Jazz, Rock, and Dancing Highlight Festival Entertainment
Next month’s Fall Festival will again showcase two days of local artists ready to make a lot of beautiful music and get audiences clapping and on their feet.
This year’s Fall Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 9-10, on Castro Valley Boulevard between Redwood Road and Santa Maria Avenue. Presented by the Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, more than 125 vendors and attractions will again line the streets and the center of the downtown district.
Bordering the festival at both ends of the event will be two stages. The Redwood Stage (closest to Redwood Road) and the Bedford Stage (closest to Santa Maria Avenue), which is named after Castro Valley native Jim “Bedford” of Bedford Studios.
The smaller community stage will host dance performers and local groups, including brass or jazz bands, acapella bands, and even Japanese Taiko drummers.
“Jim has been doing bookings on that stage for as long as anyone can remember,” Chamber Executive Director Gary Slate told the Forum. “It’s a community event, and as a nonprofit, we can’t spend a lot of money on bands. So, Jim’s role is to get the talent, and they get exposure, a good lineup, and variety.”
On Saturday, the Bedford stage will include Belly Dancing by Pharaohs Dream, acoustic sounds by Eric & Martie, a Zumba class sponsored by Crunch Fitness, and a performance by Danceline Dream.
On Sunday, Troupe Journey will wow audiences with Belly Dancing, followed by the Joan Bascom Singers, demonstrations from members of Pallen Martial Arts, and close out the festival with a performance by Bedazzled Dance Studios.
The main stage near Redwood Road will spotlight more musical talents, including a kickoff by the Castro Valley High School Madrigals on September 9. Each year, this choral group competes and often wins prestigious state awards.
The students will be followed by Classic Rock and Pop from bands like Legends in Their Own Mind, The Ride, Take Cover, and Phantom Power.
On Saturday, be on the lookout for Jay Rhodes during the Bedford Studios Presents session on the Redwood Stage. Jay's musical journey started at the young age of five. Last year, he wowed audiences with his blues guitar playing of instrumentals like "Guitar Boogie." Not only is he a skilled young guitarist, but he's also stepping into the spotlight as a vocalist for the very first time this year, making this performance extra special and memorable. Guided by his dedication and supported by Jim Bedford along with his family, Jay has embarked on a musical adventure that has led him to this exciting moment. This year, he will be performing "Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix along with a blues duo with his bandmate Abel.
On Sunday, the Redwood Stage gets in the mood with the In Swing Jazz Orchestra and Phil Santos Strings. Then the Festival will close out with Rock & Roll from Edify and Damage Control’d Band. Pacifickatz, which plays Classic Rock and Latin music, will close out the festival.
Visit the Chamber website for more details (edenareachamber.com).