In its third year, music festival Bands Not Bombs expands its crowd appeal while staying true to its fund-raising, fun-raising roots.
“It’s a lot more than bands,” says Jacob Flowers, president of the Mid-South Peace & Justice Center, which organizes the event. In addition to the seven musical acts that will grace the corner of Cooper and Walker on Saturday — including local favorites the Magic Kids, Star & Micey, and newcomers Bake Sale — there are exciting things afoot.
Attendees will get to watch local bellydancing troupe Memphis Raqs, traditional performers Danza Azteca, and the captivating Firetribe Memphis, all while enjoying local food and drink. Flowers also promises “bouncy things” for the kids to play in. “We try to make it as open to all members of the community as possible, something that people of all ages can enjoy,” he says.
With a slew of sponsors and volunteers donating their time and efforts, the festival promises to marry fun and service in a way that benefits Memphis as a whole as well as the Peace & Justice Center. “We like to think of it as not just a fund-raiser for our center,” Flowers says. “It helps to get the word out about lots of organizations.”
The festival has grown in size as well as variety over the past three years, and Flowers hopes that Memphians — especially after the Memphis in May downpours — are ready to party. “It’s a day for people to come out and have fun,” Flowers says. “We’re hoping for a record year.”
BandS Not Bombs, Saturday, June 5th, 2-10 p.m., outside Lifelink Church, 1015 S. Cooper (rain location inside). Admission: $10, kids 12 and under get in free. For more information and a full schedule, visit midsouthpeace.org.
