In addition to all the art, art demos, activities for kids, the Chico ART Festival will feature a full program of music and dance on the main stage this year. The main stage is located under a big tent outdoors in front of the conference building on the St John’s Episcopal Church campus at 2341 Floral Ave, in Chico.
Friday, May 8 | Festival Hours – 4 pm to 8:30 pm
Art Booths open at 4 pm and close at 8 pm
Friday, May 8 | 5:00 pm | SOUL POSSE
Averaging 80 Dance Parties a year for the last 3 years, SOUL POSSE loves playing music together, and surprising us with new songs at all of their Dance Parties! ‘Rev’ Nels Corwin on vocals & harmonicas has fun using special effects on his harmonicas to replicate horns and organ sounds! Sugar St. George sings and plays bass on a keytar, which offers very classic and also some fun funky sounds! Andrew Wong sings and plays a great variety of guitar styles such as Santana, Bluesy Slide, Wah Wah, ZZtop, Jazz, Country, etc. He is also a professional soundman providing state-of-the-art PA systems. With 3 singers SOUL POSSE offers a nice blend of harmonies and a fun variety of singing styles. The heartbeat of SOUL POSSE is Rich Braley on drums! – Plan to sing along and bring your dancing shoes…
Friday, May 8 | 8:00 pm | Fire Dancing with Alaya Crystal Dance and Friends
When the art booths close at 8 pm… Be prepared to be dazzled with an illuminating fire dancing show by Alaya Crystal and Friends! From magical wings, whimsical umbrellas, jumping rope on fire, to fun dance choreography with a variety of fire props, and streaking balls of fire, Alaya Crystal Dance and Friends will give a fun and inspiring dance performance for a memorable close to Friday’s festivities at the Chico Art Festival!– Over the past years, Alaya Crystal Dance and Friends fire have been amazing, and each performance has been completely original, so get ready to be surprised! – This Friday end of day celebration is not to be missed!
Saturday, May 10 | Festival Hours – 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday, May 9 | 11:00 am | Ballet Folklorico De Chico
Just the costumes alone are amazing, the multi generation dancing together, and the joy… Mexican dance tradition directed by Francis Miranda
Saturday, May 9 | 1:00 pm | Los Caballitos de la Cancion
A group of musicians of varying musical background coming together to play Latin music that makes you dance, sing, laugh, cry… with all the passion that emanates from this rich musical genre. Los Caballitos was formed by Jo Chavez in 2012 and in its new revival the group still retains several of its original members. They are all committed to the drive of this music. – Get ready to have fun, have a margarita and dance!
Line up courtesy of Susan Schrader.