Music and Arts Festivals On the Way

Driving through Chapel Hill this weekend, I could not miss the unmistakable explosion of the local population as we welcome students for the fall semester! This time of year also means that local artists of all varieties are gearing up for the arts festival season.

This weekend, August 21-23, Raleigh features Arts on the Edge, part of Arts Alive on Lichtin Plaza at the Progress Energy Center. Arts on the Edge is described as "a 3-day contemporary arts festival celebrating the vibrancy and variety of today’s art scene. From debut performances by the state’s leading theatre companies to concerts by progressive musicians to performance art that tests boundaries (and gravity!), Art on the Edge invites the audience to explore the richness of contemporary art." That sounds like a great time, but I predict the law of gravity will win in the end.

ProgDay is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, August 30-31, an international festival of progressive rock at the bucolic Storybook Farm on the outskirts Chapel Hill. There is a "pre-show" on Friday, August 29th at Local 506. ProgDay draws a dedicated audience from all over, with many traveling from out of state to attend.

One of the most popular events in the area is Carrboro Music Festival, September 28th. CMF has become a huge gathering of area musicians, both professional and amateur, of all styles, shapes, and sizes. Organizer Gerry Williams said: "This is the most incredible music event that I've been involved with during my thirty year career in and around music. Unlike many aspects of the music business, this is entirely about celebrating our community and its music. The range and quality of what we see and hear each year is simply amazing!" If you were hoping to perform at CMF, you already missed the July 20th deadline, but there may still be volunteer opportunities available. Here is the volunteer form.

October 5th at 1-6 PM is Chapel Hill's Festifall, featuring outdoor arts, crafts, music, and food. They are still seeking qualified exhibitors, and I see they also have a monetary award for "Best in Show"! That could buy you a few funnel cakes, or maybe a gym membership after you eat all those funnel cakes. For more information, contact Diana at (919) 968-2787 x216.

If you or anyone you know is playing or showing at any of these, feel free to leave your comments!