Sun 10/15 @ 11AM-5PM
The annual two-day Hessler Street Fair, held on a brick-lined street in the heart of the Case Western Reserve campus that somehow escaped being devoured by encroaching development, was a vestige of the days when street festivals were spontaneous and grassroots and not sponsored by corporations, banks and foundations. Started in 1969, the event took a hiatus from 1984 through 1995, before returning for another 25-year run that sometimes felt as if time had stood still, so overrun was it with tie-dye and good vibes.
Unfortunately, the organizers announced in 2019 that that would be the final year and the pandemic the next year gave them no chance to renege.
This past spring the Grog Shop hosted an event called “An Ode to Hessler,” featuring some the bands and music the Hessler fair was known for — jam bands, reggae, folk — as well as the artisan vendors and activist group who gave the event its unique flavor.
Now there’s going to be Hessler Homecoming celebration, right ON Hessler Street, a mini version of the beloved festival, presented by the Hessler Neighborhood Association with the North East Ohio Musical Heritage Association.
Yes, of course the headlining act will be Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S. Band who always closed the later iterations of the event. Kicking things off at 11am will be blues singer/slide guitarist Austin Walkin’ Cane Charanghat. In between will be acoustic roots music group Bent String (noon), “folk-hop” duo The Baker’s Basement (1pm) and the new John McGrail Trio (2pm), featuring veteran local folksinger McGrail. There’ll be designated areas for jamming and very likely, neighbors vending food, ice cream and lemonade on their porches.
Admission is, of course, free.
Cleveland, OH 44106
One Response to “Mini-Hessler Street Fair Returns to the Street”
Hank Wait
That was a great day. Wet but still great