|
|
Vince Robinson
The Cleveland Observer
In its fifth year, FreshFest Cleveland once again thrilled festival goers with a lineup that included headliner Big Daddy Kane, a diverse selection of local acts, numerous vendors, and a crowd of thousands. The festival, founded in 2019 by Environmental Health Watch, Rid-All Green Partnership, and Brittany’s Record Shop, has grown into a staple event, celebrating music, culture, and sustainability.
Held on the grounds of Rid-All Green Partnership’s urban farm near East 82nd Street and Kinsman Road, the festival’s location has garnered international recognition for its innovative agricultural practices. The farm cultivates fresh produce and raises tilapia hydroponically on repurposed land, serving as a model for sustainability and urban farming.
Big Daddy Kane, the latest in a line of legendary hip-hop headliners, followed in the footsteps of icons like Biz Markie, Spinderella, DJ Kid Capri, and KRS-One. Performing a set filled with classics like Smooth Operator and I Get the Job Done, Kane’s energy and lyrical prowess captivated the audience. At 56, Kane commanded the stage with his signature intensity, though he left most of the dance moves to his B-Boy, Ta-Ta.
The crowd showed their appreciation throughout the set, particularly during an unforgettable moment when Kane stepped off the stage to invite a fan to cross the barricade and snap a photo of him with ecstatic female fans. The crowd roared as the photographer captured the shot of a lifetime.
Kane’s connection with the audience deepened when he invited two young fans—a boy and a girl, ages 11 and 9—to join him for an impromptu old-school hip-hop history lesson. Though they didn’t know the song he referenced, the moment was a crowd-pleaser nonetheless.
In another special highlight, Environmental Health Watch CEO Kim Foreman presented Kane with an ’80s-style gold-plated dookie rope chain, a nostalgic nod to the golden era of hip-hop. Kane wore it proudly for a short while before returning it to Foreman, to the delight of the crowd.
For 45 electrifying minutes, fans witnessed a true hip-hop legend in action. As Kane donned his signature white hat and cape to close the set, he exited the stage, and just like that, FreshFest ’24 said it’s goodnight.
Beyond the music, FreshFest Cleveland continues to flourish as a platform that shines a spotlight on Rid-All’s urban farm and its mission to promote sustainability and regeneration. Rid-All’s influence extends beyond the festival, with the farm operating Farmer Jones, a produce market in Maple Heights that sells its fresh fruits and vegetables, while focusing on plant-based products.
Rid-All’s work was recently highlighted in a documentary screened at the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival at Karamu House, underscoring its national impact and the vital role it plays in the community. As FreshFest evolves, it remains a beacon for the fusion of culture, music, and sustainable living.
