SCOTTSDALE--A one-man, barefoot, jam band is just one of several musical delights on tap at this weekend’s Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival, to take place at the Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
“I Am Hologram” plays a synthesizer and drum machine with his feet. The sounds he produces fuse the deep meditation of a didgeridoo and singing bowls with live electronics and energizing neo-tribal dance rthythms.
Another innovative act will be the Warshow Angels. Its frontman, vegan activist Kneel Cohn, has produced a CD and documentary film to benefit the Compassionate Farming Education Initiative. He will showcase exclusive tracks from an all-star line-up including Yoko Ono, Moby, The Pretenders, Princess Superstar, and more.
For a decidedly different musical experience, festival-goers can check out E Alo which features original made-from-scratch electronic instrumentals which are arranged and mixed on the fly.
Singer/songwriter Josh Beirman will give a high-energy performance infused with elements of rock, pop, and alternative music.
Dolphin House is a free-spirited collective of musicians and artists who will invite their audience to share in their musical and visual experience.
The Riley Ranbow Family Circus is an interactive presentation of magic, movement, song and dance. Other performers at the festival will include Jonathan Luther, Louis IV, and Foresteater’s Mikey Pro.
In addition to live entertainment, the festival will feature over 70 exhibitors, many of whom will offer free tasting samples of their vegan wares. Ruchi Indian Cuisine and Simon’s Hot Dogs are just two of the eateries on the roster.
There will also be cooking demonstrations from a dozen chefs including Fran Costigan and Jason Wyrick. Vegan athletes, physicians, motivational speakers, and animal rights activists will be among those presenting talks on the keynote Apple Stage.
Children’s activities, informal yoga classes, a charity raffle benefiting FARM, and various fitness activities will round out the festival.
The AZ Vegetarian Food Festival is presented by U.S. Veg Corp, a company which also produces the popular New York City Vegetarian Food Festival and the CA Vegetarian Food Festival.