12 | sdnorthparknews.com | April 2012
Celebrating Music & the Arts Festival of the Arts to liven North Park streets While most kids her age were outside playing, 5-year-old Billy Anne Crews was in her room listening to records and studying the lyrics. Decades of piano lessons and a music degree later, Crews just wants to plug in her guitar, write songs and sing. That’s what she will do when she takes the Beats & Eats Stage during the 16th annual Festival of the Arts on May 20 in North Park. She’s one of several musical artists signed to perform at the festival — a rollicking celebration that will treat adults and children alike to a daylong feast of music, arts and crafts booths, a plein air competition, a free beer garden — for adults only, of course — and much more. The Beats & Eats Stage, to be located at Illinois Street and University Avenue, also will feature nine other acts besides Crews’ performance. Stage performances will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the same hours as the Festival of the Arts. “I don’t remember a time where I didn’t read music,” Crews once told an interviewer. “My uncle taught me piano and I used to play the clarinet. Now I just play guitar.” Known as the Southern Grunge Chick, Crews was born in Waukegan, Ill. and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn. She’s a San Diego resident now and has played clubs in the U.S. and England as well as in local beach coffeehouses and clubs. Her vocals seem reminiscent of the rich notes of Fiona Apple with the country stylings of Lucinda Williams. Some of her major recordings are “Hard Life to
Live,” “Gasoline,” Don’t Want to Settle” and “Taking My Promises.” Lisa Vincent has been the Beats & Eats Stage manager for the festival for the past six years. “The exposure here really helps the musicians,” she said. “They get spots on morning TV shows, performing live. It’s great publicity.” The staging area for the Festival of the Arts is on University Avenue, from 32nd Street on the East and 30th Street on the west, and from Lincoln Street on the north to North Park Way on the south. Five musical stages will offer a variety of musical acts. Other attractions will be a Kids Art Block on Herman Avenue, a free beer garden on 31st street and the Craft Beer Block on Ohio Street (tickets can be purchased online at $30, or $35 on the day of the event). The first 300 per- Jinx King Larry Teves. sons to purchase tickets from the Website (northparkfestivalofarts.com) will receive a free t-shirt. Also featured will be a plein air competition organized by Lesley Anderson of The Art Department on Ray Street. More than 75 vendors will display their wares during the festival. A multicultural craft bazaar arranged by Alma Rodriguez of Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center, will be the attraction on Ray Street. North Park Main Street, a nonprofit organization funded in part by assessments of business owners, is the sponsor of the Festival of the Arts. Funds generated from the festival also support the organization’s programs. Chris Vannoy.
Accessories Galore! The vendors who are members of the North Park Independent Bazar will occupy a big space at the Festival of the Arts, offering a wide assortment of jewelry, fashions and handcrafted products. The vendors include Maggi’s (custom straps, clothing, accessories); Scarves by Momma; Bella Rouge Designs (jewelry);Uneeke2 Clothing; and Wyng’d Lyon Creations (Teddy Bears, other stuffed animals and handcarved and painted boxes).
Paesano's Neighborhood Specials (Mon thru Fri. 11am-2pm) Lunch Special: Your Choice of Entree: Lasagna,Ravioli,Manicotti,or Spaghetti w/ meatballs. Served with salad and garlic bread. Only $4.99 SINCE1967
+10% of ALL TO GO ORDERS Dine in or Take Out Open 11-12/4:30-8:30 Sat 4:30 - 9:00 Sun 5:00 - 9:00
3647 30th St. 291-4090
will be donated to our neighborhood schools at St. Patricks (just tell us the school you would like to help when you pick up your order!)
Don't forget Tuesday Nights for live Italian music. Wine Wednesday 20% off all our wines!
Visit our website: PaesanoOfNorthpark.com
Billy Anne Crews will perform at the Beats & Eats Stage at the Festival of the Arts.
Mercedes Moore with band mate.