UPDATE: Chance the Rapper will not be performing at Goombay Festival, according to an updated press release from event organizers. Instead, Chance the Artist will close out Sunday’s gospel lineup.
“Created to celebrate the richness and diversity of the African diaspora and Asheville’s African American community,” the Goombay Festival attracts thousands to downtown’s Pack Square Park.
In it’s 35th year, the weekend event will feature musical headliner Doug E. Fresh and a multitude of other live performances from Chance the Artist, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, Lyric, Kat Williams, Free Flow, Al Coffee and Da Grind, DJ BesBleve, local choirs, dance groups and more. Food and craft vendors round out the event’s entertainment.
Tickets, a schedule and more information for the family-friendly event, which takes place Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11-13, are available at ashevillegoombayfestival.com.
Here is the full release from organizers:
UPDATED RELEASE – Chance the Artist will headline Sunday’s gospel celebration.
YMI CULTURAL CENTER’S GOOMBAY FESTIVAL RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE FOR ITS 35th YEAR FEATURING HEADLINER DOUG E. FRESH
Asheville, NC (August 6, 2015) – Western North Carolina’s YMI Cultural Center is proud to announce the return of the 35th Goombay Festival on September 11th-13that downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park.
Goombay Festival will feature an eclectic lineup of national, regional, and local music acts headlined by hip hop legend Doug E. Fresh. This year’s event will also feature Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, LYRIC, Kat Williams, Free Flow, and Al Coffee and Da Grind. Sunday’s gospel lineup includes stirring performances byChance the Artist and DJ BesBleve as well as a number of local and surrounding gospel choirs. Along with the music, Goombay Festival highlights a diverse assortment of craft and food vendors, including many local food vendors such as the Haywood Lounge’s Wings on Wheels, Tiger Bay, HotDiggityDog, Green Opportunties’ Kitchen Ready program. The festival will also feature an expanded kids area complete with workshops hosted by LEAF in School and Streets and Asheville Art Museum. There will be dance performances by local dance troupes from Studio Zahiya andUrban Arts Institute. The 2015 Goombay Festival planning committee includes representatives from Asheville411, Date My City, My Daddy Taught Me That, Organic Synergy, and the Minority Enterprise Development Committee of WNC.
This year’s event will be pay homage to over 35 years of Goombay Festival’s history in Asheville, NC. There will be opportunities to hear from community elders and leaders to learn about the history of Goombay Festival in Asheville and Western North Carolina.
About Asheville Goombay
The City of Asheville ranks Goombay Festival as one of four local anchor events where families, businesses, and communities from across the Western North Carolina region gather. Goombay Festival was created to celebrate the richness and diversity of the African Diaspora and Asheville’s African American community. The festival attracts over 10,000 people throughout the weekend, and garners national media coverage. Goombay Festival 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. For more information about Goombay Festival’s history or event, visit the website at AshevilleGoombayFestival.com.About The YMI Cultural Center (YMI)
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 about The YMI Cultural Center, please visit: YMIculturalcenter.org.To learn more about Asheville’s Goombay Festival 2015, please visitAshevilleGoombayFestival.com.
To learn more of sponsorship, vendor, and volunteer opportunities at Goombay Festival 2015, please contact the YMI Cultural Center: Call Sharon K. West (828) 231-8907 or email at ashevillegoombayfestival@gmail.com.
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