Goombay is back

Posted on by Alli Marshall
MOVING ON: Goombay returns with a new home, a stellar lineup and fresh features like healthy food and movement demonstrations. Xpress file photo

Earlier this year, the YMI Cultural Center announced that, after a one-year hiatus, Goombay was set to return. The celebration of African and Caribbean culture is now in its 34th year. Though the festival traditionally took place on The Block, the Eagle and Market Street business area, for 2014 it moves to the Roger McGuire Green. The new space has room for an expanded kids area, food and craft vendors and, of course, a vibrant entertainment lineup.

The first Goombay, launched in 1982 and styled after a heritage festival in the Bahamas, had about 10 vendors and took place on the street outside the YMI Center. A group of volunteers worked with festival co-founders Gloria Howard Free and Jackie King to introduce Goombay to Asheville. Free and King, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters, first conceptualized the event while on a trip to Florida in the mid-’70s. Goombay went on to attract some 40,000 visitors at its height and hosted bands like The Original P (Parliament), Brick (a ’70s and ’80s-era jazz-funk group) and Toubab Krewe, as well as dance and drum troupes, stilt walkers, fashion shows, parades and — perhaps most importantly — Mr. Gene’s famous fried chicken.

For 2014, Goombay joins Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative with healthy food and movement demonstrations. The festival takes place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12 and 13, with a celebration of gospel at the YMI Center on Sunday, Sept. 14. Musical acts include: Zansa (Afropop), Lyric (soul/R&B), Adama Dembele and La’ney African drum & dance troupe, Free Flow (funk), Hip-hop 4 Peace, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra (jazz/rock fusion), Reggaeinfinity, Uprock Citizens Brigade (dance music), 101 Runners (Mardi Gras Indian funk), DJ Superman, Eternity Dance Crew and The Underdog Crew (dance). Info at ashevillegoombayfestival.com — Alli Marshall

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About Alli Marshall
Alli Marshall has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. She is the winner of the 2016 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize and the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall
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