Dancing to the sounds of Rock Band at Fondren Guitars

Dancing to the sounds of Rock Band at Fondren Guitars

Children played, artists painted, friends caught up over a cold drink and young musicians played and sang their hearts out.

And that was just for starters.

In what was one of the most highly attended Arts, Eats & Beats ever, cool temperatures and a slate full of activities brought out a diverse crowd for Fondren’s annual spring party. A new date this year coincided with a  first Thursday Fondren After 5 schedule.

Ten artists from north Mississippi were showcased in the opening of The Artists of Oxford at The Cedars while Brown’s Fine Art & Framing welcomed Billy Solitario. On State Street, Jason Jenkins painted while crowds looked on and, at Fondren Art Gallery, Peruvian painter Alba Azarin.

From The Bluz Boys on Duling Avenue to student rock bands, Buddy & The Squids, The Vibe Doctors and Cody Cox, the beats reverberated from Fondren Corner to Fondren Plaza and beyond.

Appetites were appeased by dogs from NUTS and Orange Peel, burgers were handed out by the hundreds at Fondren Guitars and GLO had an Italian Ice cart. Restaurants were packed – inside and out – as diners munched on barbecue, pizza, vegan and more.

Other activities included a well-attended fondRUN at The Pig & Pint, a Skate MS slap the curb contest at Fondren Village and Jeremy Gordon’s Boxers Rebellion with a kickboxing demo on Duling.

Check out an abbreviated gallery of photos below then head to our Facebook page for even more (and feel free to tag away!)