By Josh Lyford

Worcester’s homebrewed Open Road Festival returns this year for its second iteration. Marcus Ohanesian and his group of handpicked and crucial local supporters spearheaded the event that Ohanesian describes as an “earth friendly music and arts festival.” While the event may be a music festival, the Green vibe and the artists’ presence by no means take a back seat.

The live music, performed both on a main stage and an acoustic side stage, will feature local acts including The Alchemystics, Herra Terra, Gamble and Burke, Golden Spurs, Art Decade, Jazz Train, Jabooda, What, Uncle Billy’s Smokehouse, Dave Magario, Tom Cadrin and more. The music is both eclectic and majorly Central MA. Ohanesian knew that “Worcester needed its own festival” and he was inspired to “…bring the area’s music and creative arts together.”

Judging by last year’s turnout, this year’s event should be a great time. With kid-friendly activities like The Vegetable Circus, a healthy-living group of performers that include stilt-walkers, and with vendors ranging from tattoo artists and magicians to illustrators and poets with an eco-friendly theme to back it all up, it is easy to see while this event will be one to remember ~ and is one worth supporting.

The Open Road Festival is a constant work in progress. Ohanesian explains that while he “…wants to keep building the festival naturally and not make any huge jump,” he also wants to continue adding new activities and hopes that “…people get really excited and look forward to seeing what happens in the future.” He also has the foresight to realize that each year is part of an ongoing learning experience. Because Ohanesian and company take chances and try new things as they move forward, they are quickly becoming seasoned pros.

The Open Road Festival will take place at Institute Park on 9/10/11. It begins at 11am and will run until 6pm. There will be variety of organic food available from area retailers, including EVO, and a portion of all the proceeds go to The Joy of Music Program. Check OpenRoadFestival.com for tickets and continuously updated musician and festival information.

Pictured above: Marcus Ohanesian (center) and crew at last year’s festival.