54th annual Summer Arts Festival opens gates Friday
Written by Press Release on June 20, 2023
Roseburg, Or., — Beneath a summer sky, nearly one hundred artists and entrepreneurs gather each year amid the trees to connect over their love of quality goods as well as share their work with the public. Musicians and dancers take the stage, showcasing their talents for all to see, and local restaurants bring their fare outside, offering a mouthwatering array of treats and plenty of local beer and wine. This is the Summer Arts Festival, a true Roseburg tradition for over half a century. A weekend-long celebration of art, culture, and community.
ABOUT THE EVENT: For the past 54 years, Umpqua Valley Arts has hosted the annual Summer Arts Festival in Southern Oregon’s beautiful Fir Grove Park during the last weekend in June. This festival brings together an average of 12,000 people from across the Pacific Northwest for 3 days to celebrate art, culture, and community. From its humble beginnings in 1969 with one food vendor, a few local artists, the dream of one community member developed into the family-friendly festival we know and love today, featuring: Over 100 artist vendors; non-stop entertainment on two stages; a youth zone with FREE art experiences for festival youth; a food court with countless culinary experiences, along with local craft beer and wine; and incredible demonstrations by regional artists and makers!
“We are thrilled to continue this community summer tradition that not only puts a spotlight on arts and culture, but also drives tourism and economic impact to our amazing Umpqua Valley,” said Emily Brandt, UVA Executive Director.
Orchestrated by UVA staff and board, this inspiring event is made possible only by the support of over 150 community volunteers and generous sponsorships from local businesses. This community festival provides UVA with essential operations and programmatic funding which supports the organization’s mission-based arts education work in schools, professional development opportunities for artists, and cultural experiences throughout Douglas County. Bringing high-quality arts learning and appreciation opportunities to rural Oregon is essential to enhancing the health and vibrancy of current and future residents. Through the Summer Arts Festival, UVA is able to do just that.
“This weekend festival is a true celebration of our incredible community through arts and culture,” said UVA Community Outreach Director, Sarah Holborow. “Family-friendly, community inclusive events like Summer Arts Festival serve and strengthen our community today, and for many generations to come.”
The Summer Arts Festival runs from 10am-9pm on Friday, June 23rd; 10am-9pm on Saturday, June 24th; and 10am-4pm on Sunday, June 25th. UVA’s current operating hours, outside of special events like festival, are Tuesday-Friday, 10am-6pm. The public is welcome to visit the arts center and experience the exhibits free of charge. The current exhibit is the Artworks Northwest Biennial.
MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE – The festival Main Stage is sponsored by Orenco Systems
FRIDAY
3pm | JOANNE BROH BAND | A dynamic blend of smokin’ blues and R&B with a splash of soul
5pm | FUNK SHUI | We play fonk. Our shows go off.
7pm | MBRASCATU | immigrant dance music of Eastern Europe, psych rock, folk, to create a unique blend of sounds
SATURDAY
3PM | SOUL STRUCK | SoulStruck is a high energy 6 piece band who plays Funk, R & B, Rock
5PM | WIDESPREAD HAZE | rock n roll originals sprinkled with 50s/60s covers.
7PM | GLOBAL HEAT | Live band Soul/R&B, Funk, Pop & WorldBeat music performance
SUNDAY
12PM | JUNE CLIVAS & THE DITTY BOYS | Outlaw Country Rock band
2PM | TOB |TOB is a Funk / R&B / Soul / Motown show band
Festival entertainment will also feature Denver, Colorado juggler and comedian, Sam Malcolm, throughout all 3 days of festival. An international award winning performer, Sam Malcolm has combined natural talent and a desire to make people laugh with hard work and dedication to his craft. With his athleticism and affinity for anything ridiculous, it’s no wonder Sam has become one of the world’s top jugglers. His skeptical and curious nature combined with his sarcastic, witty sense of humor have made him an innovative and original stand-up comic. Pairing his contemporary comedy with jaw-dropping juggling skills, Sam performs with his whole body and soul and does whatever it takes to make each show into its own one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
About Umpqua Valley Arts: Umpqua Valley Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to art education, art appreciation, service to artists and art organizations, and service to the community through year-round arts and culture experiences. Currently entering its 52nd year of operations, UVA has played a primary role in local arts education program development and has led the path for cultural growth in our region. In 1979, the Arts Association and the City of Roseburg entered into a partnership arrangement to use the buildings in the Fir Grove Section of Stewart Park as a cultural center. A vital creative resource, this community nonprofit serves Douglas County community members through art education, gallery exhibits, special events, and more.
