"2007 Wynburn BLVD Summer Fest"

Sunday, July 29 @ Boulevard Historic District

originally published July 25, 2007

Starting at noon this Sunday, a local neighborhood is hosting a community-minded street fair on Wynburn Avenue, between Boulevard and Nantahala Avenue. The street will be closed for a full day to feature all-star local bands, vendors, an artists' market, a raffle and more.

"We tried to keep it neighborhood-centric and family-friendly, and a lot of the people who are playing actually live in the neighborhood or nearby," says Michelle Allen, who along with Ryan Hetrick helped coordinate the event. Allen says she was inspired by memories of neighborhood festivals from living for a few years in Atlanta. "It's something I've wanted to do for a long time, and ended up being a drunken conversation on a porch that turned into something real for the greater good." The street fair is free and open to all, though the organizers will be asking for donations with all proceeds going to Nuçi's Space (the community resource center is donating use of its sound equipment).

Performers include Stereo Campbell (12 p.m.), Matt "Pistol" Stoessel (12:45 p.m.), Diet Echo (1:25 p.m.), Honey (2:15 p.m.), Mikey Dwyer & the Starter Kits (3 p.m.), The Ginger Envelope (3:50 p.m.), Ryan Hetrick (4:50 p.m.), Sleepy Horses (5:20 p.m.), Still, Small Voice & the Joyful Noise (6:10 p.m.), Mother Jackson (7 p.m.), Dead Confederate (7:50 p.m.) and Deaf Judges (8:40 p.m.), all playing shorter sets. Dark Meat (9:15 p.m.) closes out the proceedings with a set of originals and a rendition of the classic Stooges album Fun House.

"Come with a positive attitude and wanting to have a good time," says Allen, "and come with some money to donate to Nuçi's Space. It's also really cool that all the bands are donating their time to help out Nuçi's Space." Allen says she's still looking for volunteers to help out throughout the day, as well as artists or craftspeople looking to take part; those interested should contact her at info@mercuryathens.com or at 706-614-5774. The organizers also ask that as this is a family-friendly neighborhood event, please bike, walk or carpool.

Chris Hassiotis