Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival

Each year Asheville does a good job with numerous fairs and festivals.

The Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival (LAAF) takes place

on North Lexington Avenue and engages the community with

art, crafts, childrens activities, food and music.

This group was very good with a bohemian/indie/rock genre.

One of the couples dressed for the festival doing

their part to "keep Asheville weird."

Bele Chere 2010

The Bele Chere festival took place in Asheville this past weekend.

Lots of people, arts and music.  This group was very

entertaining and featured local musicians.  There were also

 some big acts like Toubab Krewe; good vibes...

The ever popular Drum Circle was set up outside the Lexington Avenue Brewery

(Lab) on Lexington Avenue.  They had some great chicken/pork

tacos/burritos for $2.00 each - delicious.

Check them out at http://www.lexavebrew.com/ 

Earth Day 2010

Earth Day was celebrated early in Asheville last Saturday - the official day is April 22nd.

The faithful gathered at Martin Luther King Jr Park and took part in music, food, beer and enjoyment.

A nice clear day with a hint of whimsy in the air.  Hempcrete, solar panels, natural food....

Hula hoops were a big hit with all ages.

Something about the folks in Asheville....

Hardlox Jewish Food and Heritage Festival

Hardlox, a Jewish Food and Heritage Festival was recently celebrated in Asheville. This city has a festival for every ethnic group and organization. There is even one called "Because it's Asheville"; seriously. Among the sights was this group of women dancing to some Yiddish music. It was a good opportunity to enjoy the diversity of Jewish life in Asheville.

The Jewish/Reggae singer Matisyahu will be performing in Asheville on November 15th. If you have not heard his music check out the link on this blog's main page.

The day was a bit brisk but this festival goer dressed for the weather.

LAAFF (Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival)

LAAFF is a local festival that is held on Lexington Avenue in Asheville every year. Except for three paid positions it is organized and run by volunteers and serves as an example to other cities of what can be done if you live amongst really talented people. This trio of musicians are VERY good and often perform on the sidewalk on Friday nights in the downtown area.

Many people dress up for the festival and it's a gas to see the different "costumes." Here big hoop lady holds court on the sidewalk.

Not to be outdone this chap is nattily attired in striped green socks, a white skirt and a red bolero-ish jacket topped with a hat.

The dancing girls were very good and the crowd was most appreciative....

Not quite sure what this fellow was looking for with his music- making megafone but I offered up my sandal shod foot for inspection and it seemed to satisfy his quest.

Mr Tiki man from the rear with his two female companions. A most enjoyable Sunday afternoon; I will definitely have to dress up for the affair next year.

Goombay Festival

Goombay Festival took place this weekend in Asheville, NC and featured African and Caribbean arts and crafts, music and food! Several reggae bands performed as well as the Heather Hayes Band, headlined by the daughter of the late Isaac Hayes.

Food is always an integral part of any festival and Goombay was no exception. This stand is run by a Jamaican and the food is authentic with patties, cocoa bread, ackee and codfish, rice and peas, plantain - you get the idea. Really good stuff!

One Love Jamaican restaurant is located on Market Street and in the area of the festival. They were doing a good business on Friday evening and I intend to check them out soon.

Bele Cher Festival

The 31st production of the Bele Cher Festival took place
last weekend in Asheville with 4 music stages, art displays,
and food over several streets in the downtown area.

One of the many impromtu musical groups performing on
the street. The chap on the left was playing a saw.

The drum circle performed under a tent complete

with dancers.

A young onlooker taking in the dancers at

the drummers tent.

Artisphere Festival in Greenville, SC

Artists, food and music were all present at the Artisphere
festival this past weekend in Greenville, SC. Part of Main
Street was closed for the occasion and a good time was had
by all.



One of the "street artists" at the festival; very
entertaining for the children and adults. There
were two of these artists in Greenville - one
can see many of these in Barcelona, Spain on
the Ramblas. See some here at this link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlos_lorenzo/sets/72057594081574926/