National Folk Festival Announces Roster of Returning and New Sponsors for 2016

"Greensboro, N.C., August 31, 2016  — The National Folk Festival announced today its entire list of sponsors for 2016. The 2016 Festival will run in downtown Greensboro from 6 – 10:30 pm on Friday, September 9; from noon – 10:30 pm on Saturday, September 10; and from noon – 6:30 pm on Sunday, September 11. More than 100,000 people attended the Festival in 2015 over the course of the three-day weekend.

“We are delighted to have such a robust group of sponsors partnering with us on the National Folk Festival,” said ArtsGreensboro President and CEO Tom Philion, who leads the Festival fundraising efforts. “Not only have many longtime ArtsGreensboro supporters chosen to support the Festival, but many new organizations have also joined in this effort to provide a FREE, three-day weekend celebrating the roots and heritage of all Americans.”

These sponsors are new for 2016:

·      BB&T: Sponsoring the N.C. Folklife Area

·      Duke Energy: Dance Pavilion Co-Sponsor

·      North Carolina Education Lottery: Dance Pavilion Co-Sponsor

·      Downtown Greensboro, Inc.: Festival Trolley Sponsor

·      Mickey Truck Bodies: Volunteer program Sponsor

·      ITG Brands

·      Allen Tate: VIP Viewing Area Sponsor

·      Ben & Jerry’s: Creamy Frozen Dessert Sponsor

·      Kona Ice of Greensboro: Icy Frozen Dessert Sponsor

These sponsors are returning in 2016:

·      VF Corporation: Wrangler Stage

·      Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina: Lawn Stage

·      City of Greensboro

·      Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau

·      Action Greensboro and Its Supporting Foundations, including

o   Joseph M. Bryan Foundation

o   Cemala Foundation

o   Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation

o   Phillips Foundation

·      North Carolina Arts Council: N.C. Folklife Area

·      Cone Health: Wellness Sponsor

·      PNC Bank: N.C. Arts Marketplace Sponsor

·      Guilford County

·      Lincoln Financial Group

·      National Endowment for the Arts: Fabric of Freedom

·      AJ Fletcher Foundation: Fabric of Freedom

·      Deuterman Law Group: Festival Mobile App Sponsor

·      Foothills Brewing Company: Craft Beer Co-Sponsor

·      Natty Greene’s Brewing Co.: Craft Beer Co-Sponsor

·      Lincoln Financial Foundation: Fabric of Freedom

·      McDonald’s: Family Stage Sponsor

·      Weaver Foundation

·      Wells Fargo: Family Area Sponsor

·      The Carroll Companies: Artist Sponsor

·      Guilford Merchants Association: Info Booth Sponsor

·      NC by Train/Amtrak: Transportation Sponsor

·      Pepsi Bottling Ventures: Beverage Sponsor

·      Senn Dunn Insurance & PURE Insurance: Opening Reception Sponsors

·      O.Henry & Proximity Hotels: Hospitality Partners

·      AT&T North Carolina: Artist Sponsor

·      Bank of America: Artist Sponsor

·      Craft Insurance: Artist Sponsor

·      North Carolina Folklife Institute

·      All-State Restaurant Equipment

Media sponsors for 2016 include:

·      News & Record

·      Our State magazine

·      Capitol Broadcasting Company

·      iHeart Media

·      Fox 8

·      WFDD

·      UNC-TV

·      WBRF

·      Guilford County Women’s Journal

In-kind sponsors for 2016 include:

·      All-State Restaurant Equipment

·      Caffey Distributing

·      Carolina Theatre

·      Greensboro Grasshoppers

·      North Carolina Folklife Institute

·      PTI Airport

·      The Printery

·      Replacements, Ltd.

·      R.H. Barringer

·      Tech Triad

Approximately 300 artists—musicians, dancers, storytellers, and craftspeople—will take part in the National Folk Festival, with more than 40 different musical groups performing on eight outdoor performance venues throughout downtown Greensboro.

To learn more about all these artists, their traditions, and their stories, please visit nationalfolkfestival.com/performers and connect with the Festival on social media:

·      #NCFolkFest

·      Twitter: @NtlFolkFestNC

·      Instagram: NationalFolkFestNC

·      YouTube: National Folk Festival NC

# # #

About the 2016 National Folk Festival: Co-produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) and ArtsGreensboro, the National Folk Festival is celebrating the second year of its three-year residency in downtown Greensboro in 2016. The FREE, three-day event is America’s longest-running festival of traditional arts. nationalfolkfestival.com

About the National Folk Festival: Since it was first presented in St. Louis in 1934, the National Folk Festival has celebrated the roots, richness, and variety of American culture. Championed in its early years by Eleanor Roosevelt, it was the first event of national stature to present the arts of many nations, races, and languages on equal footing. An exuberant traveling festival that embraces the diverse cultural expressions of the American people in the 21st century, the National Folk Festival is FREE to the public, and is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) in partnership with communities around the country.

About the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA): The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) is one of the nation’s premier non-profit cultural organizations dedicated to the presentation and documentation of folk, tribal, and ethnic arts in the United States. Founded in 1933, it is the nation’s oldest producing and presenting organization with such a focus. Its programs celebrate and honor deeply rooted cultural expressions—music, crafts, stories, and dance passed on through time by families and communities as well as by tribal, ethnic, and occupational groups. The NCTA stresses excellence and authenticity in presenting artists to the public in festivals, tours, concerts, media programs, exhibitions, recordings, and other activities, and works in partnership with communities across American to establish new, sustainable traditional arts events that bring lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits. www.ncta-usa.org

About ArtsGreensboro: With an annual budget of approximately $3.5 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

National Folk Festival Adds Six Artists to Lineup; 29 Performers Announced to Date

Free Festival runs in downtown

Greensboro from Sept. 9 – 11, 2016

Greensboro, N.C., June 30, 2016 — Today the National Folk Festival announced six additional artists who will perform in downtown Greensboro from Sept.9 – 11, 2016. The 76^th National Folk Festival in 2016 marks the event’s second year of its three-year residency in Greensboro.

Last fall, the 75^th National Folk Festival attracted more than 102,000 attendees to downtown Greensboro for the FREE, three-day weekend. Based on survey data, organizers expect attendance to grow substantially in 2016—by as much as 30% or more.

Approximately 300 artists—musicians, dancers, storytellers, and craftspeople—will take part in the National Folk Festival, with more than 30 different musical groups performing on as many as seven outdoor performance venues throughout downtown Greensboro. The four artists announced today are:

·      Alberti Flea Circus – Flea Circus: Third-generation flea circus impresario Jim Alberti and his talented troupe of charismatic performers have been entertaining audiences with their astonishing acrobatic feats for nearly 30 years. Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., the Alberti Flea Circus was brought to the United States in the 1880s by Jim’s great-great uncle, but the tradition is much older, first documented in 16^th-century Europe. Jim delights in introducing this age-old art to new generations of children, who cheer for the fleas, help with their props, and even provide musical cues for their incredible feats.

·      Bouncing Bulldogs – Precision Jump Rope: Be inspired by the boundless creativity and intense athleticism of North Carolina’s own Bouncing Bulldogs, who have been crowned the top international jump rope team for the past five consecutive years at the World Jump Rope Championships! Founded by Coach Ray Fredrick in 1986 and based in Chapel Hill and Durham, the Bouncing Bulldogs field a competitive team of 140 girls and boy ages 7-19, with 200 other jumpers ages 4 and older participating in a club program. Fresh off defending their title at the 2016 World Championships in Portugal in July, 15 jumpers will perform at the National Folk Festival, amazing audiences with their skills in Double Dutch, speed jumping, and freestyle.

·      Chico Simões – Brazilian Mamulengo: “I don’t speak Portuguese, I don’t speak English; I speak puppet,” says mamulengueiro Chico Simões, who began studying this Brazilian puppet tradition in 1981. Since founding his own puppet theater in 1985, Simões has become an international ambassador for this Brazilian tradition, which has connections to the English Punch and Judy shows, the Italian pulcinella, and the French guignol—all rooted in the Italian 16^th-century commedia dell’arte. Simões has performed thousands of puppet plays around the world, from street corners to prestigious puppetry festivals, using his performances—many featuring trickster Benedito the Vaquiero, a cowboy, who bests a series of mythological and human opponents—to “hold up a mirror to the public.” His raucous performances delight children and adults alike.

·      Dancing On Air Crew – B-boying: Gravity-defying head spins, twirling windmills, and rapid-fire footwork are hallmarks of breaking, an urban dance style that—along with graffiti, MC-ing, and DJ-ing—is the expressive core of hip-hop culture. Dancers are called breakers, b-boys, or b-girls, and they prefer the terms “breaking” or “b-boying” to “breakdancing.” The members of the Dancing On Air Crew (DOA) live in Charleston, S.C., where they have been friends since middle school. Inspired by popular movies and the moves of older b-boys, they formed DOA in 2010. DOA’s current roster of eight b-boys, ages 17-26, travels to competitions around the Southeast and beyond, dazzling crowds, sharing a message of “hope, perseverance, and teamwork,” and inspiring the next generation of b-boys and b-girls.

·      Joe Bruchac – Abenaki Storytelling: With a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, Joe Bruchac is an award-winning author of more than 120 fictional and non-fictional works, most featuring Native American protagonists, history, and values. Descended on his mother’s side from the Abenaki, an Algonquian-speaking Native people living in New England and Eastern Canada, Bruchac has dedicated himself to partnering with Native elders to collect stories from Abenaki and other Native cultures. “When a good story is told, it goes into a person’s heart, and it remains there,” Bruchac says. His stories inspire audiences to appreciate and protect the earth and all who dwell upon it.

·      Mangum & Company – Gospel Brass “Shout Band”: The United House of Prayer for All People congregations take to heart these words from Psalm 150:3-6: “Praise him with the sound of the trumpet…Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” Mangum & Company, a group of outstanding musicians representing many United House of Prayer congregations from Charlotte, N.C., brings the unique African American sacred “shout band” tradition to the National Folk Festival. Charlotte-based shout trombonist Cedric Mangum joined his congregation’s band at age 7, learning to play all the shout instruments before becoming lead trombonist of the Charlotte Mother House’s legendary Bailey Clouds of Heaven at age 13, a position he continues to hold today at age 55. “Our music feeds the soul,” Mangum says. “…That’s what draws the people.”

  

These outstanding artists join the following performers, who have already been announced:

·      The Alt – Irih

·      Bahamas Junkanoo Revue ­– Bahamian Parade

·      Balsam Range – Bluegrass

·      Bill Kirchen  – Master of the Telecaster

·      Chaksam-pa – Tibetan Opera, Folk Song, and Dance

·      The Chankas of Peru – Andean Danza de las Tijeras (Scissors Dance):

·      Clinton Fearon & the Boogie Brown Band – Reggae

·      DJ Grandmaster Flash – Hip Hop

·      Grupo Rebolú – Afro-Colombian

·      Hula Halau ‘O Lilinoe – Hawai’ian Hula

·      Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys – Zydeco

·      The Jerry Grcevich Tamburitza Orchestra – Tamburitza

·      Joshua Nelson ­­– Kosher Gospel

·      Leonardo Sandoval – Tap

·      Le Vent du Nord – Québécois

·      Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano – Mariachi

·      Paperhand Puppet Intervention – Giant Puppet Pageants and Parades

·      Nathalie Pires – Portuguese Fado

·      The Quebe Sisters – Texas Fiddling & Western Swing

·      Sahba Motallebi – Persian Tar

·      Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga – East African Rumba, Soukous, and Benga

·      Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks – Delta Blues

·      Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band ­– New Orleans Jazz

To learn more about all these artists, their traditions, and their stories, please visit nationalfolkfestival.com/performers. Throughout the summer, the National Folk Festival will feature individual artists on its Facebook page (Facebook.com/NationalFolkFestivalNC) and on social media:

·      #NCFolkFest  #WeAreFolk

·      Twitter: @NtlFolkFestNC

·      Instagram: NationalFolkFestNC

·      YouTube: National Folk Festival NC

More performers will be announced as they are confirmed."

- A Press Release

Greensboro Encourages National Night Out Participation with a Kick Off Party

"GREENSBORO, NC (June 28, 2016) – Neighborhoods throughout Greensboro have historically reserved the first Tuesday in August to celebrate National Night Out, an occasion to send a strong message to criminals letting them know that residents are organized and fighting back to reduce crime.

To get more neighborhoods involved in this celebration, Greensboro first responders are hosting a National Night Out Kick Off Party on Sat., July 16 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at Skateland South at 3801 N. Church St.

To encourage more neighborhoods to register for the 33rd Annual National Night Out and establish Community Watch Groups, Greensboro police, fire, Guilford Metro 911, Crime Stoppers, and other partners are hosting a free fun-filled Kick Off party to spotlight the city’s commitment to public safety. The event is designed to be both fun and informative. It features demonstrations and equipment displays, informational booths, games and activities for kids, music, and a free cook out. Skateland North has also offered free admission and free skates to the first 100 youth (age 18 and below) who participate in the kickoff event.

Any neighborhood can participate in NNO. Traditionally, residents showed their support for NNO by turning on their homes’ lights. Many communities, however, make the night an opportunity to get to know their neighbors and police better. Communities participating in NNO are encouraged to register their event with GPD in order for officers and other officials to stop by and meet community members.

“National Night out is a way to bring community members and police together in fun, casual settings,” said Police Chief Wayne Scott. “The safety of our city depends on teamwork among our officers and the people they serve. National Night Out helps build that sense of teamwork.”

Last year, The National Association of Town Watch presented Greensboro with an award for its participation in NNO. This is the twenty-third consecutive year the city has earned national recognition for making communities safer through police-citizen partnerships.

Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is a unique crime/drug prevention designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
• Generate support for, and participation in, local crime prevention programs
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back

Effective crime prevention, however, requires more than a one-night event. Year-long Community Watch programs have been proven effective in reducing crime and improving quality of life in neighborhoods throughout the city.

“The best way to prevent crime is for people to get involved in their neighborhoods,” said Scott. “Strong neighborhoods are safer neighborhoods. Community Watch programs can be powerful organizations to improve the quality of life in a community.”

Community Watch programs enlist the active participation of citizens in partnership with the police to get something done about an immediate problem, and problem-solve on future goals. It involves:

·         Citizens using crime prevention practices to protect themselves and their property

·         Neighbors getting to know each other and working together to prevent crime

·         Citizens being trained to recognize and report suspicious activity

To learn more about National Night Out, or to start a Community Watch program in your neighborhood, call your Community Resource Officer, or the Office of Community Engagement at 373-2636.

To register for NNO, and to request an officer at your event, go to the www.gsopd.org or contact your Community Resource Officer. Don’t know your Community Resource Officer? Find your neighborhood in the “Our Communities” section of the site.

The kickoff event supports Chief Scott’s strategy expanding community outreach efforts to better connect with Greensboro’s residents and businesses."

- A Press Release

SYNERG YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, DOWNTOWN GREENSBORO INCORPORATED & ARTSGREENSBORO CONTINUE WITH FIRST FRIDAY ON THE BLOCK PROGRAMMING

"GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 31, 2016) The second in the First Friday On The Block series will continue on June 3^rd from 6-9pm. Elm Street from MLK to Lewis St. will be closed to traffic to make room for pop up music, interactive arts programming, food trucks, and beer and wine. 

Pedestrians will have full access to the area to enjoy programming coordinated synerG young Professionals, Downtown Greensboro, Inc. and ArtsGreensboro.

Other entertainment? We have plenty. The organizations are collaborating with Funky Funk NC - North Carolina's B-Boy talent that will showcase their skills and teach you a few in various short programs during First Friday; The Artist Bloc will be hosting art battles throughout the evening for kids,  Ambleside Gallery will be hosting a street gallery, the UNCG Art Truck will be out, there will be free cornhole and more. And of course, many of the Downtown businesses will be open late during the event!

Getting hungry and thirsty?  In the pedestrian area, we will have brews served by Gibbs Hundred, Natty Greene’s and Preyer Brewing and wine from The Grove Winery. Food trucks for the event include Chirba Chirba, Hickory Tree BBQ and Gnam Gnam Gelato. You can also check out any of the great downtown restaurants, bars and breweries!

Want to volunteer to help make these events a success through helping set up, check ids, serve beer and help with programming? Email hmeredith@actiongreensboro.org.

Next First Friday On The Blocks will be held July 1 and August 5.

Other First Friday Happenings:

·         GreenHill: Mary D. Williams performance

·         The Shop at GreenHill: Influence opening

·         CVA: 100 for 100

·         Urban Grinders: Chris Reeves’ Magnum Opus

·         Int’l Civil Rights Msm.: Urban line-dancing

·         Blue Denim: Artist Denise Landi

·         Chakras Spa: Artist Sarah McClinton w/ Kim Kennedy

·         Fahrenheit Kollectiv: Artist Ashley Vanore

·         Fire Salon: Bonnie and Chris Reed

·         Natty Greene’s: NEW limited-release draft & PupUP dog park

·         Elm Street (MLK to Lewis): First Friday on the Block

·         Artist Bloc: Art Battles for kids

·         UNCG Art Truck: Julia Caston’s Manifesto of Small Works

·         Vivid Interiors: Art Exhibit

·         CTG: Cinderella Kids

·         Elements Gallery: 5th-Anniversary celebration

·         Ambleside Gallery: Street gallery

·         ReAligned: More Cowbell

·         HQ Greensboro: Local painters & photographers

·         Urban Gardener: Flowers, Art & Music

·         The Forge: Makers in Action"

- A Press Release

synerG Young Professionals, downtown Greensboro Incorporated. & ArtsGreensboro Partner in First Friday Programming

"GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 4, 2016) The community has asked for it and synerG young professionals, Downtown Greensboro Incorporated and ArtsGreensboro have partnered to make it happen. May 6 will kick off a four event series of additional community programming to enhance the already stellar programming at First Fridays. Portions of downtown streets will be closed to traffic to make room for pop up music, interactive arts programming, food trucks, and beer and wine. 

May 6 First Friday’s event will close down South Elm St. from Friendly Ave. to Market St. and from Market St. to Washington Street. Pedestrians will have full access to the area to enjoy Open Streets and Bike Month programming coordinated by Bicycling in Greensboro including a bike safety rodeo, temporary bike lanes, bike limbo and skatepark demos. 

Other entertainment? We have plenty. The organizations are collaborating with the Carolina Blues Festival to bring in Allison King and The Bitter 3 to perform on the street at Market St. & Elm St at 6:30 - 7:30 pm and 8:00 – 9:00 pm. February One will be taken over by yogis with their mats for two yoga classes – 6:30 - 7:00 pm with Downtown Yoga and 7:30 - 8:00 pm with Free Spirits Yoga. The Center For Visual Artists and Urban Grinders are also partnering on an interactive art project in the street in front of Urban Grinders. And of course, many of the Downtown businesses will be open late during the event!

Did all this excitement work up an appetite?  In the pedestrian area, we will have brews served by Gibbs Hundred, Natty Greene’s and Preyer Brewing. Food trucks for the event include Zeko’s, Mystical Sunshine and Tony’s Italian Ice. You can also walk a block away to Center City Park and check out the Porter House Food Truck. You can also check out any of the great downtown restaurants, bars and breweries!

Want to volunteer to help make these events a success through helping set up, check ids, serve beer and help with programming? Email hmeredith@actiongreensboro.org. 

Next special First Friday events will include June 3, July 1 and August 5. 

Other May 6 First Friday Happenings:

Elm Street: Bicycling in Gso (BIG) demos

GreenHill: Dance Project performance

Cultural Center Atrium: Jay Squid’s The Box of Dreams

CVA: Material Fact opening

Urban Grinders: Color Me Bad opening

Southeastern Building: Pop-up Gallery & Tours

Blue Denim: Artist Denise Landi

Mack & Mack: Walker Family Band

Chakras Spa: Artist Morganne Radziewicz w/ Blue Sands

Triad Stage: Don Juan Love Booth

Fire Salon: Band Abe Reid & Blind Dog Gatewood

Natty Greene’s: NEW limited-release draft & PupUP Dog Park

CTG: Gypsy

ReAligned: Bring Your Own Vinyl!

HQ Greensboro: Tours

GPS @ The Forge: Artist Andrew Dunnill

Elsewhere: Garden Party

PB & Java: Electric violinist Marta Richardson & friends

Gibb’s Hundred: Merle Haggard tribute

###

Media Inquiries Contact

Hillary Meredith, synerG Young Professionals Director

Action Greensboro

336-387-8350

hmeredith@actiongreensboro.org

About synerG

synerG, under the umbrella of Action Greensboro, is an active organization of young adults who lead initiatives with the mission to attract, engage and connect young professionals to Greensboro, North Carolina. Through our projects, synerG promotes social and professional networking, leadership opportunities and serves as a clearinghouse for information for young adults in the 21-39 year-old age demographic. synerG values the creation of opportunities and atmospheres that promote connectedness, diversity/inclusiveness and accessibility.

About Downtown GReensboro Incorporated

Downtown Greensboro Incorporated (DGI) is an economic development organization focused on stimulating investment and activity in the center city. DGI’s primary focus is to lead the development of Downtown Greensboro as a prosperous and vibrant urban center, memorable and meaningful for those who choose to live, work, play and invest here.

About ArtsGReensboro

With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

Downtown Greensboro Inc. Honors Key Leaders

"Downtown Greensboro Incorporated honored three leaders for their efforts to revitalize the center city at its Annual Report to the Community on October 22, 2015. Andy Zimmerman, owner of AZ Development, was given the The Jim Roach Downtown Person of the Year Award. The Jim Roach Downtown Person of the Year Award is presented annually to a local person who has had a major positive influence or impact on the center city over the past year. Zimmerman was selected for his creativity in the revitalization of properties in downtown, including the former Steel & Vaughn building, now home to Crafted: Art of the Street Food and Preyer Brewery and along Lewis Street, where HQ Greensboro, the Forge, and Gibbs are located.  Past winners include: Milton Kern, 2005; Roy Carroll, 2006; Betty Cone, 2007; John Lomax, 2008; Jim Melvin, 2009; Skip Alston and Earl Jones, 2010; Chris Lester, 2011; Chester Brown, 2012; Kathy Manning, 2013, and Jim Budd and Nick Piornack of Momentum Development Group, 2014. Bryan Toney, Associate Vice Chancellor of University of North Carolina at Greensboro, was presented with the Ed Kitchen Leadership Award. The Ed Kitchen Leadership Award is given to a local individual who through their leadership, vision and dedication has been a champion for downtown Greensboro. Toney was given this award for his efforts to expand UNCG’s campus to downtown through Union Square and the entrepreneurial spirit at HQ Greensboro. Toney was a key leader in the City being awarded the InnovateNC grant as well as the SC2 grant for the Global Opportunities Center. Past recipients of the Ed Kitchen Leadership Award include: Ed Kitchen, 2005; Mike Bumpass, 2006; Jimmy Black, 2007; Ray Gibbs, 2008; Susan Schwartz, 2009; Rich Whittington and Preston Lane, 2010; Trip Brown, 2011; Walker Sanders, 2012; George House, 2013; and Dawn Chaney, 2014. This year Downtown Greensboro Inc. presented a special honor to Betty Cone in recognition of her tremendous service and dedication to downtown Greensboro. Cone has served the greater downtown in many areas including leading the planning and management of the Fun Fourth Festival, Festival of Lights and her leadership within the Carolina Theatre. “Downtown revitalization is a true team effort that needs everyone’s help. Andy Zimmerman and Brian Toney stood out for their remarkable focus over the last year. Mrs. Cone has put forth so much for our downtown, has served as a mentor to many and a passionate leader throughout.  Our organization wanted to say a thank you for all she has done for Greensboro,” stated Zack Matheny, President of Downtown Greensboro Inc. About Downtown Greensboro Incorporated - Downtown Greensboro Incorporated (DGI) is an economic development organization focused on stimulating investment and activity in the center city. DGI’s primary focus is to lead the development of Downtown Greensboro as a prosperous and vibrant urban center, memorable and meaningful for those who choose to live, work, play and invest here." - A Press Release

Downtown Greensboro Inc. Unveils New Logo

"Greensboro, NC (October 20, 2015) Downtown Greensboro Incorporated has a new logo symbolizing the strength and bold future of the downtown. “Our mission is to support and boost downtown Greensboro. The new, bold logo represents the clear focus on downtown,” states new Downtown Greensboro Incorporated President Zack Matheny. The new logo includes a simple symbol with a “D” and “G” highlighted in white. "I knew it was important to create a strong, simple logo that can cut through all of the visual noise in our busy world. This logo is quickly recognizable and there is no question what the logo represents," said Jay Jung, principal & partner at Think Create, located in the Graphica building in downtown Greensboro since 1995. Downtown Greensboro Incorporated’s new logo symbolizes its strong support for downtown. “That is what we do – we support the businesses and residents downtown. We are here to listen to them and communicate better with the community so we can make downtown stronger for everyone,” said Matheny. “We are excited about everything downtown Greensboro has to offer and its future. We want to get people talking about downtown Greensboro, being a part of its excitement and enjoying our downtown more than ever,” continues Matheny. About Downtown Greensboro Incorporated - Downtown Greensboro Incorporated (DGI) is an economic development organization focused on stimulating investment and activity in the center city. DGI’s primary focus is to lead the development of Downtown Greensboro as a prosperous and vibrant urban center, memorable and meaningful for those who choose to live, work, play and invest here.   ### For more information, contact Downtown Greensboro Inc. at info@downtowngreensboro.net or 336.379.0060" - A Press Release

DGI's Matheny charged with DWI

Downtown Greensboro Inc President Zack Matheny was charged with Driving While impaired by Greensboro Police early Friday morning.

According to Susan C. Danielsen, Public Information Officer with the Greensboro Police Department, the police report had not been finalized but she confirmed that Matheny, 42, was charged with DWI when an officer of the Greensboro Police Department found him passed out with his head on the steering wheel of a black Landrover.

“The officer saw the vehicle parked and running in the parking lot of the Harris Teeter on North Church and East Cone in Greensboro at 3.40am this morning,” said Danielsen. “The officer pulled up and found the only occupant, Mr. Matheny, in the running vehicle. He had his head on the steering wheel and appeared to be sleeping.”

According to Danielsen, the officer knocked on the window to wake him and had him roll down his window and step out of the vehicle. He was given a field sobriety test and failed blowing over the legal limit. Danielsen could not confirm the specific results of the breathalyzer test, only that is was over the legal limit.

Matheny, who resides at 3204 Roundhill Road in Greensboro, became DGI President early this summer after announcing his resignation from Greensboro City Council at their June 16, 2015 City Council Meeting.

“He was very cooperative and complied with all the officers instructions,” said Danielsen, who noted that this was his first such charge in Greensboro.

By Charles Womack

Downtown Greensboro Celebrates 6th Annual WFMY News 2 Winterfest

"WFMY News 2 Winterfest will celebrate its 6th Annual Grand Opening on Tues., Nov. 17 with the Chick-fil-A Chill Out Block Party. The public is invited to enjoy playing in snow, ice skating, sledding, carriage rides, inflatables, face painting, live music by Eric & the Chill Tones and food provided by Chick-fil-A. Admission and activities are free with the donation of a non-perishable food item. Harvest Food Bank will be present to collect donated food items.

WFMY News 2, Greensboro's local news station, has returned for the 6th straight year as title sponsor of Piedmont Winterfest. "WFMY News 2 Winterfest captures the joy of the winter season and provides the perfect backdrop for creating lifelong memories,” said Larry Audas, WFMY News 2 President and General Manager. “We are a community station and WFMY News 2 Winterfest is the perfect community attraction. We look forward to taking the ice with the rest of the Triad.” Downtown Greensboro Incorporated will continue as the official non-profit sponsor of WFMY News 2 Winterfest. The Downtown Residents Association will also provide marketing and promotional assistance.

WFMY News 2 Winterfest is the only seasonal outdoor ice rink and ice slide in the Triad. Well over 30,000 attendees enjoy this Downtown Greensboro tradition annually. This year's event will again be hosted by The Railyard at 120 Barnhardt Street adjacent to The Worx and Spice Cantina restaurants. WFMY News 2 Winterfest's season will open Nov. 17, 2015 and continue through Jan. 31, 2016. Follow the latest details on our event website: www.piedmontwinterfest.com"

- A Press Release

Help us put a fork in the Downtown Greenway construction by 2018!

Downtown Greensboro Restaurant Week Begins on Monday!

"Dine at any of the seven participating downtown Greensboro

restaurants between August 24 - 28th! Restaurants are offering a special Downtown Greenway themed pre-fixed menu item for $20.18. 

25% of the item will go back to the Downtown Greenway! 

Share the fun using the hashtag #dgsoEATS 

B. CHRISTOPHER'S

B. Christopher's is open for dinner, Mon-Sat (5-10pm). 

Slow roasted short ribs with horseradish mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and a red wine reduction.  And, homemade local peach cobbler and vanilla bean ice cream.

UNDERCURRENT

Undercurrent Restaurant will be serving this 3 course tasting menu for lunch and dinner Monday - Friday, 11:30am to 2pm, 5:30pm to 9:30pm

The $20.18 menu special will involve three tasting size courses:

First Course: Roasted Poblano-Tomatillo Gazpacho, Pumpkin Seeds, Cilantro Crema

Second Course: Panko Breaded Joyce Farms Chicken, Green Guilford Mill Grits, French Beans, Green Tomato-Bacon Relish, Herb Buttermilk Cream

Third Course: Honey Green Tea Ice Cream, Lemon-Anise Cookies

1618 DOWNTOWN

1618 Downtown is open Monday from 11am - 3pm and Tuesday through Friday 11am to 10pm

Monday 8/24: 2 for $20.18; any two lunch items for $20.18

Tuesday 8/25: Any two burgers for $20.18

Wednesday 8/26: Any two pizzas with two 6oz draft beers $20.18 all day

Thursday 8/27: Any two salads with two 3oz glasses of Rose $20.18 all day

Friday 8/28: Two orders of wings for $20.18

CRAFTED ART OF STREET FOOD

Crafted Art of Street Food is open from Tuesday to Saturday 5pm - 10pm

Any two snack options along with any two small portion options for $20.18. From regular menu only. Does not include daily specials.

TABLE 16

Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.

Each night of Restaurant Week, Table 16 will offer a different food and drink feature geared towards mid-summer, at a great value, all priced at $20.18.  Each day on Facebook, they will post the menu inspiration.

LARUE

Monday to Saturday from 12 pm- 10 pm and Sunday from 12- 4pm.

LaRue will feature a chef tasting appetizer plate for 2 people for $20.18.

M'COUL'S

Monday to Thursday from 11am-12am, Friday & Saturday from 11am-2am, and Sunday from 10am-10pm.

Greenway Menu: Seared pork tenderloin medallions, ginger carrot puree, broccoli raab, lemon, rosemary, & sea salt roasted potatoes, topped with fresh fig chutney."

- A Press Release

South Elm Projects Artist to Number the Downtown Neighborhood Sidewalks for Hopscotch

Agustina Woodgate, Klasy (Hopscotch), 1100 Numbers,

Site Specific Street Intervention, Playpublik Festival,

Krakow, Poland, 2014 Photo: Martin C. Welker

"(Greensboro, NC) - Elsewhere--a living museum set within a former thrift store--is pleased to host Hopscotch, an ongoing site-specific street intervention by Miami-based artist Agustina Woodgate, as part of Elsewhere’s curatorial initiative South Elm Projects. Hopscotch, inspired by the popular street game, but hundreds of numbers long, will appear down the sidewalks of the South Elm Neighborhood in downtown Greensboro next week. The project will premiere as part of First Friday on May 1st from 6-10pm at Elsewhere, with opportunities for the public to play the new course and explore the neighborhood.

As one of the 14 national artists commissioned for Elsewhere’s South Elm Projects this year, Woodgate will be in-residence for a week at Elsewhere to create her project. From Monday, April 27 through Friday, May 1, she will lead a team of community volunteers in painting the Hopscotch course to visually connect the neighborhood. The public is invited to an Artist Talk with Woodgate in Elsewhere’s Storefront Theater on Thursday, April 30 at 8pm.

Woodgate began Hopscotch in 2008 with Miami artists Primary Flight at Wynwood with 786 Numbers. Subsequent appearances included 1302 Numbers at the Bass Museum of Art in Miami (2013), 1692 Numbers in Buenos Aires, Argentina (2014), and 1100 Numbers at Playpublik Festival in Krakow, Poland (2014). In an artist statement, Woodgate describes the project, “The expanded game reminds us of our innocence...Hopscotch exists for the streets, transforming monotonous sidewalks into daily playgrounds.”

Funded by ArtPlace America, South Elm Projects brings together artists and neighbors to create public artworks that further civic engagement, public commons and urban wilds in advance of and with development. For more about South Elm Projects please visit, goelsewhere.org/southelmprojects.

About Elsewhere
Elsewhere is a non-profit living museum and artist residency program set with a three-story former thrift store. Since 2003, Elsewhere has been transforming its former store and its vast material collection into a living museum that serves as a hub for local and global collaborations. goelsewhere.org

Elsewhere is funded in part by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, ArtPlace America, The Kresge Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, The North Carolina Arts Council, ArtsGreensboro, Tannenbaum Sternberger Foundation, The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, The Fund for Democratic Communities, The Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation, Guilford Green Foundation, The Harpo Foundation, The Gallucci Creative Fund, Lincoln Financial Foundation, Art Matters & friends like you."

- A Press Release

Jason Cannon To Step Down As DGI President & CEO

"As Chairman of the Board of DGI, I am announcing that our President and CEO, Jason Cannon, is stepping down to pursue an opportunity in one of his areas of expertise, Legislative and Economic Development Consulting. Mr. Cannon has served DGI and the City of Greensboro in his capacity since 2013 and has stewarded DGI through a period of significant transition, as requested by the Greensboro City Council and DGI’s Board of Directors, to focus substantially more of DGI’s efforts and resources on the growth and development of Downtown.  This process began with the creation of our current strategic plan supporting that new focus and a restructuring of DGI’s Board of Directors. In addition to transitioning Downtown’s maintenance services from DGI to the City of Greensboro, under Mr. Cannon’s leadership, DGI has launched a number of new initiatives and substantial progress is underway.  These include: •    Active and ongoing support of transformative Downtown development projects such as the restoration of the Cascade Saloon and acquisition of state funding for the burgeoning Union Square Campus have been among his priority areas of focus.   •    The process of launching a Downtown Master Streetscape Planning effort at DGI has also been completed under Mr. Cannon’s watch and now awaits the City’s action and support.  When implemented, this plan will substantially improve the street-level appearance of Downtown and aid in the attraction of additional investments to our urban core. •    In an ongoing effort to increase the vibrancy of Downtown and its pedestrian experience, a pilot “Parklet” program for Downtown is scheduled to be constructed and will be in place this Spring.   •    A new and exciting branding campaign entitled “Let’s Play”, also launched during Mr. Cannon’s tenure, is now underway with high quality imagery and print advertising.  It is complemented with a newly instituted social media campaign that, in its first month alone, made nearly 450,000 impressions with those connecting to Downtown Greensboro. For these efforts and others, Downtown Greensboro’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors are grateful for the initiatives Jason has begun and the contributions he has made to DGI and the City of Greensboro. Cyndy Hayworth, DGI’s current Director of Operations has been appointed to replace Mr. Cannon, on an interim basis. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  Thank you for your continued support of Downtown Greensboro. Gary Brame Chairman of the Board Downtown Greensboro, Incorporated" - An Open Letter

4th Annual Chili Challenge Set for Saturday, January 24th at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market

"The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, 501 Yanceyville Street, will host its annual Chili Challenge on Sat. Jan. 24 at 8 am - 11:30 am in the market's Harvest Room.

Ten teams will compete in the Chili Challenge for the winner’s title: 

Charles Sheppard of Sir Charles Gourmet Sauce (winner of 2014 Chili Challenge)

Massey Creek Farm & Savory Spice Shop

Meadows Family Farm

The Next Supper with chefs John Jones & Kerry Thomas

Pine Trough Branch Farm

Rothchild's Beef

Six Gunn's Farm

The Tea Huggers

Thyme Well Spent with Lynn Wells

Weatherhand Farm with Steve Caldwell

The Chili Challenge is the market’s 2015 kick off fundraiser.  Held in January for the 4th straight year, the Chili Challenge invites customers to vote for their favorite chili, grab a recipe in preparation of the upcoming Super Bowl (or simply to fight off the cold winter months), and experience the vibrant winter market.

Admission for the event is $5.00, which includes tasting of all 10 chili dishes along with a cornbread side prepared by Feebert’s Bakery, a daily market vendor and Grits Crackers by market vendor, Pat Koegl.

Proceeds will benefit the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market.

The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market operates year round on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and seasonally, (mid-April thru Dec.) on Wednesday 8 a.m. to 1 pm.

About the Market

The Greensboro Farmers Market, Inc. (GFM) operates the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on behalf of the City of Greensboro. GFM is a “501c3” nonprofit.

GFM provides greater Greensboro with opportunities to purchase and learn about local food and setting. GFM encourages and supports the growth of local foods and artisan goods businesses to improve greater Greensboro’s economy, support better health through healthy eating and build social and community connections.

www.gsofarmersmarket.org

- A Press Release

It's Right Here! Downtown Venues Stay Open for First Friday Jan. 2 to Showcase the Local Creative Community

"Greensboro, N.C. – The public is invited to discover Downtown Greensboro and its creative community on Friday, January 2, 2015. First Friday is a self-guided walking tour of Downtown Greensboro’s galleries, shops and alternative venues that participate with specially programmed arts events with extended hours (until 9:00pm) on the first Friday of every month. Look for green balloons outside of venues to denote First Friday participation. All events are free and scheduled from 6:00pm to 9:00pm unless otherwise noted. First Friday is a collaborative program led by Downtown Greensboro Inc. in partnership with ArtsGreensboro. For further information and to see who's participating, visit First Friday on the DGI website at http://downtowngreensboro.net/explore/first_friday/. Join DGI’s Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/DowntownGreensboro) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/downtowngso) pages for updates." - A Press Release

Downtown Greensboro Incorporated Names Cyndy Hayworth as Director of Operations

"Downtown Greensboro Incorporated (DGI), an economic development organization, has named Cyndy Hayworth as its new Director of Operations. Ms. Hayworth, who is currently the President/CEO of Junior Achievement of Central North Carolina, will be charged with managing ongoing projects and operations supporting DGIs' strategic priorities rooted in business and economic development of the center city. "We are excited to welcome Cyndy to DGI. Her past experience is exemplary and we look forward to her leadership in driving DGI's priorities" noted Jason Cannon, President & CEO. "With this addition to the DGI team, it further strengthens our ability to meet the needs of our organization and our constituents." “DGI is very excited to have an experienced professional such as Ms. Hayworth with a proven track record to contribute to the success of Downtown Greensboro Inc.” said Gary Brame, 2015 Chair, DGI Board of Directors.  “With Ms. Hayworth’s great contacts and relationships already established in the center city, we look forward to her coming on board.” Before joining DGI, Ms. Hayworth oversaw all operations for Junior Achievement of Central North Carolina, where she was challenged with reorganizing the organization and developing a plan to preserve the 122 year-old Starmount Farmhouse that was gifted to Junior Achievement in 1998. While at Junior Achievement, she was recognized for her ability to pull together executive level board members and collaborate with all players involved to see a task to completion. Prior to Junior Achievement of Central North Carolina, she worked for Weaver Investment Company as Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Board. She and her husband, along with their cat Hope, reside in Greensboro, NC." - A Press Release

Downtown Business Owners Collaborate with Downtown Greensboro Inc. to Launch New "Let's" Campaign

"Downtown Greensboro, Inc., in collaboration with downtown businesses and Qub, will be launching its new awareness campaign, “Let’s”, designed to refresh and evolve downtown Greensboro’s image. The proposed campaign will communicate a cool, cosmopolitan, and vibrant urban center destined to attract, re-engage and retain participants.           The first incarnation will be focusing on “Play” and will celebrate local dining, entertainment, culture, and retail in downtown Greensboro. The campaign will use psychographics instead of demographics and will highlight generational and ethnic diversity while promoting local businesses including restaurants, museums, galleries and shops. Various downtown businesses have donated the majority of their services to create, produce and execute this campaign. These businesses include Qub, Ink Photography Productions, Locke Management and Salon Medusa. “It’s time for Greensboro to have confidence in itself,” says Eric Robert, owner of Qub and project lead on the campaign. “The time has come for us to stop trying to emulate other cities and finally realize that we can be cool on our own terms. We have a lot to offer and it is imperative for us to raise our production value and overall creativity to support the large investments currently underway in our center city.”  Jason Cannon, President & CEO of Downtown Greensboro, Inc., said:  “DGI is excited to be bring Downtown a new brand identity that speaks to all the things that make our Center City a great place for entertainment and leisure. We envision this new marketing package to be a unique visual showcase of Downtown Greensboro’s strengths.”   The campaign is set to launch locally via social media and area publications later this year before launching statewide. Robert hopes to be able to create future iterations of the campaign, which will emphasize downtown’s other unique attributes." - A Press Release