NEW ENGLAND CULTURE FEST
Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
Early SeptemberDescription

Fair Trade Meets Hollywood at the Nation's Premiere Fair Trade Festival!

In an exciting fusion of film, fashion, world culture, and fair trade advocacy, The Fourth Annual New England Culture Fest benefit extravaganza returns to the Arts District of historic downtown Lowell, Mass. (2-10 PM) with a touch of Hollywood in headliners, Leon and the Peoples, featuring actor/singer Leon, the star of films such as blockbuster “Cool Running’s,” “Above the Rim” and “Waiting to Exhale.” Out of a love for music apparent through his award winning performances in “The Temptations” and “The Little Richard Story,” Leon bursts onto the scene with his signature Reggae - Soul sound in honor of the economic empowerment work of the non-profit organization, Second World.

“I am honored and excited to be part of 2007 New England Culture Fest Benefit! This festival embodies so many of the aspects of this world & community that Leon & The Peoples stand for. I can't wait to bring our brand of Reggae/Soul Live and Direct!!! Respect & Love, Leon “

And that’s not all. New Englanders will be immersed in the sights and sounds of global cultures, as cobblestone meets carnival with Atlas Soul under the banner “World Music for World Peace” with guest appearance by Peruvian music masters Inca Son. Also Jen Kearney and The Lost Onion will also grace the stage to prove why they are called “The Soul of Lowell.” Three part harmonies of reggae, blues and funk will rouse the crowd with NYC’s Pie Boys Flat and United Roots and Movement City will energize with acrobatic urban dance. The B-3 driven funk of Organ in Orbit may bump loose some historic bricks of Lowell’s Arts District, and straight from D.C. we’ll experience “Neo Soul World Fusion” by lovely Janelia Soul Afrique. The crowd will get their groove on to another level with The Boston Horns- back at the NECF by popular demand. As night falls the crowd will find themselves immersed in a NECF hallmark - large scale interactive video installation art covering the historic mill buildings featuring the Second World Fair Trade Stories Film Archive by a team headed by the Boston VJ, Zebbler (of Aqua Teen Hunger Force fame).

There will be an amazing hand painted backdrop by Gary Cadet, the NECF Art Fence running the length of Middle Street created by multitalented youth from Movement City, and henna, painting, dream interpretation, and activities at the Culture Fest Ethical Art & Biz Expo. Also on tap: a scintillating fashion show from Second World’s “Fashionably Fair” advocacy program fusing fashion and fair trade in a stunning display of labels from as far away as the United Kingdom and India with Drishtee and Ganesh Imports, along with union-made footwear & casual clothing from No Sweat and handmade/recycled vintage treats designed by Amity Joy from Portsmouth New Hampshire’s The Odd Showroom and Princess Cornflower.

Performers
Leon and the Peoples,
Jen Kerney and the Lost Onion,
Fashionably fair runway show,
Janelia Soul Afrique,
The Boston Horns,
Organ in Orbit,
Pie Boys Flat,
United Roots,
VJ Zebbler,
Atlas Soul,
Inca Son,
More!
Venue
Across From 172 Middle Street
Directions
Location: The Enterprise Bank/ New England Quilt Museum Parking Lots Across from Ayer Lofts at 172 Middle Street in Downtown Lowell, MA 01852

Directions: From either Rt 495 (Exit 35C), or Rt 3 (exit 30N Northbound or 30A Southbound) take the Lowell Connector to Thorndike Street (Exit
5B). At 4th light, Thorndike St merges onto Dutton Street. Go to the 2nd light and turn right onto Market Street. Take the first left off Market Street onto Palmer Street at the light, then the first left onto Middle Street. Event Entrance is located on your right.

Hours: Saturday 2pm to 10 pm Parking is available in the municipal garage on Market Street just one block from the event or at meters on the street in the neighborhood. By Train