Though the music lineup for Crave Lexington is already packed with local talent, guests can now expect one more big name to join the festival’s ranks: Windstream. This week we are proud to announce, Windstream as the music stage sponsor of Crave Lexington Food + Music Festival on September 13 – 14 at the MoonDance at Midnight Pass Amphitheater. The Crave Lexington Windstream music stage will be rocking on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 5 - 11 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 14 from 1-6 p.m. Festival gates will be open at noon both days.
Though Crave Lexington may be Windstream’s latest partnership, this is not the first time that the voice and data network provider has reached out to support local communities. In an effort to discover the hidden gems of independent and local culture, the company now curates a tumblr blog called “Locally Crafted” (http://locallycrafted.tumblr.com/) Each week the blog strives to highlight the many faces of “home” – from small business owners to musicians to artisans all across the country, each connecting readers to the ties of heritage and tradition that bind us together. Several Lexington based small businesses will be featured starting in September.
“Windstream and Crave Lexington are a natural fit,” said Barry Bishop, Windstream regional vice president of operations for Kentucky. “Windstream is a proud supporter of the local businesses that give the Bluegrass Region its unique character and appeal. Crave Lexington provides a stage for these artisans to showcase their talents, and Windstream is proud to help shine a spotlight on one of the incredible communities we serve.”
The sponsorship will directly support the festival’s main stage, which this year will offer a diverse array musical acts, including blues, afrobeat, indie rock, salsa, and even “Honky Tonk soul.”
Confirmed acts for this year’s diverse lineup will include “the new voice of American Soul” Brian Owens, a former United States Air Force Staff Sergeant whose raw and emotional lyrics and distinct fusion of jazz, blues, soul, and folk have earned him numerous accolades and appearances at the 2011 World Series as well as the White House.
The music stage will also feature an appearance by psychedelic, southern indie rockers The Features, a Nashville-based combo that has established themselves as one of the region's most creative and imaginative bands. Saturday’s schedule will also feature the all-star, 10-member cast of Lexington’s own C the Beat. Headed by keyboardist Lee Carroll (Tin Can Buddha, Exile), the rising ensemble's music blurs the lines between reggae/ska, Afrobeat, salsa, New Orleans R&B and funk.
On Sunday, Cincinnati-based Baoku & The Image Afro-Beat Band, led by front man Baoku Moses, will take the stage. Led by front-man Baoku Moses, a professionally-trained drummer and dancer with Nigerian roots, the group's high-octane performances provide an immersive cultural experience. Last but most certainly not least, the stage welcomes hometown heroes Coralee and the Townies, the Lexington-bred pioneers of “Honky Tonk Soul” who promise to rile the crowd with their husky vocals and raucous tunes.
More information and a full schedule of events can be found at www.cravelexington.com.
Crave Lexington Food + Music Festival is a two-day celebration of "made-from-scratch" recipes which takes place on September 13-14 at the MoonDance at Midnight Pass Amphitheater. In addition to cooking demonstrations, Crave Lexington will also feature free live music and dozens of local food vendors, who will offer culinary delights at $1, $3, and $5 price points. The festival will also include kids’ activities, a candlelight dinner, and an art installation curated by PRHBTN. The Crave Lexington's Windstream music stage will be rocking on Saturday, Sept. 13from 5 - 11 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 14 from 1-6 p.m. Festival gates will be open at noon both days.
Additional lineup and event announcements, and the full music schedule, will follow in the coming weeks. Visit www.cravelexington.com/crave-live-music for videos and more information about all of the bands.