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Ashland World Music Festival Memorial Weekend 2021

Ashland World Music Festival

The Ashland World Music Festival will UNITE THE COMMUNITY WITH WORLD MUSIC FOR LOCAL FIRE RELIEF. This event is brought to you by Rogue World Music (RWM) and Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission (APRC). 
 
This Memorial Day Weekend, the Ashland World Music Festival (AWMF) invites the public to reconnect with community and culture in a conscious, yet innovative way, with all proceeds donated to the UNETE Farm Worker and Immigrant Family Fire Relief Fund. The festival features culture-bearing musical artists for the main stage and HeartBeat Stories in a live-stream concert (virtual only) on Friday, May 28, followed by a weekend of SoundWalks through Ashland’s park and city-scapes, Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31. Three different SoundWalks will combine festival music with specially-curated visual art installations along each route.

The main stage event and the HeartBeat stories will stream from the event website on Friday, May 28, 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., at RogueWorldMusic.org/AWMF or on the event Facebook page @ashlandworldmusicfestival. Please view the complete schedule

The SoundWalks will be available from Saturday, May 29, 6 a.m., through Monday, May 31, 7 p.m., and will be offered on three different self-guided routes:  
  • Downtown Ashland, including Lithia Park
  • Railroad District 
  • North Mountain Park 
Participants will be able to download or stream audio. For more information and to view maps for all three SoundWalks, visit the event schedule page. (Maps and more details available.) 

SoundWalks have become increasingly popular in cities such as New York, Montreal, LA and Portland as people seek ways to stay active, connected and inspired during the pandemic. The need for connection and renewal is answered by this hybrid cultural experience allowing folks to take a spring stroll at their own pace and comfort level while following the SoundWalks. Anyone in the world can stream the great collection of music and “Heartbeat” stories that distinguish the AWMF as an enthusiastic promoter of world music and culture.
  
“SoundWalks are curated, interactive auditory/visual experiences. By creating SoundWalks that connect our beautiful public spaces, installations of fantastic artistry, and incredible music, we intend to create a shared moment of hope and revitalization.” ~ Ana Byers, AWMF Program Director
 
The Festival’s revitalizing vision is shared by co-organizer Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission.
 
“Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission is thrilled to continue partnering with Rogue World Music in the 2021 Ashland World Music Festival. In spite of the challenges of this past year, the AWMF Steering Committee has been able to continue pursuing the vision of the festival by using creative approaches that uplift and rejuvenate the community.” ~ Lonny Flora, Recreation Manager, APRC
 
Festival stakeholders agree that it’s an energizing, well-crafted answer to the growing public need for connection and renewal. Since the SoundWalks will lead folks along downtown routes featuring visual art in available storefront windows, the Festival will encourage foot traffic through Ashland and encourage participants to visit and support local businesses.

This is AWMF's second fire relief festival for the Almeda Fire victims. The first one in November 2020 raised nearly $10,000, and the goal for the 2021 AWMF is to meet or exceed that amount, as great need still exists. 
 
Over 2,500 structures burned in the Almeda Fire and over 600 families are still without long-term shelter. In some cases, insurance payments for temporary shelter end after one year. FEMA temporary housing is behind schedule, with no move-in dates before the end of May, and some families are not even eligible. For those replacing a home, trailer or otherwise, the cost is far higher than the payout received. Ana Byers is also a Talent City Councilor and is working directly with these issues. 
 
Participation in all aspects of the Festival is FREE. Please consider contributing to the fundraiser for the Unete Farm Workers and Immigrant Families Fire Relief Fund. Contributions can be made at rogueworldmusic.org  Donations through RWM will qualify for a tax credit if matched with a gift to the Oregon Cultural Trust.
 
The Ashland World Music Festival is made possible with support from:
 
The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation
The Collins Foundation
The Oregon Arts Commission
The Oregon Cultural Trust
The Oregon Community Foundation
The Ashland Parks Foundation
Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission

Community Business Partners including:
  • Evergreen Federal Bank
  • Full Circle Realty
  • Legit Ship CBD
  • Southern Oregon PBS
Contact: Sophia Blanton
Marketing & Development Specialist for RWM & AWMF
541.200.9315
sophiablanton@rogueworldmusic.org 
rogueworldmusic.org
WALK * LISTEN * LOOK * CONNECT with Culture & Community
 

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