where artists can thrive, collaborate, and be seen. This festival is the culmination of that vision.
2. Why did you choose Lancaster as the home for this event? What makes this city special for aspiring musicians?
Lancaster has a pulse— a mass of potential for creativity— that’s ready to emerge. There’s a different type of hospitality here. There’s a hunger here, and I want this festival to be
the catalyst that helps channel that energy into a full-blown movement.
3. Tell us about your upcoming music festival — what can we expect?
Expect an inspiring community experience— from the emerging local talent to the live sets, to the immersive visuals and creative installations. With our local small business vendors, it’s more than a concert; it’s a showcase of the creative heartbeat of Lancaster.
4. What’s your vision for this event?
I wanted to prove to myself and wider community that I could build a successful music festival that highlights incredible local talent. Everything that went into this experience, from booking the venue to designing the lighting to securing the lineup, has been a wild ride. My hope for this festival is to give artists a platform— artists who I truly believe have unrecognized talent. I dream of giving them the stage, the tools, and the platform to see what they can do with it in hopes that they might garner the respect they so deeply deserve. This is a festival built by creatives for creatives. I want people to leave feeling as though they just witnessed the start of something really special.
5. How do you hope this event will move the needle for local artists and the Lancaster community?
This festival isn’t just an afternoon of great music; it’s a spotlight to showcase the potential for Lancaster creatives and for our entire community. I want this festival to be a chance for artists to connect with new audiences, collaborate with one another, and be connected to a community that values grassroots talent. For Lancaster, I hope it helps redefine the narrative. This isn’t just a small town; it’s a sanctuary for the arts. I want this event to ignite the spark that gives creatives the push they need to see that the sky is truly the limit.
6. What part of the event gives you chills when you think about it?
There’s a moment right before the show when the lights first start to dim, and the crowd is quietly mingling. Until that moment, there I am— feeling incredibly anxious, watching to see how many people show up, running around to make sure everything’s working correctly— but then those lights start to dim, and I become an audience member myself. That’s when you know it’s real. That all the work was worth it. That moment gives me goosebumps every time.
7. Are there any behind-the-scenes stories about the lineup or planning process that stand out?
You know, it’s fun planning something like this… most of the time… and as long as you know that not everything will go as planned, then you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do. One story that stands out above the others is when I secured an artist in the lineup. This artist was someone who I watched perform at an open mic years ago with only five people in the audience. Now, fast forward to this festival, they are our headliner. Their creative love for their music was as strong as our belief in their sound, and I hope this festival gives them the space they need to grow. That full-circle moment hits home. Life has a funny way of working out like that.
8. If someone’s on the fence about attending — what would you say to them? What will they experience?
You don’t want to hear about this from your friends after it happens and regret not attending. Come see it for yourself. Imagine standing in the crowd the night Lancaster became the place for up-and-coming artists and live music. That night is here. Local talent, electric energy, and a community ready to claim its spot on the map—don’t just hear about it, be part of it.
9. How do you hope this festival inspires the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers?
I want this festival to showcase that you don’t need to wait for permission to pursue your dreams; you can start now. Big things can grow from local soil, and this festival is a testament to that.
10. What do you think the future of Lancaster’s creative scene looks like — and how can young leaders shape it?
I can feel that the future of Lancaster is just around the corner, and the sky is truly the limit. The future is collaborative, inclusive, and loud in the best way. Young leaders are already shaping it by breaking molds and creating platforms. We just need to keep an eye out for them, give our support, and continue building together.
Where can people learn more, get involved, or support the event?
Follow us on Instagram @montclairbreakfast and visit EventBrite to get your tickets. Look for the event titled, “The Citadels Sanctum Music Festival!”
