Hot Times Festival

The 35th annual Hot Times Community Arts & Music Festival graced the corner of Parsons Avenue and Main Street in Olde Towne East this past weekend. Like ComFest, Hot Times is a magnificent celebration of community spirit and culture that’s organized completely by volunteers. This year’s festival offered three stages with 60 bands and performing art groups, children’s activities, poetry slams, drum circles, art cars, food vendors, a marketplace, visual artists, and eco-friendly demonstrations. My favorite part of this pre-autumn fete is its diversity. Genres of music ranged from reggae and jazz to folk and rock. Food items varied from smoked ribs and Jamaican jerk chicken to vegetarian burritos and vegan pizza. Attendees represented an array of ethnicities and walks of life. And yet one thing was beautifully clear: a sense of harmony through passion and unity. Click here for more photos.