Princeton, WV – Culturefest World Music & Arts Festival, a 22-year tradition, returns to the Grassroots District of downtown Princeton September 4–7.
This weekend-long immersion in the creative arts, presented by local nonprofit RiffRaff Arts Collective (RRAC), will feature over 25 music and dance performances, unique artisan and retail vendors, workshops, a robust roster of kids’ activities, and healing arts, and showcase the vibrant venues and businesses in the downtown district.
Four stages will feature regional, national, and international artists, with styles ranging from Americana, Appalachian Folk and Bluegrass to Soul, Rock, Jazz, Funk and World Fusion to experimental genres, plus performance art, poetry, live painting, fire dance and more. Workshops will be offered in yoga, drumming, upcycled art, and movement.
Musical Lineup Highlights
National & International Artists:
- Jonathan Scales Fourchestra – A genre-blending trio led by steel pannist Jonathan Scales, fusing jazz, classical, funk, and rock. Featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk and praised by JazzTimes as “joyously inventive.”
- Whitney Mongé – Nashville-based “Americana Soul” singer-songwriter with smoky vocals and story-rich songs. She performed at Newport Folk Festival with Black Opry and forged strong ties with Princeton during Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
- Fred Nez-Keams – Navajo flute maker and musician from the Red Running Into the Water and Water Edge Clans. Now based in Kentucky, he performs across the U.S. and founded the Native Flute Gathering in Harrodsburg.
- Adama Dembele – 33rd-generation master drummer from Ivory Coast. A touring artist and teacher of traditional West African rhythms.
- Dancing On Air Crew (DOA) – Charleston, SC breakdance crew led by world champ Devante “Bboy Tahu” Powell. Known for dynamic performances and hip-hop youth mentorship.
Local & Regional Artists:
- James Hart & Old Soul Reunion – Princeton-based soul-rock collective led by songwriter/educator James Hart, featuring original, emotionally rich compositions and a tight, seasoned band.
- Alabaster Boxer – Southern WV/VA supergroup mixing Americana, rock, and bluegrass with harmony-driven original songs.
- Je’Dah Madison – Indie soul artist and visual storyteller from Appalachia. Her songs and portraits reflect self-love, healing, and awakening.
- Option 22 – The festival founders’ own project, merging roots, soul, and positive lyricism. A longtime Culturefest favorite, based in the Grassroots District.
- MAMA with LEAF Kono Band – Asheville collective blending West African music with blues, funk, and soul. Featuring Melissa McKinney (MerleFest winner), her daughter McKinney, Adama Dembele, and members of Empire Strikes Brass.
Other music performances include Holy River, Ovadya, Infinite Third, Aire & Sol, CassiRaye, McKinney, Dono Dono, Sugarbomb, Tim & Maggie, Emma Ruth Shirey, Jon Bolt, Bob Davolii, Charleston Rogues, and Derian Blane.
Movement performances include Fluidity Performance Troupe and DOA Crew.
There will be a poetry open mic featuring members of the Dream Bean Writers Circle and all writers are welcome to share.
Featured visual artists include Luanna Harrison, Rainbow Art Farms, Wild & Wander WV, Barefoot & Brazen, Chloe Blankenship and Jacmel Global Arts.
Bios, links and more details can be found at culturefestwv.com.
Schools & Youth Program
A new program launched by RRAC last year, “Culturefest in our Communities,” continues in the week leading up to the festival, as Culturefest artists bring world culture directly into local classrooms. Master djembefola Adama Dembele, a 33rd-generation West African drummer from Ivory Coast who has toured internationally with legendary acts like Salif Keita and Oumou Sangaré, will teach students traditional rhythms and drumming technique. Dancing On Air Crew (DOA) from Charleston, SC—an award-winning hip-hop dance group led by Bahamian-American world champion Devante “Bboy Tahu” Powell. Known for their electrifying breakdance performances and youth mentorship, DOA will introduce students to the foundations of Hip-hop culture, movement, and the power of self-expression through dance. These artists will visit Princeton Primary, Straley and Bluefield Middle Schools, and The Wade Center, and on Friday, Mercer Elementary students will take a walking field trip to the Grassroots District to experience Culturefest firsthand.
This program, made possible in part through the Mid-Atlantic Folk and Traditional Arts-Community projects program, is designed to connect youth with global traditions while planting seeds of creativity that will grow for years to come.
Vendor Village & Neighborhood Partners
Artisans will offer everything from handmade clothing to jewelry to fine art. 2025 vendors include:
Art & Jewelry: RiffRaff Arts Collective, Wild & Wander, Jacmel Global Arts Partners, Luanna “Lulu” Harrison, Barefoot & Brazen, and Stream of Thought by Sara Golden.
Healing Arts: The Gaia Den, Wildflower Massage & Bodyworks, WildKat’s Herbal Oasis.
Food & Drink Vendors: Vonte’s Kitchen, Hidalgo’s Kitchen, Lou Lou’s Lil’ Orbits Mini Donuts.
Food & Drink In the Neighborhood: Jimmie’s Restaurant, Dream Bean Coffeehouse, Danny’s Bar.
Around the District: The Hatter’s Bookshop, Holler Gallery, Associated Photography, Hammer & Stain, Mercer Street Bicycle Co-Op & Mercantile, Daydream Games, 80s Toys, The Emporium, Jo-Lene’s Mystique Creations, and many more.
Festival Traditions
Children’s crafts and daily activities, a kids’ costume parade, and community art boards ensure families can participate fully. Facilitated workshops in drumming, yoga, hoop dance, and more invite attendees to join the creative process. Comfortable indoor venues and tents with furniture in the Town Square make the festival rain-or-shine.
Sponsors & Partners
The event is presented by The RiffRaff Arts Collective and LLyniuM Entertainment, with support from The Levitt Foundation, WVU Medicine/Princeton Community Hospital, Xfinity, Country Inn & Suites, Sleep Inn and Suites, Hampton Inn, Princeton Rescue Squad, Princeton Storage, Optimum, Ramey Toyota, and a host of advertisers.
Additional funding is provided by Mid-Atlantic Arts Council, the WV Division of Culture & History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts.
Special thanks to The City of Princeton and Public Works for their cooperation.
