Which press release is more formal?

 - On November 19, the Newton Amphitheater will host area musicians vying for top honors in the fourth annual Jam-a-thon.
 - On Nov. 19, musicians from all over town will battle it out in the fourth annual Jam-a-thon, happening at the amphitheater.
The first press release is more formal. It uses more elevated language (area musicians, top honors). The other press release uses idioms (battle it out) and abbreviations (Nov.).