Clayton News Daily

By Joel Hall

jhall@news-daily.com

This weekend, the City of College Park will host what is being publicized as the "leading indoor music festival in metro Atlanta."

On Saturday, Sept. 6, the second annual College Park Cityfest will take place at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) starting at 6:30 p.m. Expected to draw 3,000 to 5,000 people, the festival will feature several notable jazz, funk, Motown, and Rhythm and Blues artists, local radio hosts, a health fair, and many activities for children and families.

Gerald Walker, public information officer for College Park, said the free event has developed a following. Art Terrell of KISS 104.1 FM, as well as comedian Shedrick "Can I Vent" Garrett, will emcee this year's event. Musical performances will include "The Answer Band," a Motown, funk, and disco band; "Daysahead," a contemporary jazz group; and vocalist, Donnie Long.

Walker said the event will be "holistic," and address the needs of the community.

"There will be a number of free health screenings, and things of that nature, that will do more to benefit our citizens than just having a gala," said Walker. "This is a great event with a great cause and it brings the entire community together ... naturally, we wanted to do it again," said Walker.

Between 15 and 20 health care providers are expected to attend the festival and check for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and other ailments. There will also be information on healthy eating habits and several activities for children, including magic tricks, puppet shows, and inflatable jumping gyms.

Mercedes Miller, assistant executive director of the GICC, said the event will occur regardless of the weather.

"The good thing about it is that it is all on the inside," said Miller. "Usually, when they have events like this, they have it outside. I don't know of another event like this that is in the city."

Doors will open for the event at 6 p.m., on Saturday. Admission is free and food will be provided at a nominal fee. For more information, visit www.collegeparkga.com.