The ’60s and ’70s were turning points when it comes to music. The 22nd annual Market Street Festival will celebrate that era as the two-day event opens with “Riverstock” at the Columbus Riverwalk at 7 p.m. Friday. The Throwback Experience out of Atlanta will perform at the free concert with a name inspired by the iconic Woodstock of 1969.
“We love being able to offer a theme during the festival, and the Throwback Experience was the perfect choice to celebrate the music of the ’60s and ’70s and celebrate a hippie theme throughout the weekend,” said Amber Brislin, Market Street Festival chair. The band is known for its repertoire of Motown, ’70s funk and rock and roll.
Tie-dye, bell bottoms, love beads and the mod look will all be in order for concert-goers as they listen to the Juke Joint Gypsies from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by Throwback Experience from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. “We’d love to see folks in full costume,” said Dawn Barham, head of the festival’s music committee. “Last year’s theme of Mardi Gras in May was fun, so we thought let’s do another theme,” she said. Several ideas were considered before settling on this one designed to celebrate a diverse community.
“(Those decades) were such a different time,” Barham said. “They were a game changer. I don’t know if we’re going to have those kinds of times again. Kids got their own sound. It was just a very cool time.”
The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site. No coolers or pets are allowed.
Saturday music
Music is a mainstay throughout the second day of the festival, too, with 14 acts performing on three stages downtown as more than 225 arts and crafts vendors and more than 20 food vendors fill the streets from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live music begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. May 6.
“On Saturday, we have blues acts, country, rock, oldies … we’ve got young and old,” Barham said. “We really try to cover the spectrum to have something for everyone.”
The Saturday lineup showcases a sampling of just some of the many musical talents the area is fortunate to have, added Brislin.
Other festival highlights May 6 include activities such as a 5K Splash of Color run, a video game trailer, car and motorcycle show, rock wall, junior firefighter games and the Hands-On Marketplace for kids.
“And while you are enjoying the festival, be sure to stop in many of our downtown shops and restaurants and take advantage of their special promotions,” said Barbara Bigelow, executive director of Main Street Columbus.
For complete festival details, visit marketstreetfestival.com, or contact Main Street Columbus at 662-328-6305.
Watch for a festival guide in the Friday edition of The Dispatch.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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