The Temecula Valley’s biggest rock music festival is almost here.

On May 15, 16 and 17, more than 70 bands will be taking the stage at the Temecula Community Recreation Center (CRC) during the fifth annual Temecula Music Fest.

Along with the all-day performances, the event will showcase the works of more than 30 artists.

Though mostly rock bands will be performing, the festival showcases all genres of music. That’s part of the fest’s appeal, according to the event’s founder, Bill Gould.

"There’s nothing like it out here. We kind of have a mini-Coachella," he said.

He contrasted the Temecula Music Fest with Temecula’s jazz and bluegrass festivals, which cater to fans of certain musical genres. "A wide variety of people can enjoy [the Temecula Music Fest], not just one microcosm of a genre."

The event began in 2005 under the name The Identity Band Clash. The event lasted all day and featured 15 bands from the Temecula Valley and attracted 500 fans.

In 2006, the event expanded to feature 40 bands over five days at three venues: the CRC, the now-defunct coffeehouse Java Joz and Aloha J’s restaurant. More than 1,200 people attended this event, which adopted the name Temecula Music Fest.

In 2007, the event scaled back to a three-day event taking place at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater and the CRC. It showcased more than 50 bands.

In 2008, the event was similar to the previous year, spanning three days at the CRC. This year, it will feature more artists and more bands but still span three days.

"It’s gotten a little bigger every year but it’s not out of control," Gould said. "I want it to get bigger every year but it needs to be controlled."

Gould’s goal with the event is to highlight local talent, he said, so the vast majority of the groups are from the Temecula Valley.

"I really want to keep it [local], especially with a bunch of local bands that’ve gotten onto major labels," he said.

A portion of the proceeds from the fest are going to Joey’s Pals, a nonprofit organization based in Menifee that gives scholarships to high school seniors.

The scholarships help pay for the students to attend trade schools after high school.

"Not everybody has a four-year college plan and we want to make sure everybody has good opportunities," Gould said. He sits on the organization’s board.

For more information, visit www.temeculamusicfest.com or www.myspace.com/temeculamusicfest.

For more information on Joey’s Pals, visit www.joeyspals.org.