AS220’s Foo Fest Takes Over

Taking over Providence and AS220 is the 19th annual Foo Fest. Saturday, August 8, Empire Street will be turned into a summer block party with more than 12 hours of music, alternative art, performances, kid-friendly activities and plenty of food and drinks. Foo Fest highlights Providence’s creative and cultural scene, showcasing DIY technology alongside local artists and vendors. According to organizer David Dvorchak, each year Foo Fest has been evolving and incorporating more art and local talent to create the perfect blend of music and art, while showing the diversity and originality of Providence’s overall talent. A special addition to the fest is the Rhode Island Mini Maker Faire.

This year Providence will be host to more than two dozen different musical acts, each with their own original sound and style that is sure to please the taste of all Foo-goers. Headliners this year are a shoo-in to be playing the fest; Deerhoof has paved the way for many musical acts with their original take on a style of post-indie music. Their avant garde style sucks you in, not to mention their outrageous performance. Opening up for Deerhoof are the two Providence local headliners, Death Vessel and The Low Anthem. Both Providence favorites bring a unique and appealing sound to this year’s Foo Fest.

Music isn’t the only thing that Foo Fest and As220 have to offer. As220 and Providence pride themselves on being a DIY-friendly environment encouraging self expression. Throughout the day, there will be family-friendly activities, including kids crafts from City Arts, who provide an art-based education for Providence youth. The Providence Anarchist Bookfair(bb) will showcase their work in the Black Box Theatre where you can cool off with readings and presentations throughout the day. If that isn’t enough, the renowned Providence Poetry Slam will perform on the As220 Main Stage in the afternoon; get there early to catch them! Back again this year is the sought-after Providence Comics Consortium. According to Dvorchak, Foo-goers should go “outside of 95 Empire Street and ask a question, which will then be typed up and pneumatically rocketed upstairs to our professional staff who are waiting to illustrate advice for you (and pneumatically rocket it back down)!”

Food trucks and vendors will stick around for the day and evening, giving a chance for vegans, vegetarians and carnivores to grub on items from Julians Omni Bus, Like No Udder, AS220 FOO(D) and many more. Foo Fest is a non-stop party to celebrate and thank the city of Providence for all the love and support it’s given for the past 30 years.

See more 2015 Foo Fest coverage:

http://www.motifri.com/12-hours-of-music

http://www.motifri.com/makerfaire2015