Bouckaert Farm is a sprawling piece of property — about 8,000 acres of tucked-away tranquility about 25 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta.
This weekend, the former home of the TomorrowWorld EDM festival will be transformed into a hub of music and activism when the inaugural Many Rivers to Cross music and arts festival commandeers the property.
Three stages will be erected on a section of the farmland, and a high-profile lineup including Dave Matthews, Carlos Santana, T.I., Common, Public Enemy and Macklemore, as well as appearances from celebrities such as Chris Rock, Danny Glover and Jesse Williams (of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy"), will entice civic-minded fans for two days of music and discussion.
The festival is being produced by Sankofa.org , the social justice organization founded by Harry Belafonte (who will also appear — and plans to perform — during the Sunday night finale).
While conversations about injustice will likely spark during the weekend, Atlanta rapper T.I. plans to strike a balance.
“I don’t think I’ve had to put together a set as socially conscious and socially aware as this performance will have to be,” he said in a recent interview, “but it’s still going to be a good time.”
Attendees are encouraged to visit the Healing Justice Tent, which will feature practitioners who “specialize in the art of self-care and healing,” and can provide tips about meditation, yoga and other mind, body and spirit therapy practices.
Art installations will also be spread throughout the festival grounds, including works from artists such as Sophia Dawson, Brandan "B-Mike" Odums and Douglas Miles.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
If you plan to attend this weekend’s festival, here are some tips to help you navigate.
The Saturday lineup: Carlos Santana, T.I., Dave Matthews, Macklemore, Public Enemy, Angela Davis, Estelle, Jussie Smollett (of Fox's "Empire"), Robert Glasper and more.
The Sunday lineup: Aloe Blacc, Common, Ty Dolla Sign, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Goapele, closing performance featuring Harry Belafonte, John Legend, Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, Jesse Williams, Wanda Sykes, Sounds of Blackness, Dianne Reeves and more.
Location: Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Brown's Lake Road, Fairburn
Gates: Open at noon each day for general admission, 11 a.m. for VIP.
Tickets/wristbands: Can be purchased in advance at www.manyriversfestival.com or on site. A will call area will be stationed at the main gate. General admission tickets are $20 for a one-day pass and $40 for a two-day pass. VIP tickets are $200 for a one-day pass and $350 for a two-day pass. The festival is all ages; children ages 2 and younger are free.
Attendees will be allowed to exit and re-enter; however, they will be subjected to search prior to re-entry.
Parking: $20 for on-site parking. ADA parking (and restrooms) will be available. Parking opens at 9 a.m.
Food: More than 50 food vendors will be on site, with culinary offerings ranging from chicken and waffles to barbecue to fish and chips to Thai selections.
Prohibited items: Weapons, coolers, outside food and beverage (medication with proof of prescription, baby formula and baby food are exempted), pets (except service dogs).
Permitted items: Chairs and blankets. Early arrival is suggested, as area is limited.
FYI: ATMs will be on site; lockers will not.
Info: www.manyriversfestival.com
Check The Music Scene blog this weekend for coverage of the festival.
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