Credit: Courtesy of Fresh Fest Cleveland
Best known for his wonky single “Just a Friend,” rapper and beatboxer Biz Markie currently DJs and performs in clubs and concert venues all over the world. He’ll come to Cleveland this fall to headline the inaugural Fresh Fest Cleveland that takes place from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Rid-All Farm and Otter Park, 26.5 acres of previously vacant and repurposed land in Cleveland’s Kinsman neighborhood.

Local acts such as Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S, Band, FreshProduce, the Katy and DJ Red-I will perform, and in addition to live music and DJ sets, the festival will feature art installations and hands-on art activities, chef tastings, a farmers’ market, local food and art vendors, health and wellness activities and workshops along with a kids zone.

The festival’s goal is “to celebrate the arts and urban agriculture, promote health and wellness, showcase fresh and local food, all while breaking down the barriers of this unified and fertile neighborhood and emphasizing cultural unity.”

There will be complimentary Lolly the Trolley rides to and from the event from secure designated festival parking lots.

Admission is free.

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This article appears in Jul 17-23, 2019.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.