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Bele Chere Festival 2009Now in its 31st year, Bele Chere is one of the largest street festivals in the Southeast. A 3-day event, there is something for everyone. Food, music, drinks, merchants, and so much more.
Food, Beer, and MusicAsheville is already known for our great selection of local bars and restaurants. Not to mention the grand musical heritage that Western North Carolina is world-famous for. When Bele Chere comes to town, everything seems to kick into overdrive. The festival is a great opportunity for local business owners to showcase themselves to the people of Asheville and over 275,000 other visitors. Between four stages, two food courts, and the multitude of vendors, there is something for everybody, and amusement galore. There will certainly be no shortage of exceptional cuisine or beer at Bele Chere 2009. Local breweries and restaurants will be at their best around the Vance Monument at the Taste of Asheville Food Court. Over the past 10 years, Asheville has become a micro-brewing Mecca. Local breweries like Highland, Pisgah, French Broad, Green Man, Asheville Pizza and Brewing, Wedge, and Catawba Valley Brewing will be featured. In years past, the food selection has included Greek, Mexican, Italian, Caribbean, Chinese, French, Indian and countless others. The Pritchard Park Food Court will include businesses like:
Bele Chere's music has always been one of its main allures. This year's musical lineup is blend of everything from Americana, Bluegrass, World and Reggae to Rock, Blues, Singer/Songwriter and more. This year, Bele Chere's music will be presented from four completely free stages scattered about downtown Asheville. The Rock'n'Kiss Stage will be located at the intersection of Coxe Ave. and Commerce Street. The US Cellular Stage will be positioned across from the Orange Peel on Biltmore Ave. There will also be a stage at Battery Park and another on Haywood Street near the Civic Center. (For proposed street closings and stage locations refer to the Bele Chere Footprint Map (PDF)) Friday's music will include headlining bands like Cracker, Freekbass, and Dar Williams. Cracker will be performing on the "Rock'n'Kiss" Stage at 8:15 PM to 9:45 PM, Freek Bass on the "US Cellular" Stage from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM, and Dar Williams will be making an appearance on the Battery Park Stage from 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM. Cracker includes long-time partners David Lowery and Johnny Hickman, 12-year Cracker drummer Frank Funaro and bassist Sal Maida (since 2006). Sure to bring Bele Chere a blend of new school vision and old-school swagger, they train a watchful eye on the current socio-musical landscape as they weave an eerie yet strangely soothing story of escapism, apocalypse, and renewal. FreekBass includes Chip Wilson on drums, TSly on Guitar, Tobotius twisting the turntables, and lead singer/bassist Freekbass. Freekbass brings a funky groove that makes you want to dance with someone else. Guaranteed to be a bumping party, so be prepared to wear your boogie shoes in the streets of Asheville. Dar Williams is a talented artist propelled by her beautifully clear voice and plain-spoken nature. Over the years, her music has mirrored her personal depth and growth. She is a talented story teller and pillar in the pop/folk genre of music. Saturday's headliners bring us Colt Ford at 8:15 PM to 9:15 PM on the "US Cellular" Stage and The Old 97s on the "Battery Park" Stage from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Colt Ford is a contemporary country artist. He uses a blend of both hip-hop and classic country influences to create music that crosses boundaries and sets new limits. Colt Ford is a true innovator and entertainer. The Old 97s are an incredibly consistent Indy rock band. They have only begun to realize their true potential after making music for 15 years. Rhett Miller, the band's lead singer and songwriter, works with guitarist Ken Bethea , drummer Philip Peeples, and bassist Murry Hammond. Full weekend line up and performance times can be seen below. Bele Chere 2009 Stage ScheduleFriday, July 24Rock'n'Kiss Stage - Coxe Avenue3:30 - 4:30 - Winner - Last Band StandingUS Cellular Stage - Biltmore Avenue 5:00 - 6:15 - Tennessee HollowBattery Park Stage 4:30 - 5:45 - The Hip AbductionHaywood Street Stage 4:30 - 6:00 - The Two Man Gentlemen Band Saturday, July 25Rock’n’Kiss Stage - Coxe Avenue12:30 - 2:00 - Bayou DieselUS Cellular Stage - Biltmore Avenue 12:15 - 1:45 - Hot PoliticsBattery Park Stage Noon - 1:30 - Christabel and the JonsHaywood Street Stage 12:15 - 1:45 - Laura Blackley Band Sunday, July 26Rock’n’Kiss Stage - Coxe Avenue12:15 - 1:45 - Carolina Gator GumboUS Cellular Stage - Biltmore Avenue 12:15 - 1:30 - Skinny Legs & AllBattery Park Stage 1:00 - 2:00 - Jonathan Scales FourchestraHaywood Street Stage 12:15 - 1:15 - Marsupials Drumming Tent ScheduleBele Chere is pleased to partner with The Roots of Rhythm to present the Lexington Avenue Drumming Tent. Come and experience the sound and feel of drumming through a variety of performances and interactive sessions facilitated by Roots of Rhythm. The Drumming Tent will be located at the intersection of Walnut and Lexington Streets. Friday, July 24, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2008
- Article by Louis Doneson FAQWhat is Bele Chere? When is the festival?
Where exactly is Bele Chere? Who produces Bele Chere? What does Bele Chere mean? How do I get there? If I drive, where can I park? Where can I catch the shuttle? What if I need help once I get there? Where can I get some extra cash?
How can I find out what streets are going to be closed? Can I buy beer at Bele Chere? NOTE: Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the street is prohibited after 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday. SUNDAY IS ALCOHOL-FREE. How do I get the wristband? Can I bring my own cooler? Can I bring my pet to the festival? How long has Bele Chere been around? How many people attend Bele Chere? |
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