THE FESTIVAL
The 7 th Avenue Heritage Festival is a celebration of the unique culture and entrepreneurial spirit of what was one of Columbus' most highly profiled business and entertainment districts. African-American entertainers of that era were allowed to play almost anywhere, but as they traveled and performed throughout the south, “Jim Crow Laws”, however, mandated that those same entertainers stay in “Colored” hotels. In its heyday, Seventh Avenue's Queen City Hotel hosted such entertainment royalty like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fats Domino, B.B. King and Little Richard. In an effort to embrace the rich history of Seventh Avenue, the 7 th Avenue Festival began 25 years ago.
In the past, the festival has honored extraordinary African-American women throughout the community and has headlined national recording artists. The 2006 7th Avenue Heritage Festival was a two day event featuring the smooth R&B sounds of Lenny Williams. The festival fostered a spirit of harmony, fellowship and self pride by hosting cultural events for the entire family.
This year's festival will headline one of the premier rhythm & blues vocalist, Bobby “Blue” Bland. Mr. Bland, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and a Grammy Award winner, has hypnotized audiences all over the world with his famous combinations of guttural growls, snorts and soulful deliveries.
The 2007 7th Avenue Heritage Festival promises to be the biggest and best, thus far.
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EVENTS
The Seventh Avenue Heritage Festival will include a regional softball tournament. This tournament includes teams from Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama and parts of Arkansas and is sanctioned by the American Softball Association (ASA). The tournament will be held October 5 th and 6 th in Propst Park.
This year's main act is slated to be the Grammy Award-Winner, legendary Bobby “Blue” Bland. Because of the popularity of this year's main act and because this is a FREE festival, we expect crowds between 15,000 and 20,000.
Includes a host of regional and local musical entertainment which will include Jazz, R&B, Contemporary, and Gospel artist.
The Seventh Avenue Festival offers fun for the entire family. “Kidsville” is set up for children to have free fun in a secure environment. It normally operates from the hours of 11am until 5pm.
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VENDORS Download Vendor Application
An array of food Vendors from abroad will provide a wide variety of various foods which offer a taste of “Southern Hospitality”.
Vendors will also be allowed to display a host of
goods and souvenirs.
Vendors, when applicable, will be encouraged to provide information to the community regarding health, jobs, education, and development within the community.
Download Vendor Application |
