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If you haven't quite decided what you will be doing over the busy Memorial Day weekend, don't make up your mind until you've heard about the newest addition to Asheville's summer music festival scene, Eden Fest, making the big jump into its first production during the 2003 Memorial Day weekend, May 23-26.Eden Fest, brought to you by the same folks who organize the popular Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) each May and October, have chosen the Taylor Ranch in Fairview (on the southeast side of Asheville) as the festival site. Taylor Ranch, a long-time local favorite for large, outdoor gatherings, offers a truly magnificent, pastoral setting for this newcomer to Asheville's music scene.
Eden Fest organizers are wasting no time in attracting big-name entertainers to this four-day extravaganza. The Neville Brothers, the four-member band of brothers who have been melting hearts and energizing souls for 25 years, will perform on Saturday, May 24. Natives of New Orleans, the brothers perform both together as a group and individually, and have put together some of the sweetest harmonies and spicy funk the modern music world has available. The brothers are regularly seen topping the R&B charts, as well as pop and soul top spots.
The Wailers, Jamaica's be-happy gift to the world of music, will perform at Eden Fest on Friday, May 23. The Wailers, brought into the blinding spotlight of international fame by their founders, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, now consist of original members who recorded and/or toured with Bob Marley and the Wailers. Jim Lauderdale, considered one of the country's most outstanding bluegrass performers, will be on the Eden Fest stage on Sunday, May 25. Lauderdale was recently honored at the 45th annual Grammy Awards as the winner of the Best Bluegrass Album award. Lauderdale's hip country sound, while never straying very far from its roots, maintains a modern edge to his soulful, honky-tonk style. Tift Merritt, a Texas-born, North Carolina-raised newcomer, is making a name for herself on the folk music scene. Having performed in Asheville at the opening of the Orange Peel Music Club back in October 2002, Merritt will be back in town for Eden Fest on Sunday, May 25. Reminiscent of a young Emilou Harris, Tift Merritt's sound is fresh and disarming.
Eden Fest will also offer a wide range of family activities, including dancing, yoga, art displays, and many fun-in-the-sun things to do. Great food is essential to a successful music festival, so Eden Fest is up to the challenge, with a huge variety of food vendors. Food choices will include burritos, pizzas, veggie specials, and from the Taylor Ranch crew - grilled chicken, burgers, corn on the cob, Carolina BBQ, salads, and a gourmet Southern breakfast. There will also be a wide selection of excellent beer, wine, gourmet coffees and teas, juices, and more. Please note and respect that, by NC law, no outside alcohol can be brought into the festival. Public intoxication and drug use will not be tolerated. Gates will be open on Friday from noon to 1 AM, Saturday from 9 AM to 10 PM, Sunday from 9 AM to 9 PM. All day visitors must depart each night by 2 AM. All visitors must depart by noon on Monday. On-site camping is still available. A wide selection of ticket options is also available. For a complete listing of the numerous ticketing options, as well as a thorough schedule of all performance times, please visit Eden Fest's web site, www.edenfest.com, or call 828-686-8742.
(Photos and logo provided by the Eden Fest.)
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Zydeco fans will be happy to know that Buckwheat Zydeco, will perform at Eden Fest on Sunday, May 25. The popular band is considered one of the best feel-good, party bands in America. Buckwheat Zydeco has been featured in many appearances on David Letterman, NBC's Today Show, CBS Morning News, MTV, BBC, National Public Radio, and on many, many stages throughout the world.
Many, many other notable music performers will take the Lakehouse Stage during Eden Fest's four-day run, including Dromedary, Aaron Bebe Sukur, Steep Canyon Rangers, WestSound, Son de Cuba, the Laura Blackley Band, and Cephas and Wiggins.