August 28-29, 2009
Enjoy sights, sounds and tastes of the African-Caribbean at Goombay!, a free weekend festival in August in downtown Asheville. Held on Market and Eagle Streets, Goombay! brings a variety of entertainment that delights every festival-goer. From steel drums, African-America dancers, local gospel groups, and contemporary rhythm Bands. Enjoy an authentic Caribbean meal at "Island of Delight" Café and see vendors line the streets with everything from ice cream to third world crafts.
Goombay! is as a Cultural Expression of a people, erduring slavery days in Bermuda. Both music and rhythm were brought form Africa and West Indies. The original dancers used a skin-covered drum that was called "Gombey" meaning rhythm. In the Bahamas the word is "Goombay" and in Jamaica, the dance is known as "Gumbay". The Goombay dancers wear colorful costumes and high headdresses topped with feathers. Often times, grotesque masks help to enhance the free and exotic movements.
The African-Caribbean style festival is brought to Asheville by the YMI Cultural Center, Asheville Parks and Recreation Department, North Carolina Arts Council, Community Arts Council of WNC and the Friends of the YMI Cultural Center.
2009 Goombay Schedule
Friday, August 28, 2009
1:00PM Opening -Drumming & Dancing (Main Stage)
4:00 Free Spirit, Drummers & Dancers (Intersection Eagle & Market Sts.)
5:30 Reggae Infinity (Main Stage)
8:00 The Heather Hayes Band (Main Stage)
Saturday, August 29, 2009
12:00Noon Parade
1:00PM Community Showcase: Goombay! Drummers, Free Spirit Drummers & Dancers
2:00 Oneaka Dance Company (Main Stage)
3:15 Jazz Affect (Main Stage)
4:30 Free Spirit Drummers & Dancers (Intersection Eagle & Market Sts.)
5:00 Sweet Dreams (R&B) Main Stage (Main Stage)
7:00 Free Flow (R&B) (Main Stage)
8:15 Inner Vision (Reggae)(MainStage)
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