Celebrating Greenbelt's 7th Annual Green Man Festival

With the almost-constant coverage of the details of the death of the world's most wanted terrorist, I couldn't think of a better weekend to hold the Green Man Festival, a celebration of life. 

Greenbelt's seventh annual Green Man Festival is a celebration of the city's commitment to preserve its forests and honor Earth by choosing wisely and acting locally.

Held at the Roosevelt Center, people came to the Green Man Festival to peruse arts and crafts, listen to music and connect with fellow Greenbelters. Whether you wanted plants for your garden, a new tie-dye T-shirt, wonderful-smelling homemade soap or a beautiful necklace, you found that and more at the festival, along with jamming musical and dance performances.

This was my third year attending the Green Man Festival. The weather was just right as I wandered the Roosevelt Center checking out the vendor tables, conversing with fellow festival-goers, petting random dogs (I just can't help myself) and eating an amazingly good sampler from the vegan Caribbean stand.

As far as the entertainment goes, I was mostly interested in the dance performances.

Saturday, I checked out the Alight Dance Troupe. Believing that the body is the most articulate storyteller, Alight blends dance, physical theater and spoken word to communicate to the audience. Through interpretive movement, they shared wonderful stories as their coordinated bodies moved, twisted and leaped into the air.

Located right here in Greenbelt, the Alight Dance Theater is a dynamic community of collaborative artists who work together to create visually striking, emotionally resonant performances. And that they did.

Check out Alight's website to learn more or to find out how to join the troupe.

I returned to the Green Man Festival on Sunday to check out the Akoma Drummers, a diverse group of drummers, percussionists, singers and dancers whose music ranges from traditional West African beats and rhythms to funk to D.C.'s very own go-go.

As soon as I walked over to the festival and saw the stage lined with various percussion instruments, I knew I was in for a treat. And I was right. The Akoma Drummers had wonderful energy and engaged the audience as the crowd of dancers in front of the stage continued to grow. It was a beautiful sight to see as people let loose and let the music envelope them.

Check out the Akoma Drummers Facebook page to learn more about them.

After the exciting Akoma drumming jam and dance session, I walked over to the Sunrise Catering food stand to my grub on. They were at last year's Green Man Festival; I was hoping they would be back this year. I got the sampler which included sweet and sour "chicken," vegan mac and cheese, fried broccoli, mixed rice, curried vegetables and fried plantain. Even carnivores would have a hard time resisting their tasty meat-free meals. If you didn't get a chance to try their food or you did and you're craving more, you can visit their restaurant located at 107 Kennedy Street in Northwest D.C.

I ended my Green Man Festival weekend with some henna by Crystalooneys Creative Arts which came out beautifully. As I type this post, I do so delicately so as not to disrupt my henna design as it dries. 

I had a wonderful time at this year's festival.

Till next year, Green Man Festival.

Peace and love.
Nicole