Dogwood Festival has operated on a policy of "Something for Everyone" and you're sure to find something for everyone at this year's event. Virtually every kind of arts and crafts vendor will be represented at the festival, which includes pottery, paintings, jewelry, sculptures and much more. Once you've shopped till you dropped, be sure to follow your nose to our food court and munch on some of your favorite festival foods: Gyros, funnel cakes, ice cream, ribbon fries, and pineapple chicken will all be returning.
We are very excited to announce, the 1st Annual Bloom & Boom Kickoff Party. This Friday night event will be the official kickoff to the Dogwood Festival and a beginning to what we hope will become one of the most exciting events during the 3 day street festival. The Bloom & Boom Kickoff Party will feature some of your favorite local food vendors in the park while you enjoy music from a national headlining act and to close the night out, a spectacular fireworks display. We hope you'll bring the entire family as we celebrate spring "Dogwood Style!"
Downtown parking is available. Suggested areas include the Systel Parking lot at 225 Green Street with a rate of $5.00 per day, and free parking in city lots on Person Street & Hay Street, as well as other various downtown locations.
Free off site shuttle service will be available at the Department of Social Services building located at 1225 Ramsey Street by the MLK Freeway. Shuttle service is free and will run approximately every 15 minutes to transport passengers to the festival footprint. Hours of operation are Saturday 3:00 to 11: 00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 to 6:00. Designated locations for pick up will be posted on festival map.
Disabled parking will be designated in the Amtrak Parking Lot on Hay Street and 50 spots are available in the Systel Parking lot at 225 Green Street. Availability is first come first serve. Shuttle service will be provided for disabled individuals from the Systel parking lot to the festival footprint.
JOYNER, YOUNG & MARIE: This local favorite takes to the main stage as the opening act for the Bloom & Boom Kickoff Party, Friday, April 25 at 7:00 pm.
EDDIE MONEY: Rock singer-songwriter, Eddie Money, found success in the 80's and 90's with a string of Top 40 hits and platinum albums. His musical style is characterized by his recognizable vocals and catchy melodies. This rock and roll icon has been making music and delivering it to his fans since the mid 70's, and wouldn't have in any other way. With hits like "Two Tickets To Paradise", "Baby Hold On", "Walk On Water", and "Take Me Home Tonight", Eddie continues to be one of the hardest working men in rock and roll. He has recorded over a dozen albums of his own, and has done numerous projects in television and film. Spring 2001's David Spade film "Joe Dirt" features Eddie Money as Joe Dirt's rock and roll idol. Last season he turned up as Mimi's ex-husband in an episode of "The Drew Carey Show". He's currently working on theme songs for Arena Football and Major League Baseball. You can catch Eddie Money Friday, April 25 at 9:00 pm as he headlines the 1st Annual Dogwood Festival Bloom and Boom Kickoff Party brought to you by Round-A-Bout Skating Centers.
IN THAT TONE: Blues rock with a latin flare. Join locals, In that Tone as they rock the stage at 1:00 pm Saturday, April 26.
SWAMPDAWAMP: Bringing Fayetteville the heart and soul of southern rock music, Swampdawamp will entertain us Saturday, April 26 at 3:00 pm. The have captivated audiences all over with their infectious blend of rock & blues with a very unique southern flavor. This hot up & coming national artist has struck a cord with music fans of all ages, from college age students to your 30, 40 & 50 somethings. From blues & rock fans to country fans, all are getting hooked on SwampdaWamp. They have quickly become known for their fun, exciting, and high energy shows that are full of great music. Their music and electric energy on stage gets audiences of all ages movin' and groovin'! Swamdawamp has received rave reviews from the UK's top music publication "Blues Matters" to one of music's top online magazines "Classic Rock Revisited". The band is currently touring the southeast through the fall of 2008 in support of their debut release which is in stores now and available for digital download at all major online retailers and performing songs from their soon to be released sophomore effort.
DL TOKEN: DL Token was formed in the Spring of 2001. A brilliant young singer/songwriter had been fine tuning his craft, while the other soon to be members of DL Token had spent many long years searching for the perfect group of equally balanced musicians to bond with. It all came together rather fast, as they all seemed to realize at the same time that this was what they all had been searching for. DL Token's vision is to write and perform good music. Music that will leave an impression on the ear and lyrics that will touch the heart, gaining fans and friends along the way. DL Token performs Saturday, April 26 at 7:00 pm.
VANESSA CARLTON: Vanessa Carlton first began playing the piano as a toddler. Continuing on an artistic road, she attended the School of American Ballet in New York, a path she would eventually abandon in favor of songwriting. She re-embraced the piano and began performing in bars and clubs across Manhattan. Her debut album in April of '02, Be Not Nobody, resonated with audiences of all ages, especially the hit piano single "A Thousand Miles," which reached to Top 5 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart. Carlton went on to earn several Grammy nominations for that album. Her latest album, Heroes and Thieves, reflects Carlton's renewed confidence as well as a continuation of her uncompromising approach to recording. There are soaring songs like "More Than This, " the pensive "Hands On Me, " the aching break-up song "My Best" and the alluring ballad "Home," whose stripped-down sound places her sultry voice front and center. You can hear all your favorite Vanessa Carlton hits Saturday, April 26, during Q98's Saturday Night's Alive.
ROUGH DRAFT: Get ready to dance the night away with the south's most exciting dance variety band, ROUGH DRAFT! This six piece group will get you on the dance floor from the moment they hit the first note playing some of the top dance tunes of yesterday & today by such artists as The Gap Band, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Donna Summer, Robin Thicke, Mary J. Blige & Michael Jackson. Their enthusiasm and excitement in each and every performance is contagious and creates a fun energy with each audience. Musically this band is smooth as silk. Now, combine that with the dynamic performances of not only a male but female lead singer treating audiences to some amazing duets, this band reaches heights few bands can match. Rough Draft will be performing Sunday, April 27 at 1:00 pm.
HOT SAUCE: Crazy costumes and amazing sounds is what you'll get when Hot Sauce comes to town. With a thriving market for cover bands in the region, Hot Sauce fills a void by fusing the genres of 70s, 80s, 90s, and current hits into one extra large bag of popcorn fun and party madness. Inspired by friends from the band Wonderbread 5 in California, Hot Sauce dons different thematic costumes for every set and insists that every audience join their party. After putting their own unique spin on this party tested formula, Hot Sauce has stormed into the corporate and private event market with a party magic that is new, fresh, and IRRESISTIBLE!! Hot Sauce will take the stage Sunday, April 27 at 3:00 pm.
