Jazz, Tongan Dancing, Vegetables, Smiles

If you haven't visited the East Palo Alto Community Farmers' Market yet, then please join us this coming Sunday and see first hand what all the excitement is about. A sample of some of the fun is highlighted in the video that follows.

A concert series is already in place for the summer, organized by For Youth By Youth, allowing local musicians to show off some the amazing talent and culture of East Palo Alto.

Last week, an amazing Jazz concert took place, featuring Jerry Peraza- drums, Justin Phipps- guitar, Wiatt Grant- saxophone, Roger Cox- saxophone, Charlie Channel- bass, and Matt Radisch - piano.

The East Palo Arts Initiative, a program of FOR YOUTH BY YOUTH is presenting

Summer Concerts at the East Palo Alto Community Farmer's Market

• Come enjoy music, gentle Baylands summer breezes, and get your shopping done at the same time! Performances by live bands including Reggae, Jazz, Mariachi, Folk, West African High-life, EPA Youth Hip Hop Ensemble, and more.
• Featuring local musicians and artists from East Palo Alto and surrounding communities
• Art presented by Music and Mural Arts Project (MMAP) and local youth
• Please contact Wiatt Grant at wiattgrant@gmail.com for more information about the series, including band booking.
• Cost? Free for all ages!

Here is a video of the music and performances held at the market on Sunday, June 8, 2008:

We were also blessed by a performance by the St. Francis Tongan CCD Religious Youth Group who demonstrated a Tongan war dance. All of the youth wore hand made outfits, and the performance was inspiring.

A produce basket was given away, and neighbors and friends gathered around to enjoy, fresh fruits and vegetables at the heart of their community.

Click here to see more photos of all the fun!

The East Palo Alto Community Farmers' Market is open every Sunday from 3pm to 6pm at the St. Francis of Assisi Church, located at 1425 Bay Road in East Palo Alto. The market is organized by a broad coalition of individuals and organizations who see the farmers' market as an opportunity to promote health and engage youth and people of all ages in creating their own food system. Collective Roots, an organization based in East Palo Alto, is providing organizational, legal, and financial support to assure the success of the market. East Palo Alto has lacked a supermarket or major source of fresh fruits and vegetables for 20 years.

Click here for more information about this community based effort.

If you have questions or suggestions, please click here. We would love to hear from you.