From a press release:
Goombay festival returns, Sept. 12-14
Western North Carolina’s YMI Cultural Center is proud to announce the return of the 34th annual Goombay Festival on September 12th – 14th, 2014. The free public event will be held at a new location this year - Downtown Asheville’s Roger McGuire Green on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, September 14th, the public is invited to attend a celebration of Gospel Music held at the Ray Auditorium located in the YMI Building on Eagle Street.
This year’s Goombay Festival will feature an eclectic musical lineup of national and regional acts celebrating African and Caribbean culture; a diverse assortment of craft and food vendors; an expanded kids area complete with workshops hosted by non-profit organization LEAF in School and Streets; dance performances and competitions, activations by local non-profits; and much more. A full lineup of music of activities will be released soon.
Goombay 2014 is proud to participate in Michelle Obama’s national Let’s Move initiative. The festival will support this campaign by hosting healthy food and movement demonstrations. African-American vegan chef and author Bryant Terry will be on hand with recipes and demonstrations that explore the advantages of a plant-based diet. Terry’s recipes have been featured in Gourmet, Food and Wine, The New York Times Magazine, Vibe and more. Guest yoga instructor Tyrone Beverly is an African-American leader in the Denver community and founder of Im’Unique – a non-profit dedicated to uniting communities and fostering healthy lifestyles. Beverly’s classes are designed for all ages and skill levels, including those who are brand new to yoga.
About Goombay The City of Asheville ranks Goombay as one of four local anchor events where families, businesses, and communities from across the Western North Carolina region gather to celebrate the richness and diversity of the African Diaspora. The festival attracts over 10,000 people throughout the weekend and garners national media coverage. Goombay lives up to its West African name meaning of “rhythm or drum” with eclectic sounds, vibrant, multicolored sights and the tantalizing aroma of exotic foods reflecting a multiplicity of cultures and traditions.About The YMI Cultural Center The YMI opened its doors in 1893 as the Young Men’s Institute. The institute was erected as a location for black men to improve their moral fiber through self-governance. The YMI prides itself in reflecting on its rich history. For more information, please visit The YMI Cultural Center website: ymiculturalcenter.org.
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