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Corey Henry and The Treme Funktet, of New Orleans will keep it funky at Railroad Park during the music portion of the 2018 Railroad Music and Makers Festival April 7 in downtown Ruston. – Photo courtesy of Joshua Mitchell
RUSTON, La. — Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet, of New Orleans, La., and Dauzat St. Marie, of Los Angeles, Calif., will headline the second annual Railroad Makers and Music Festival April 7 in Ruston’s historic downtown district.
The festival will also feature bands The Good Paper of Rev. Robert Mortimer, of Greenville, Miss.; The Golddust Mannequins, of Monroe, La.; Rella, of Shreveport, La.; and Caleb Elliott, of Shreveport; and more than 100 regional makers as well as several local food trucks, said Joshua Mitchell, Railroad Fest’s founder.
“The festival is a celebration of the arts and culture of the region,” said Mitchell adding that the second year will bring new and exciting surprises. “It is a music and arts festival filled with activities and a fun experience for the whole family.”
The festival is comprised of two components: the Ruston Makers Fair and Music at Railroad Park.
The Makers Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Historic Fire Station and Sexton parking lots with the music portion running from 3-10 p.m. at Railroad Park.
The makers’ and artists’ work range from handmade jewelry, woodwork, apparel and paintings, while the music will vary from alternative, indie and rock ‘n’ roll.
“We have 140 makers this year with a wide variety of products and art,” Mitchell said. “You can find anything from paintings and sculpture to knit wears and wood products. Our makers come from all over the ArkLATex and beyond to share their passion in downtown Ruston. You can find something for anyone on your list.
“In addition to the fair, we have six amazing bands that will take the stage at Railroad Park that evening. Corey is a Jazz funk musician from New Orleans that tours frequently with New Orleans legends Galactic. And Dauzat St. Marie will come back home to play a performance everyone will enjoy.”
Mitchell said Railroad Fest, sponsored by Dr. Navneet Sharma of Green Clinic and Hampton Inn of Ruston, is a family-friendly event where everyone is encouraged to come enjoy the “beautiful” downtown Ruston.
“This is a special event every year and there isn’t another time to catch all of these talented artists in one place like this,” Mitchell said. “As Ruston’s first music festival, this is a great opportunity to fully enjoy the new stage at Railroad Park. There will be plenty of activities and games for the kids and big kids to enjoy. Devine Wine and Spirits and The Keg Package will be serving adult beverages on Park Avenue. There will also be food trucks set up on Park Avenue.”
The Makers Fair portion will be free, Mitchell said. However, the entry fee to Music at Railroad Park is $8.
Anyone is welcome to volunteer for the festival and receive free admission. Those interested can email railroadfestival@gmail.com. Follow updates on Railroad Makers and Music Festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.