Smart Bets: Goombay!

Posted on by Xpress staff

The annual party on The Block (Eagle and Market streets) returns, celebrating African and Caribbean heritage with three days (Friday-Sunday, Aug. 26-28) of music, dancing, food, vendors and more. The “more” part includes a 5K walk/run this year, starting at Eagle Street at 8 a.m. on Saturday (register at http://activate.com). The event kicks off Friday at noon with an opening ceremony, and closes at 5:40 p.m. on Sunday with a dove release.

Bands include Reggae Infinity, The Meditations and Carolina Soul Band on Friday; Chuck Beattie Band, Lyric and Durty Soul on Saturday; Stanley Baird Group and Zansa on Sunday. African dancers, stilt walkers and much more are on the roster. Also, the festival offers a children’s area in the YMI’s Ray Auditorium on Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. Free.

http://www.ymicc.org/goombay.html

Friday, Aug. 26

Noon: opening ceremony
12:20 p.m. Reggae Infinity (Stage 1)
2:15 p.m. Jazzman the Belly Dancer (Stage 1)
3:30 p.m. Santos (guitarist, Stage 1)
4:15 p.m. Stilt walkers
5 p.m. The Meditations (reggae, Stage 1)
7 p.m. Stilt walkers
7:30 p.m. Carolina Soul Band (R&B, Stage 2)

Saturday, Aug. 27

Noon: Parade begins at Coxe and Patton avenues
1 p.m.: Drum Call (Stage 2)
1:15 p.m. African Dance Group (Stage 2)
2 p.m. Jazzman the Belly Dancer (Stage 2)
2:15 p.m. Step Show (Fraternity and Sorority, Stage 2)
3 p.m. Carolina Soul Band (R&B, Stage 2)
4:30 p.m. Lyric (guitarist and band, Stage 2)
6 p.m. Chuck Beattie Band (Dr. Blues, Stage 2)
8 p.m. Durty Sol (Stage 2)

Sunday, Aug. 28

11:30 a.m. Gospel Choir (Stage 2)
2 p.m. Stanley Baird Group (Jazz, Stage 2)
4 p.m. Zansa (Afropop, Stage 2)
5:40 p.m. Closing ceremony dove release (Stage 2)

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