Fringe Fest 2022
Friday August 19th, 5-9PM
Main Street between Washington and Alfred, Biddeford, ME
Always free and open to the public, this arts festival invites unfettered expression to downtown Biddeford. Ecologically, edges are where diverse beings, elements, and energies meet to make new things possible. Biddeford Fringe, like other fringe arts festivals across the world, features experimental performances and exhibitions, elevating those at the edges.
We set our evening festival alight on Main Street, and invite folks of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to our our creative community together to share, make, and create together.
Come listen! share! move! reflect! make something with your hands! meet a new neighbor or friend! and reconnect the power of arts and gathering together to inspire our belonging and hope for our collective futures.
Schedule details will be released soon, and will feature:
GEM CITY SUMMER OF HEAT MUSIC STAGE: Leading the Main Stage at Shevenell Park, The GEM CITY collective is a dynamic, eclectic group of performing artists and creators, featuring Genius Black, Suzie Assam, TinyFoot, KevCoast, Drell, Shameek the God, lyendae, and Angelikah Fahray.
DANCE, MOVEMENT & CIRCUS ARTS: Biddeford Movement Map debuts new work sharing the stories of our community through dance; fire spinners return; visiting artists Almanac Circus Theater via Subcircle Residency; and HYDRA Art Collective brings circus fun!
IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCES: A new PortL is opening in Biddeford, are you ready?
INTERACTIVE ARTMAKING FOR ALL AGES: Join Engine, Art Bus, Hydra Art Collective, Bike Part Art, Studio Chickadee, the Art Certificate Program, McArthur Library, Drift & Wander Boutique, and more for interactive activities for all ages!
ARTWALK: Check out the work of more than 30 artists and businesses sharing their work
FOOD & BEVERAGE: Cobbler from Pepperell Provisions and food available for purchase from Vicky’s Veggie Table, in addition to many downton businesses offering indoor and outdoor dining as well as take-out options.
FUELED BY IGNITE
This year we are thrilled to fuel the work of GEM CITY, Maine Music Collectivo, and Forging Commons this year through our new Arts Buinses Incubator IGNITE. These projects have received technical consulting and entreprenuership education through our partnerships with UMaine Foster Center for Innovation, the Small Business Administration, and others to support their important work at the intersection of arts and social impact. Fringe Fest contributes directly to a vibrant economy here in Biddeford.
FRINGE FEST PARTNERS
Fringe Fest is not possible without Heart of Biddeford, the City of Biddeford, University of New England, many local businesses, artists and collaborators, and we are so grateful for their ongoing support. River Jam follows Fringe Fest on Saturday August 20th, and we invite you to join us.
GEM CITY SUMMER OF HEAT MUSIC STAGE
Leading the Main Music Stage at Shevenell Park, fueled by our new Arts Business Incubator IGNITE, The GEM CITY collective is a dynamic, eclectic group of performing artist and creators. We create songs, visuals, and experiences designed to entertain and connect. We can’t wait to share our music with you! And GEM CITY 2 – the album.
We are going to peacock our feathers on the Shevenell Park stage. The whole crew will bring live performances throughout the evening, some individually, and some as a collaborative group!
See and hear Suzie Assam, and TinyFoot perform beautiful acoustic pieces – and bounce with Drell, Iyendae, Shameek the God + as we drop the bangers later. Can’t forget KevCoast who is blessing the stage with multiple songs from his brandy new album, Hibiscus Samurai (available everywhere). So much amazing orignal music from the GEM CITY collective, mixed with street festival art and performances. Something for everybody y’all! Witness the new single “In It To Win It” performed for the first time. Vibe with Genius Black as he shares stories of the creative process, and the magical moments that become our favorite songs! And we locked in the iconic DJ NicLuis to set the tone and turn up the party. Nothing but the best.
We have a special treat for you: Angelikah Fahray is bringing her crew and the sweet sounds that I know you will fall in love with! Goosebumps on deck. This is the Summer show to catch!
We are going to light up Biddeford! GEM CITY SUMMER OF HEAT, fueled by IGNITE!
Genius Black
Genius Black is a rapper, music producer, entrepreneur and social innovator residing in South Portland, Maine. Born into an analog world that became digital, he evolved with it – bringing along the best aspects of each world. Genius Black’s musical compositions are fresh and classic all at the same time. Naturally a storyteller and motivator, he focuses on collaboration and production as a crafts. Genius is a member and curator of the GEM CITY collective, as well as the proprietor of Genius Black LLC, which houses the business functions of GEM CITY. Genius studied Africana Studies at Bowdoin College, focusing on writing and cultural studies. He was a founding co-director of Black Owned Maine, a social justice-based non-profit, until leaving in March of 2022 to pursue Genius Black LLC. Aside from business pursuits, Genius is a mentor, grant writer, photographer and digital content creator – as well as a proud board member of Portland Media Center.
Suzie Assam
Suzie is a Maine-based vocalist and songwriter, currently living and working in the Portland
area. While she finds herself most at home in the indie/alternative soul/folk genres, her
self-described “weepy guitar songs” are just a small sampling of her body of work. From
lending her voice to R&B and Hip Hop hooks, to belting her heart out in a variety of musical
theatre performances, Suzie’s mission remains the same: to foster connection through music.
Follow Suzie Assam on Insta | Email
TinyFoot
TinyFoot is an artist and musician residing in Brunswick, Maine. They are inspired by opportunities for musical collaboration, social improvement and general wellness – transcending racism, implementing sustainable agriculture, respecting human nature, cooperating in commerce, and minimizing artificial inputs. TinyFoot also curates merchandise and supports GEM CITY as a music administrator. Musical inspirations are Jack Johnson, Erykah Badu, Fela Kuti, and Dispatch, amongst others.
Follow TinyFoot on Insta | Email
KevCoast
KevCoast’s approach to musical talents: “release all of your emotions & be true”. KevCoast is a vocalist and songwriter from Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas, US Virgin Islands. He was raised in Carrolton, Georgia, and West Palm Beach, Florida – now residing in the state of Maine. KevCoast’s unique sound flows through memorable melodies and lyrical flourishes, grounded in Soul, R&B, Southern Hip Hop, & a splash of Reggae. Housed at WAV Pool Records based out of Rochester, NY KevCoast has released 2 EP projects – with an imminent July 13th album release of Hibiscus Samurai. These projects are exclusively produced by WAV Pool Records co-founder Marshall ‘M3’ Manuel. Coast is also a foundational member of the GEM CITY collective, releasing curated songs and artistic collaborations through the platform. He also co-designed the GEM CITY logo and supports GEM CITY as a stylist and model. Follow KevCoast on Insta
Drell
Originally from Connecticut, Drell is a multifaceted artist with influences in his music from his times living in Boston, Atlanta and Miami.
He has worked with many emerging producers and artists and rocks venues with his high energy and charismatic stage show. Drell also designs merchandise and supports GEM CITY as a business consultant.
Shameek the God
Born Timothy Faust in Portland, Maine, Shameek The God came up exploring martial arts. He has also honed his writing and performance crafts over 20 years. His first album was “God Complex”, released in 2015. He focused on Lyrical delivery, and creative exploration of HipHop. His next project was “Sleeping Giant”, focusing on collaboration and driving, gritty sound fields. Peace.
Follow Shameek the God on Insta | Email
Angelikah Fahray
Portland’s beloved soul-jazz, alternative R & B songstress and singer, Angelikah Fahray, has cemented her place as one of Maine’s fastest rising stars. In her short time on the scene she has performed at some of the area’s largest venues and is quickly gaining an army of fans with her unique brand of sultry, yet tempered and sophisticated songwriting. She has been featured on the cover of the Portland Press Herald and on Newscenter Maine (WCSH), to name short few. Vocally, Fahray is a tour de-force, weaving effortlessly between dynamic extremes, often soaring, and just as much soft, and intimately engaging.
Art Bus
Welcoming back fan favorite: Nick Blunier of Common Roots is bringing back his Art Bus now fully decked out for mobile artmaking for all ages! Last year you helped us paint this bus. This year join us for free creative arts activities for all, including the little ones!
Biddeford Movement Map
A new project supported by the Maine Arts Commission by Hannah Haines with collaborators Jacqui DeFrança and Kelsie Steil, Biddeford Movement Map is a collection of virtual and live movement based events and offerings that explore the history and development of Biddeford, ME. Photo by Max Auger. These site specific performances will engage with the sidewalk and Engine’s storefront gallery space.
Almanac Dance Circus Theatre
Alamnac Dance Circus Theatre is an award-winning, Philadelphia-based, contemporary circus company dedicated to original works of genre-defying art. Visiting artists at Subcircie Residency this week, we are thrilled that Ben Grinberg and Darren Rabinowitz will be with us to share their work The Grind. Photo by John Hawthorne.
IGNITE: Forging Commons Hill Street Mural Project
Forging Commons is gathering resources for a new public art project launching at River Jam, Saturday August 20th. Learn more about Rebecca Cote and the Hill Street Mural Project, led by Biddeford youth.
IGNITE: Alejandro Graciano | Maine Music Collectivo
Banded Brewing is excited to welcome @alejandro_graciano_music to our space next Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 for an interactive music performance during Fringe Fest! Alejandro will perform Latin and African inspired blues songs and bring a variety of instruments from all over the world for people to learn about and play. This event is free to attend for all ages and we strongly encourage families to come be part of the experience.
About Alejandro: Alejandro Graciano was born in the South Pacific Coast of Mexico where the rhythms of Cumbia, Merengue, Boleros, and Corridos (Mexican ballads), filled the air. Trumpet, guitars, bass, drums, and accordions were part of everyday life. It is from these roots that Alejandro fell in love with music and musicianship.
At fifteen years old he immigrated with his family to the United States. Settling in the central coast of California in the 90’s, Alejandro faced the adversities that came with being a non-English speaking dark-skinned Latino teenager. He quickly navigated his new culture by watching videos on MTV & VH1, and grew an appreciation for Western music, especially rock and rap.
After high school, Alejandro bought his first guitar from the local flea market after deciding to become a musician. At this time, he also discovered Capoeira, a Brazilian Martial Art Dance, which helped him gain an appreciation for performance, syncopation, world music, and self-awareness about being Afro-Mexican.
Alejandro found the blues one day when he walked into a music store and saw a video of Ali Farka Touré playing his guitar. Touré’s music and guitar playing was unorthodox and raw, it felt like a revelation to him.
By bringing together all of his many musical influences, Alejandro has developed his own style of guitar playing. Mixing Latin and African blues music with original poetry, Alejandro shares a unique form of self-expression and storytelling with the world.
HYDRA & Friends Street Side Circus
Hydra and Friend’s Fringefest Street Side Circus, will feature firespinners, live print demos, and more, hosted by HYDRA Art Collective!
Compass Project
Check out the latest work from Engine’s Compass Project Youth in collaboration with the Biddeford High School, Alternative Pathways Center, Chase Small Craft, and the Landing School. Talk to Justin-Rose Desper, our youth programs lead, about the process of creating life changing experiential education programs as part of Engine’s core mission.
Make Your Own Biddo Shirt
Bring a t-shirt to print on and head to Studio Chickadee’s Booth to print your own Biddo Shirt!
Studio Chickadee will have a number of Biddeford inspired prints for sale to share in the love of the architecture, birds, and more of our city!
August ArtWalk
More than 40 artists will be showcasing their work and offering free creative activities as part of our August ArtWalk, extended to coincide with Fringe!
Flourish – Arts as Sacred Healing will bring additional musicians and performing artists to cocreate the festival atmosphere alongside our other performing artists on Main Street.
FRINGE ARTWALK ON MAIN BETWEEN WASHINGTON & ALFRED
You’ll find these artists and organizations on the street, along with several storefronts joining us at the center of the Fringe Fest!
- The Art Certificate Program at 148 Main Street is a collaborative art studio, showing diverse work by several artists, sharing a creative activity with our community. Their gallery is open 5-7PM.
- Alex Groblewski | AVG Pottery, functional pottery
- Bike Part Art | Ann Thompson Metalsmith, Hands-on creative activities for all ages, Metalwork & Upcycled Accessories
- Carolyn DeRoo, Abstract and Contemporary Paintings
- Christina Pakus, Fluid art and resin work for your home & body
- Biddeford Vintage Market at 165 Main Street showcasing a variety of artist booths.
- Buni Faye, Hand painted art and handmade jewelry
- Cheri Haire – Home decor, jewelry, and accessories
- City Theater sharing information upcoming performances and volunteer opportunities.
- Common Roots Studio at 165 Main St (entrance on Washington St) showcasing a variety of artists!
- Eat Dirt Taste Life: handmade prints, clothes, patches and stickers by multimedia artist and farmer Delaney Ziegman. A love letter to manual labor and a more sustainable future.
- Drift & Wander Boutique will bring fun terrarium kits from their usual 20 Alfred St storefront
- Flourish – Arts as Sacred Healing at 140 Main St showcasing a variety of artists!
- Gaia Ayres – Digital prints & stickers
- Ksenia Smart
- Kyle Binnette – Oil and acrylic paintings, pastels
- Gloss Hair Parlor at 148 Main St
- Jaqueline Widmer, Grateful Dead on wood
- Kaleigh Brann Studio, photographs, prints, graphic design
- Kathryn West, Jewelry, painted boxes, crystals
- Hills & Trails at 140 Main Street showcasing a variety of artists’ work made in Maine
- Maya Schmidt, watercolor paintings
- Mary Berger, buttons and digital prints
- MacArthur Library offering hands-on creative activities!
- Nat Woolfe Studio – Hand printed linoleum block prints, zines, and other goods with queer, nature, and community focused messaging
- Project Emmersive – brings an interactive art experience, are you ready?
- Sophia Michael – prints and posters
- Travis Ranta, Lino prints, pen and ink, acrylic, and painted sunglasses
- Walt King Sticks A wide variety of wall clocks made by hand
- Wooven at 160 Main Street featuring a variety of handmade fiber home goods, clothing, and gifts
THE FRINGES OF THE FRINGE ARTWALK
Many artists, businesses and organizations that can gather on Main Street between Washington St and Alfred Street. There are still many artists and creative businesses open that evening and we encourage you to wander!
- Catherine Callahan, Pepperell Mill Building 18, unit 206, contemporary abstract paintings
- Color Sound Oblivion at 60 Washington St. A rad independent record store.
- Banded Brewing, 13-W, 32 Main St, Pepperell Center Mills, showcasing the work of Alejandro Graciano and Maine Music Collectivo, fueled by IGNITE! Come learn about various instruments from musicians in our community.
- Briar & Bone at 285 Main Street featuring Studio Chickadee‘s work on display!
- Just a Moment Gallery at 40 Main Street is run by nature photographer Stephen G. Maka, in Pepperell Mill.
- Mill Studio Arts, 2 Main Street, building 18, suite 104, A kid-centered art studio offering arts enrichment programming year round for artists of all ages.
- Nibblesford at 5 Washington Street, a variety of artisan goods made in Maine! In addition to the cheese. Don’t miss the cheese.
Biddeford Blooms
Check out the culmination of Engine’s year long Community Art Project, Biddeford Blooms, kicked off at Fringe 2021 by Festival Artist-in-Residence Sarah Haskell, with looms built by Compass Project volunteer Peter Anthony. Engine will dedicate this sculpture to the City of Biddeford as a celebration of our cultural heritage and many hands helping making a proud city rise through creativity. More than 250 residents of Biddeford helped bring this project to life through collaborative weaving.
FRINGE FEST 2022 MAP
FRINGE FEST SPONSORS
Biddeford’s Fringe Festival 2022 is made possible in part by the generous support of our sponsor Town & Country, and grant support from the Maine Community Foundation and the Onion Foundation.
Additional grant support from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, via their grants for artists, with letters of support from Engine as a presenting partner.
