The Sounds of Albion

The theme for this year's 44th annual Festival of the Forks is "Sounds of Albion, Part II." Festival-goers will discover that the confluence of our river symbolizes the flowing together of cultures as they partake of the wide-range of entertainment scheduled for the weekend. It all kicks off in 'oldies but goodies' style on Friday, September 17th at 5pm with the now-traditional Reunion Cruise-In, sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority, and Legend: The Band playing on Center Stage in the heart of downtown Albion. Stick around town for Saturday, and you'll find that while "a river runs through it," you don't need to. Simply stroll the friendly streets of the city that once a year invites us to sample the celebration of life that is Albion.

All day Saturday, September 18th, the "Sounds of Albion" will meet you on Superior Street -- no matter where you are along the historic bricks. At the Southern end of the street you'll find the Albion College Jazz Stage next to the Gardner House Museum. Farther up the street is The Anderson's Center Stage where you'll hear Albion native Paul Chatman playing an afternoon set alongside a diverse and equally talented lineup. Center Stage will end the night with Detroit neo-soul and funk stars Nadir & Distorted Soul. Even farther North is the Oaklawn International Stage where you can hear acts ranging from the world beat of award-winning Zebula Avenue, to the festive Caribbean dance music of Universal Xpression. Just a glance at the event calendar on this website is enough to help guide the flow of your weekend. After enjoying your choice of the Festival's fun, food and festivities, you can look back on this Forks experience with pride as another great celebration of Albion's unique diversity.

Festival Features Artist Martha O'Kennon

This year, the Festival of the Forks is proud to feature the art of local designer, artist, and mathematician Martha O'Kennon. Martha's work is whimsical and intricately detailed -- a train rolling up and down a hill as the sun sets and moon rises; a caterpillar that when cranked moves up and down a vine; a carousel with two children going 'round that is destined to become an Albion favorite (open the wooden doors beneath to reveal a black squirrel working the gears).

Martha's wooden automata are all based on her original designs. These lovingly crafted handmade toys are, however, not the only highlight of this Albion resident's oeuvre. Hand crafted dollhouses and furnishings, a clock, polymer clay beads and gourds, and decorative 3D stars are all part of this year's Invitational Art Show at the Albion District Library. When asked if willing to work on a 'commissioned' piece, Martha replied, "If somebody wants me to make something, I'll make it. I love a challenge."

Martha gives workshops at Books N' More during holiday times on how to craft the stars. Her 'Popup Delights' are more than delightful; they are a testament to thoughtful craftsmanship. During the year, you can find Martha's art brightening the display in the window of Albion Paint Spot. During the Festival weekend, you will find Martha's work alongside other wonderful local artists at the Albion District Library on the corner of W. Porter and Superior Streets from 6-8pm on Friday, and 10am-4pm on Saturday.