4/21/2006 Houston -- iFest 2006 is kicking off this weekend in Downtown Houston. iFest takes place April 22 and 23 and April 29 and 30 from 11am to 8pm in downtown Houston (Bagby Street, Upper and Lower Sam Houston Parks, Tranquility Park, Allen Parkway), rain or shine.
There will be plenty of food, beverages, and booths. Performances include Bobby “Blue” Bland. Hear undisputed legend Burning Spear spread his positive message of peace and love. Dance to the Afro-Cuban roots and urban-tropical synthesis of New York’s Yerba Buena. Experience Tinariwen, mystical figures in robes and turbans outfitted with Fender Strats Groove to the sounds of the Robert Cray Band. Jam to Texas favorites Joe Ely and Billy Joe Shaver. Hear the Gangbe Brass Band from Benin combine the music of African percussion and Western jazz horn lines. And don’t miss the reggae sounds of Jamaica’s Skatalites, the musical fusion of La Bottine Souriante, the cumbia beat of Grupo Fantasma or the righteous roots reggae of Morgan Heritage. Steel drummers and an entourage of skating, belly dancing, drum-playing gypsies roaming the site doing spontaneous performances.
There will also be an Arts market, Jamaica market, India market, International Market, African market, and many more attractions. With more than 50 food and beverage booths serving delicious refreshments from all over the world, we have something for everyone's taste.
Weekends of April 22-23 and April 29-30, 2006
11:00am to 8:00pm each day
Festival is held Downtown Houston, Bagby Street, Tranquility Park, Upper and
Lower Sam Houston Park and Allen Parkway
Admission ticket required.
Free weekday lunchtime concerts at City Hall
April 21, 24-28, 2006
11:00am – 1:30pm
No admission ticket required
