Rain fails to dampen arts fest
In downtown Huntsville this weekend the air was filled with the smell of funnel cakes, the sound of drums beating and the sky was filled with, of course, clouds, as people gathered for this year's Panoply Arts Festival.
The weather did not stop this year's festival from breaking its attendance record, set last year, of 140,000. This year The Arts Council executive director David Todd said that he expected about 150,000 people in attendance. The Arts Council is responsible for coordinating the event every year.
Panoply showcases talent from across the U.S., but also manages to showcase local talent as well. The talent showcased ranges from the performing arts like singing, dancing, and playing music, to the visual arts of sculpting, painting and photography. Of course, you can't forget about the food.
Some of the new acts included were the Umdabu Dance Company, which is a Birmingham-based dance theater that works to preserve the history and traditions of South Africa through the performing arts. The group debuted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in January of 2001. Since then they have performed at over sixty colleges, universities and art festivals.
Farmer Jason, an artist who performs roots-oriented songs about farming, was also a new addition this year. Farmer Jason has produced two CDs, "A day at the Farm with Farmer Jason" and "Rockin' in the Forest with Farmer Jason."
Panoply also offered a place for local talent to perform like Rocket City Jazz Orchestra, who also plays event openings, wedding receptions, and other venues in the Huntsville area, said Rory Hamaker, a member of the orchestra.
Artists are also able to set up tents and showcase and sell their work.
Scotty White, an artist from Gadsden who specializes in "Underachievement in fine art," said he had been coming to Panoply for three years now. Over that time he has managed to build a fan base that enjoys his work. You can see his work at www.neuro-blast.com.
