Panoply boasts 30 bands, 100 artists
HUNTSVILLE – Organizers have announced headlining acts for the 35th Panoply Arts Festival on April 28-30 in downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring Park.
2017 Panoply will feature more than 30 regional bands and more than 100 local and national visual artists.
On April 28, Huntsville’s GoodVibeNation will open with classic rock on the Buffalo Rock/Rocket City Broadcasting Showcase Stage, followed by Unknown Lyric’s urban rhythms paired with the classics. The finale will be Nashville’s Humming House on the Showcase Stage.
North Alabama’s own Secret Sisters will return on April 29. The Grammy Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama will close the night on the Showcase Stage. Festivalgoers on April 30 can enjoy back-to-back performances by Mambo Gris Gris, Amy McCarley and Microwave Dave and the Nukes on the Showcase Stage.
The juried Art Marketplace has expanded with 102 artists from 16 states, providing prime shopping in a beautiful setting in newly renovated Big Spring Park. Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Alabama is sponsor. Among 102 exhibitors, 42 are new to the festival and more than 25 North Alabama artists will showcase their work.
Regional artists will offer demonstrations of their crafts in Arts in Action tents. Festivalgoers can get a first-hand look at the process of painting, pottery, broom-making and basket-weaving.
“At Arts Huntsville, we know that the community shares our excitement about the beautiful renovations happening in Big Spring Park. Like the ducks, everyone is eager to get back into the park, “Allison Dillon-Jauken, Arts Huntsville executive director, said.
Hands-on interactives, focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math), will include Defense Acquisition University’s Musical Math, Huntsville Ballet Company’s Physics of Pirouettes, Arts Huntsville’s Mars Magnets presented by Avadian Credit Union and Huntsville AL L5 Society’s Hovercrafts presented by McDaniel and McDaniel.
The popular Craft Beer Tent sells potables from regional breweries and this year has Panoply Beer, brewed by Straight to Ale. An assortment of festival food and food trucks will include Rollin’ Lobstah, Tha Food Truck and Kentucky’s Pollo LLC.
Panoply hours are 5 to 9 p.m. on April 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 29 from noon to 7 p.m. on April 30.
An advance weekend pass costs $18 and is available until 4 p.m. on April 28. Day passes are $10 and available in advance online or at the event. For tickets, visit artshuntsville.org. Twelve-year-olds and younger are admitted free.
