Woods Talk Music and Arts Festival is Saturday

Volunteers have been working hard these last weeks to make certain Unity Spiritual Center's seventh annual Woods Talk Music and Arts Festival is the best ever.

The outdoor musical extravaganza starts at noon Saturday and runs until 8 p.m., and is sure to have a little something for everyone.

Past events have attracted up to 200 people, and this year's festival is expected to be well-attended.

"We've got a great show planned," said Julie Croteau, the center's musical director and mastermind of the event. "You'll get eight power-packed hours of positive music, with everything from rock 'n' roll, Celtic, pop, country, classics, folk and chanting."

Between main acts, expect to be entertained by a variety of performances including belly dancing, a chi gong demonstration and solo guitarists. As for the headliners, if you haven't heard of Megon McDonough, she toured with John Denver in the '70s and has recorded 12 CDs. She also founded a hit folk group called The Four Bitchin' Babes.

Whether or not you've got any Scottish blood in your veins, the Inland Northwest band Nine Pint Coggies will stir your soul, and you'll find your feet twitching even if you're still working on that homemade ice cream, one of the many treats available from the food court.

Other musical contributors include Unity's own star vocalist, Julie Croteau, Pamela Van Kirk, local multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, and Gary Edwards, who sings and plays the guitar, writing music in many genres including symphony.

Drums of Unity, which also performs outreach work in local nursing homes, will be sharing their distinctive rhythm, and all musical acts perform on a fully equipped outdoor stage. Every presentation is appropriate for all ages.

"What I enjoy about our festival is the wonderful selection of musicians and the community spirit generated through positive, uplifting lyrics and melodies. It's lively, danceable, singable and just makes you feel good," said Unity Spiritual Center's Reverend Deidre Ashmore.

A variety of hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind items by local artisans will be on display and available for purchase.

Imagine kids running around with balloons and puppies on strings; the weather is usually gorgeous, and there's no charge for the ongoing concert.

Don't miss this great opportunity to enjoy feel-good music, fill your belly with delicious food, and maybe get your kids decorated with colorful face paint so they can revel in a new version of themselves on a perfect summer day.

Info: 664-1125