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‘Biggest weekend of the summer’ planned
By LINDA M. LINONIS
youngstown
Youngstown State University, the city and the Mahoning Valley music community have worked together to assemble what’s being touted as “the biggest weekend of the summer.”
That’s the weekend of July 9-10 when the YSU Summer Festival of the Arts, Youngstown Jazz Fest, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Summerfest and Tour of the Valley Bicycle Races all take place.
The events are all within two blocks of the YSU campus area, and are taking the cue from the collaborative nature of the uniquely American musical genre of jazz.
A press conference on the upcoming weekend was Wednesday at Harrison Common on North Walnut Street, site of the free jazz fest. The site is across the street from the MVR Restaurant.
Phil Moore of Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Lori Factor, coordinator of the YSU festival, spoke about the weekend.
Moore described it as a “great collaboration.” Factor said it was satisfying that the events were “collaborative not competitive.” She said the events have “something for everyone.”
Jere B of the local jazz/ fusion group SounDoctrine said the jazz fest will be “the biggest in Youngstown’s history.” SounDoctrine will headline the event that will feature Chico’s Quintet and Antoinette Manganas of Pittsburgh, Phillip K. Jones Quartet from Cleveland, and YSU Jazz Ensemble.
Jere B said the fest “will be a family friendly event.”
“Jazz will be from classical to Latin, inspirational to contemporary and traditional to fusion,” he added.
He also said the artists slated to perform are professional, quality musicians. Visit www.youngstownjazzfest.com and click on producer’s blog for Jere B comments.
Lyndsey Hughes, director of marketing and events for the city, said Wick Neighbors Inc. developed Harrison Common, a large grassy and landscaped area featuring a pergola on a bricked space. The pergola will be the “stage” and the grassy area will serve as seating for the jazz fest.
Hughes and Jere B emphasized that the jazz fest, in addition to presenting a quality venue, is free.
Councilwoman Annie Gillam, D-1st, said creation of Harrison Common was a step toward “bringing back the [Smoky Hollow] neighborhood.”
A Greek Summerfest with food specialties and music will lead off the weekend July 7-8 and continue through July 9-10 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 220 N. Walnut St.
Tour of the Valley bicycling race will be July 8-10. YSU is the final leg July 10 as professional cyclists ride through downtown in the criterium race followed by the community ride. Start and finish will be at Williamson College of Business. Visit www.tourofthevalley.com for more details. A Smoky Hollow 5K Race is set July 9.
The 13th annual YSU Summer Festival of the Arts showcases more than 70 local, regional and national artists selling original, hand-crafted pieces such as jewelry, paintings, sketches, sculptures, glass, wood and textiles.
The event includes a hands-on art tent for children along with multiple music, theater and dance performances from McDonough Museum of Art to DeBartolo Hall. Numerous YSU departments will participate with activities and displays.
There also will be the Festival of Nations, an ethnic event with more than 20 ethnic clubs and churches providing ethnic memorabilia, performances and food.