On May 16, residents and visitors are expected to flood Binghamton’s Washington Street to celebrate its first Binghamton Rising Block Party.
The event, which will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., will feature vendors, food and live music. It will be family-friendly, with plenty of offerings for kids including bounce castles and face painting — though entertainment will cover all ages, with games and activities offered for adults as well.
Admission is free. The Binghamton Rising Block Party features performances throughout the day, headlined by folk rock band Driftwood at 8 p.m.
Binghamton Rising to bring vendors, food and live music to downtown Binghamton
The event will take place on Washington Street between Hawley and Court streets, and is organized by Strange Brew Cafe and New Vine Inc.
According to Strange Brew Cafe co-owner Alex Bartashoff, the block party will serve both to show off downtown Binghamton’s vibrant community and start a new tradition.
“These events really serve to reflect the growth and revitalization that’s taken place downtown,” said Bartashoff. “By celebrating it and getting people to actually come see it, it’s a way to really build momentum and include people.”
Bartashoff said it will also serve to bring together different groups, namely residents of the Greater Binghamton area and Binghamton University students, who will be celebrating graduation the same weekend. Bartashoff said that if the party is enjoyed by the community, it could easily become a recurring event to bring people together and bridge the end of the school year with the start of the summer.
According to New Vine Inc. director John Ruttle, money will also be raised at the block party to support young artists who struggle to afford costs associated with music production. New Vine, a nonprofit organization founded in Ithaca, offers scholarships that provide instruments and lessons to young artists in need.
“Our primary initiative is to raise money to give young artists that can’t afford it an instrument and lessons for one year,” said Ruttle. “We believe that talent should not be limited by money.”
In addition to Driftwood, the event will feature performances by psychedelic rock band KidBess & The Magic Ring and Cast Iron Cowboys, a country western band, with a DJ providing tunes throughout the event.
Black Sheep Tavern and Strange Brew Cafe will be kicking off the event with an outdoor brunch party, which will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For brunch passes, visit either business starting May 8.
For a full artist lineup, list of vendors and participating businesses, visit the event’s Facebook page, which will be updated.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton Rising to bring live music, food and vendors to downtown
Reporting by Riccardo Monico, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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