Bele Chere changes are coming; meantime, festival in search of artists, musicians

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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The past couple of years, there’s been serious talk about making some significant changes to Bele Chere, the three-day annual summer street party in Asheville that brings thousands downtown for some fun in the sun. With the economy in recession and Asheville city government really strapped for money, is this the year that Bele Chere gets down-sized, too?

The festival is six months away. Over at www.belecherefestival.com, the city says there will be a “different festival layout.” Hmmm. Wonder what that means. A small footprint, perhaps? The web site also notes “a return to music that’s ALL free.” That’s interesting, too. The last few years, the festival has featured ticketed concerts in an effort to bring in, and pay for, some bigger entertainment. This sounds like an end to those ticketed concerts.

Meantime, the city’s festival planners have calls out for artists and musicians.

If you’re a band and you want to play the festival, you have to apply by Feb. 2. Yikes! That’s coming up, folks.

There’s this:

Bele Chere call for artists to produce the official poster artwork for 2009 is now open! The winning artist will receive $1500 and their artwork will be featured on Bele Chere 2009 merchandise. Deadline to apply is Monday, Feb.9.

Food vendors and arts & crafts vendors have to apply by March 6. So go to the web site and git ‘er done.