Occasionally I write about something other than theoconic activity in Central Ohio. Something fun or of interest to the community. This is one of those entries. Yesterday I attended the 4th Iuka Park Folks Arts Festival. Uplugged and uncommercial. And I'm glad I did. Organized annually by Chris the Anarchist Ryan (Yippie!) the festival is a great way to spend a hot August afternoon. Picture an afternoon of no political posturing and bickering where people just hang out. Kind of a throwback to the Be In.
Iuka Park is located in the middle of the University area, on Iuka Ravine. It's quiet, easy to find, and family friendly. As long as you're not electrifying your equipment or consuming illegal substances the cops leave you alone. A couple canopies, a couple tables. About 60 neighbors dropped by during the 6 hours of free food, free music, and free fun.
Entertainment was provided by Cowboy Hilbilly Hippy Folk (who I missed), bluegrass favs Dottie and Cyde, The Limited, Trains Across the Sea, The Vague, Miles Curtiss, aka Marvin the Robot, local bluesman Bob Sauls, and Old Hundred, a new bluegrass duo (maybe making their first appearance.
We admit we are mad about Marvin the Robot who we first ran into at the 2007 Iuka Fest. Unbeknownst to Marvin, we became a groupie from afar. We think Marvin--or do we mean Miles?-- is visionary. This weekend, Marvin will perform at the Arawak City Garden Fest
This year I became an immediate fan of Trains Across the Sea. I haven't seen such a Wobbly spirit since my old days in the IWW. Go to the Trains Across the Sea website for downloads, pictures, and a lot more including a video of the band's ComFest gig.I've known Chris for over 25 years. Believe it or not, I always think of him as a cocktail party kinda guy. In fact, I think we went to a couple together. He's always known how to throw a good event. This is one of them.
A big THANK YOU to Chris for all the years he's put into making Columbus a better place to live. And for throwing the Iuka Park party every year. YIPPIE!
Below are some pictures.
THE VAGUE
TRAINS ACROSS THE SEA
DOTTIE AND CLYDE
BOB SHAULS
MARVIN THE ROBOT
OLD HUNDRED
CHRIS @
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