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Jazz players mural in Anniston Alabama

Jazz and Art Festival presented by Main Street Anniston

Article By Abby Parks

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Are you in the mood for a little jazz?  Main Street Anniston, in conjunction with Cheaha Creative Arts, will be bringing this American musical staple right to our doorstep when they present the Jazz and Art Festival on Thursday, October 20 and Friday, October 21 from 6-9pm, and Saturday, October 22 from 4-9pm.  The event will take place at The Village (Noble Shops) at 1118 Noble Street in Anniston, Alabama.  Get ready for some stellar New Orleans inspired jazz numbers by seasoned local musicians, art exhibits, workshops, and Southern cuisine. 

Festival Events

To start the Jazz and Art Festival off on the right foot, there will be a toe-tapping free outdoor music concert on Thursday evening, October 20.  Acts will include the Jacksonville High School Jazz Band, the JSU Seven-Piece Jazz Band, and Melanin Magic–a local trio featuring Mary Culpepper, Robert Grind, and Randy Washington.  The groups will perform in front of the Jazz Communion mural located on the corner of 11th Street and Noble.

The same evening, a low country boil will be prepared by Chefs Bret and Holly Jenkins.  This down-home feast can be enjoyed  “all-you-can-eat/drink” style when you purchase a VIP ticket through Main Street Anniston.  The private VIP experience, sponsored by Ted’s Carpet and Floors, also includes special seating in a New Orleans-inspired private tent and access to private restrooms.  Plates of food and beverages will be available for purchase for those who don’t wish to buy the special tickets.

At The Village, Cheaha Creative Arts will host local artists and artisans, who will showcase their works and exhibits in the galleries.  Included in the line-up will be Mark’s Artisan Woodcrafts, the Donoho Art Program, East Alabama Artists Inc., the JSU Art Department, and more.  For a $10 donation, there will also be a special activity for children that evening at the Kid’s Korner.  They’ll be treated to a Make and Take Workshop and contribute their artistic talents to a community mural that will eventually be displayed in downtown Anniston.

Friday night, October 21, there will be a Starry Night Pumpkin Painting Class hosted by Paintology 101.  Registration for this engaging event is $40, which includes all supplies, and reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited.  You can make reservations by contacting Karla Eden at 256-371-3711 or by email at keden@annistonal.govThe Art Market and Gallery will also be open that evening. 

The third evening of the festival, Saturday, October 22, will provide folks a final opportunity to visit the Art Market and Gallery.  This will operate in the same hours (4-9pm) as Anniston’s annual Neewollah on Noble, a festival designed to celebrate upcoming Halloween in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.  Folks can enjoy vendors, food trucks, live music, an antique car show, a Kid Zone, and dress for the event as their favorite characters.  Beginning at 4:15pm, there will be costume contests taking place, with the first catered to local pets (Sponsored by Piper’s Playhouse).  Trophies will be awarded for all categories courtesy of Trinity Ceramics Gifts and More.

Cheaha Creative Arts

Since its founding in 2010 by Rose Munford, Cheaha Creative Arts has offered music classes (violin and viola currently), visual art classes, and yoga out of their location in the historic Kilby House on the campus of Anniston High School.  This non-profit strives to offer enrichment classes to children and adults at affordable tuition rates.  They also sponsor an Arts in Schools Initiative, where percussion and visual arts are taught in local schools.  

In teaming with Main Street Anniston to host the Jazz and Art Festival, Cheaha Creative Arts will benefit from the proceeds of the event, which they will utilize to cover their operating expenses, as well as keeping their instructors in the classroom.  Learn more about their mission by watching this video, and if you’d like to make a donation, click here.

Whether you’ve “Got Rhythm” or not, you’ll be guaranteed a great time if you attend the Jazz and Art Festival.  For more information, contact Karla Eden at 256-371-3711 or by email at keden@annistonal.gov.

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