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Fresh & familiar
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
The annual Summer Festival of the Arts may be a familiar face, but it also has a sense of newness because of the creativity of its visual and performing artists.
“The Summer Festival of the Arts, by all accounts, is a part of the fabric of the community now,” said Lori Factor, director. “It’s also a way to showcase the richness of the arts in our Valley. There is no lack of ideas to keep the event fresh, whether it’s from new artists that are attending, up-and-coming performance groups or the many outstanding civic and cultural groups.”
The SFA, on the Youngstown State University campus, is the core of Summer Festival of the Arts Weekend – which is how it’s being branded this year. Related events at nearby museums, churches and on Central Square – all within walking distance – are also part of the weekend.
The SFA runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. (Admission is free; for information, see the pullout advertising section in today’s paper.)
Overlapping it is the Greek Summerfest, an ethnic festival at nearby St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 220 N. Walnut St. The hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Greek Summerfest features homemade Greek speciality foods and pastries; music by Alpha and Omega on Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m., and by DJ Kosta Pizanias on Sunday. There is also a trash and treasure sale.
The Arms Family Museum on Wick Avenue and the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center on West Federal Street are offering buy-one-get-one-free admission Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 ($3 for seniors and college students, $2 for children) and includes a same-day visit to both sites.
Another key element of the weekend is the Downtown Jazz Fest, which will be Saturday on Central Square, featuring Paul Taylor. Gates open at 6 p.m., and music starts at 7. Admission is $10.
New this year is the 2DE Gospel Festival, with headliner Tye Tribbett. It’s an all-day affair Sunday on Central Square.
The Gospel Fest is the brainchild of local promoter Terrill Vidale, who sees it as something that is long overdue.
“I believe there is a deep love for gospel music in this area,” he said.
But that’s not the only reason he launched the festival.
“I grew up in Bethel Baptist Church, and with what’s going on in the world, I see a need for a gospel event,” he said. “There are so many churches in our area, and I wanted to combine our strengths for a day to show people that we can unify. It will be impactful for the community. We have three youth choirs in it – a lot of youth involved.”
Bringing together different denominations, and also attracting folks who do not belong to any church, is another goal.
“Not everyone is accepting of the church the way I am,” said Vidale. “They might think of someone on their knees. I want to show people that you can have fun in Christ, and in church.”
Vidale got the idea for the 2DE Gospel Festival about five months ago and reached out to several pastors to put it together. The name reflects his promotion company, 2 Deep Events.
The reaction was strong from the beginning.
“I have never had an event that got this much support,” said Vidale. “Churches are putting the flyers up and announcing it. There are about 30 churches pushing it. If the weather cooperates, it will make an impact.”
Vidale is expecting between 3,000 and 5,000 people to attend.
The gospel festival will open at 2 p.m., with food vendors. Vidale is hoping folks head there to eat after attending church services instead of going to a restaurant. There also will be games and activities until 5 p.m., when the music starts.
A total of seven local choirs and musical groups will take the stage before Tribbett. These include Praise and Worship, the Emancipation Community Choir, Silent Praise Mime, 7hykoo, Yanno, Youngstown City Mass Choir and Warren Citywide Youth Choir.
The host will be Chris Gunther.
Tickets are $25 ($15 for children age 3 to 12); VIP packages are available for $45 and can be purchased at the gate or in advance at 2deepevents.com or in person at the 2 Deep Events office, 7326 Southern Blvd., Boardman.