Soofy & the Walrus

The Mayfair Festival of the Arts has a new location this year. But the festival's commitment to showcasing local artists and musicians has not changed, says festival executive director Arlene Daily.

"All the components (that were) at Cedar Beach (Park), we're going to have in the new location," Daily says.

This year's event, which opens today and runs through Monday, takes place on the west end of the Allentown Fairgrounds. The festival was previously held at Cedar Beach Park, also in Allentown. During a February news conference announcing the location switch, Daily said the move logistically made sense for patrons, performers and vendors. She said organizers started scouting the new location last October.

Daily assures festival goers that despite the new surroundings, all of the popular attractions will still be in place — including the Artist Market, KidSpace and three stages for live music and performances. In addition, the new "Mayfair Village" setup will provide both outdoor and climate-controlled indoor spaces.

"The location is more compact, so it's going to be easier to walk around," Daily says.

And yes, the Farmers Market will be open for its normal business hours.

Because of the available interior space, Daily says, the Artist Market will feature new vendors and returnees from previous festivals. The market will feature a variety of art, including fiber arts, spinning, sewing, weaving, pottery and painting.

"The local artists I've been talking to are really excited about the new space," Daily says.

Daily says the members of the Mayfair Artists Council will also feature works on-site — a first for the festival — and there will be site-specific, installation art created and displayed throughout the weekend.

"We were trying to come up with a better balance," Daily says. "(Mayfair) started as a visual arts festival ...Over the years, the visual component kind of shrunk. This year, we're trying to boost the visual component."

The music portion of the festival will feature primarily local bands and musicians. A touring national act was not booked for this year's festival, Daily says; instead, organizers wanted to focus on bringing in local acts who have had national exposure, including a headlining set tonight by Bethlehem-based pop-punk band Sandlot Heroes.


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Singer Sebastian Rivera performs Sunday at Mayfair.
Courtesy Photo

A wide swath of genres will be represented this weekend, from roots rock and jazz to swanky lounge music. Other scheduled acts include WhiskeyHickon Boys, Dave Fry, James Supra, BC Combo, Large Flowerheads, Main Street Cruisers, Sarah Ayers, Midnight Shift, Eric Mintel Quartet, Soofy and the Walrus, Dina Hall, School of Rock Bank Street Band, Jesse Wade Gang, Allen Carrescia and The Romantics and singer Sebastian Rivera, among others.

"I just want to say I am thrilled to be back on the stage and want everyone to know it's going to be an amazing show," says Rivera in an email. Rivera was one of three local singers who tried out for Simon Cowell's "X Factor" singing competition show in 2011, but ultimately did not make the cut. "Be prepared to see, hear, and experience a whole new Sebastian Rivera."

The first Mayfair festival was held in 1987. Pop-rock band Boys Like Girls and hip-hip duo Chiddy Bang headlined last year's festival. - Lehigh Valley Live

Our Music Monday guest mixes indie folk with an alternative style to create songs fans say they can relate to.

Soofy and the Walrus joins us. - WFMZ