Which press release is more formal?

 - On Nov. 19, musicians from all over town will battle it out in the fourth annual Jam-a-thon, happening at the amphitheater.
 - On November 19, the Springdale Amphitheater will host area musicians vying for top honors in the fourth annual Jam-a-thon.
The second 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.).