Back on the block

Posted on by Xpress staff

Goombay festival

The YMI Cultural Center has presented the African/Caribbean cultural festival Goombay for the past 28 years. Next weekend, Friday-Sunday, Aug. 27-29, marks Goombay’s multicultural return. Traditionally held on “The Block” — Eagle and Market Streets in downtown Asheville — some events will be at the new Pack Square Park stage nearby.

The music schedule includes an array of blues, soul and funk bands, including Atlanta-based Heather Hayes Band (daughter of the legendary Isaac Hayes, Heather Hayes was schooled by the "Godfather of Soul," James Brown himself) and local smooth-jazz musician/youth mentor Stanley Baird (his philosophy is, "Don't do drugs, get your high on soothing, inspirational music"). The free festival also includes food, art and dancing. goombayasheville.com.

Here’s the full schedule:
Friday, Aug. 27

Chuck Beattie (blues/soul/R&B), noon to 1 p.m., Pack Square Park stage.

Stilt-walkers with drummers, 1:10 to 1:30 p.m., Pack Square Park and Market Street.

Turkish Belly Dancer, 1:30 to 2 p.m., Market Street.

Southern Silk (jazz/contemporary pop/ballads), 2 to 3 p.m., Market Street.

Pure Fiyah Reggae Band (reggae), 3:15 to 4:45 p.m., Market Street.

Stilt-walkers with drummers, 5 to 5:10 p.m., Pack Square Park and Market Street.

Heather Hayes (R&B, blues, funk), 5:15 p.m. to 7:05 p.m., Pack Square Park.

Stilt-walkers with drummers, 7:10 to 7:30 p.m., Pack Square Park.

The Maxx (party hits), 7:30 to 9:20 p.m. Market Street.

Saturday, Aug. 28

Welcome Parade. noon to 1:30 p.m. Begins at Pack Square Park.

Children’s area. 1 to 6 p.m. at Ray Auditorium.

Stilt-walkers with drummers, 1:40 to 2 p.m. Pack Square Park and Market Street.

Southern Silk, 2 to 3 p.m., Market Street.

Lyric (vocals/soul/folk), 3:15 to 4:15 p.m., Market Street.

Jazz Chronic (funk/fusion/rock), 4:30 to 6 p.m., Market Street.

Free Flow (Old skool/R&B/funk), 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Market Street.

Sandy B and the All Stars (R&B/Motown/oldies/beach), 8 to 9:50 p.m., Market Street.

Sunday, Aug. 29

Church Services. Ever Learning Faith Ministries. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Market Street.

Changzed (Gospel/Christian). 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Market Street.

Stanley Baird (jazz/R&B/Latin-flavor). 4:15 to 5:40 p.m. Market Street.

Dove Release and Closing Ceremony. 5:45 to 6 p.m. Market Street.

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