Artoberfest! September 18, 2010

An Oktoberfest-style celebration from noon to 10 PM, Artoberfest 2010 will showcase regional artists and musicians, chefs and brew masters in an outdoor venue located at 190 5th St. in the Benton Harbor Arts District.

The event is free entry noon to 5 PM & $5 after 5 PM. All proceeds will benefit the New Territory Arts Association, a non-profit organization devoted to art education and neighborhood revitalization efforts in the Benton Harbor community.

The Artoberfest festival offers fun activities for the entire family.

This is the second year to feature local youth acts, coordinated by Paul Mow, director of development for The Citadel Dance & Music Center. Festival goers will see performances by Twin-Cities-area young people including All God’s Children’s Choir, Citadel’s dancers and B.E.S.T Musical Workshop.

- An art fair will showcase regional professional and student artists, including art from the nationally recognized Fired Up! after-school program at The Water Street Glassworks.

- ArtoberFOOD will include a menu of festival fare using produce from local growers.

- A highlight of Artoberfest will be regional microbrews including an Oktoberfest-style lager from The Livery and craft beers from Arcadia Brewing Company, New Holland Brewing Company, Founders Brewing Company and Saugatuck Brewing Company.

- Featured musical performances will include the soul-filled music of local talent, Johnnie Edwards and Co., with Charlene Jones-Clark, Mike Struwin, and headliner, Mr. Blotto, a jam band from Chicago that blends a range of rock, country and folk into a club-packing sound.

The New Territory Arts Association (NTAA) is a not-for-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to the revitalization of Benton Harbor through the arts. Founded in 1999, it has been responsible for many special Arts District events and arts-related programming. Through murals and banners, art auctions and festivals, arts education programming and scholarships, the NTAA helps create a unique, dynamic environment in downtown Benton Harbor for artists, visitors, area residents and business owners.

For more information about Artoberfest or to volunteer for this or other NTAA events and activities, contact: info@newterritoryarts.org, call 269.926.1926 or visit www.newterritoryarts.org.

Official Website: http://www.newterritoryarts.org