When the Carmel International Arts Festival returns to the Arts & Design District on Sept. 25 and 26, expect to see some amazing entertainment in all facets. In addition to the more than 120 talented artists being showcased on the streets of Carmel, entertainment arts are also a major part of the overall experience that the festival displays.
For this two-day event, which attracts nearly 30,000 people to The District, patrons can expect to see entertainment in the form of dance, bands, vocal performers, and more. Daniel Tanner, who will be a senior in the fall at Carmel High School, will kick off the event with the National Anthem at 9:55 a.m.
While perusing the gorgeous artwork from local and national artisans, visitors can expect to see the Indianapolis Chinese Community Center Dragon parading down the street from 10 to 10:30 a.m. The ICCCI dragon and lion dance group was created to promote the traditional Chinese culture to all people in Central Indiana for a vivid multi-cultural community landscape. This group has about 60 volunteers of various ethnic backgrounds who have the passion and enthusiasm in promoting the Chinese culture.
From 12:15 to 1:45 p.m., the Jennerators will perform classic rock featuring lead female vocals, strong harmonies, and playing a set list that includes artists like Journey, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin and Adele. Prepare for this band to interact with the crowd and make the event even more memorable.
Dwight Lightning and the Conch City All-Stars are a fan favorite around Central Indiana. They take the stage from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m. Based in Carmel, this band specializes in island and beach music with some country and rock thrown in. Their hits range from the ‘60s to today with influences coming from Jimmy Buffet, The Doobie Brothers, John Fogerty and Kenny Chesney.
Phone Club will perform at the VIP party from 4:15 to 6 p.m. Phone Club is known as a pop/rock band with roots in Indiana playing a grab bag of fun and surprising songs from the ’60s through today.
The evening wraps up with Art Rocks III. This third annual concert that has become a favorite part of the Arts Festival. Art Rocks is a family-friendly event for the whole community. This event offers over a dozen various food and beverage trucks. Art Rocks is also proud to present a national party band that will provide a show like no other. Saturday evening’s feature band will be Blair Clark & Fun Factor performing from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Led by electrifying singer Blair Clark, The Fun Factor Band consists of top-notch, seasoned professional musicians. This fun, upbeat, musically-versatile, energetic band has quality musicians, strong vocals and experienced entertainers.
On Sunday, Daniel Tanner returns to kick things off with the National Anthem, this time at 10:55 a.m.
From 11 to 11:30 a.m. Japanese Minyo Dancers will perform. Then the Tommy Baldwin Trio takes the stage from noon to 1:15 p.m. Baldwin is an up-and-coming multi-instrumentalist Blues-Rock guitar player from Indianapolis.
Sarah Scharbrough McLaughlin shares her own brand of music from 1:30 to 3 p.m. She is a worship leader, singer/songwriter, and blogger. The performance portion of the Festival wraps up from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday with Tim Wright. Wright is not only a talented vocal musician, but he also performs on a seemingly endless succession of stringed instruments: Banjo, acoustic and electric guitar, and pedal steel.
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The goal of the Carmel International Arts Festival is to provide a variety of entertainers and cultural performances that enhance the experience of visitors. This, along with being able to appreciate the various art forms available for purchase at the festival, will attract even more visitors as well as help support the mission of educating the public through the arts.
For more information on the event, visit CarmelArtsFestival.org.