Dunn Meadow will be filled with the sound of music Sept. 26 during Lotus in the Meadow, a free concert in collaboration with the Indiana Memorial Union and the Lotus Education & Arts Foundation.
Following the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival kickoff concert at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Rosegirl will set the mood for the evening as people congregate from 8:15 to 8:45 p.m. in Dunn Meadow.
Huckleberry Funk will begin the opening set at 9 p.m., with featured band 47Soul to follow. The event will also offer food trucks and free hot air balloon rides.
47Soul is a Jordan/Palestinian band that specializes in Shamstep, a form of Middle Eastern electronic music that melds traditional Dabke music — typically associated with Arabic folk dance — with electronic instruments and beats. According to its website, the band’s lyrics, which combine English and Arabic, and musical style call for a sense of celebration and freedom in the struggle for equality.
In the festival’s 26th year, the Lotus Education & Arts Foundation is focused on bringing multicultural experiences and international creative outlets to Bloomington.
The goal of Lotus is to select performers of "the highest standards of musicianship and professionalism," according to the organization's website.
“Lotus is distinguished among festivals by not relying on ‘headliners,’ but rather presenting a non-hierarchical mix of performers and prioritizing discovery and inspiring encounters with the new and often unfamiliar," its website reads.
From large outdoor spaces perfect for dancing to churches and other quiet, intimate areas, the festival will spread across multiple venues around Bloomington. Attendees can purchase a ticket giving them access to all sections of the festival, but free activities are also available, including an arts village, workshops and select performances.
The schedule of events for the four-day celebration this weekend can be found here under the “festival” tab.
