Lex Headley, of the local duo Neville’s Quarter, feels proud to be a part of a community that, for over 20 years, has had an annual, free music festival.
“The Carrboro Music Festival is definitely one of our favorite places we play at. We credit this for its strong community feel,” she said. “[The festival is] proof that we live in a town that is so full of creativity and love for music all so blatantly in front of our noses with every step we take that day.”
This year’s festival took place from September 28-29, with nearly 200 musicians playing at 26 different venues in downtown Carrboro.
There was a small kickoff event at the Carrboro Commons on Saturday afternoon featuring various North Carolina songwriters.
“It’s been a tradition for a few years now,” a staff member working the event said. “Having the Town Commons and being able to kick the event off with something that is laid back, I think, is a really nice way to start it.”
The Cat’s Cradle hosted a free concert later that evening.
On Sunday, the event kicked into full swing. Main Street and Weaver Street were both blocked off as bands played in various venues, each just far enough from the other to ensure that the musicians didn’t drown each other out, while groups of people roamed the streets, enjoying the music.
The festival started 22 years ago and was originally part of the global Fête de la Musique, or World Music Day, held annually on the summer solstice.
“We all enlisted our friends to play. We got local businesses to sponsor it. Carrboro was one of only a handful of venues in the U.S.,” Jackie Helvey, a founding member of the Carrboro Music Festival Committee, said.
In 2002, organizers rechristened the event the Carrboro Music Festival, moving it from June to the last Sunday in September.
The event is put on by both the Carrboro Music Festival Planning Committee and the Town of Carrboro Recreation and Parks Department.
Performers noted the event attracts appreciative and receptive audience members.
“People wander over to you with great curiosity and an openness to be surprised, because everyone is so unique,” Brian Moyer of Neville’s Quarter said.
“It’s really scary to put yourself and your music out there, but the people who have come out have been really supportive,” Paul Hedeman of the Gone Ghosts, who played at the Station on Sunday, said.
Bands and musicians have always played for free, though Helvey encourages spectators to leave tips for the artists. “It’s the only payment they ever get,” she said.
