After an almost fully online festival in 2020, the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival is back in-person this weekend in downtown Bloomington.
The festival will include 28 international artists with roots from Mexico to San Salvador. Live events will take place throughout the weekend at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Switchyard Park and two tents on 4th Street and 6th Street.
The lineup typically includes artists from around the world; however, with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting international travel, executive director Tamara Loewenthal said Lotus had to search for international artists based in the United States.
“We were really looking to artists who may be from other countries, but they made their home in the United States,” Loewenthal said.
Last year’s festival was online, with one in-person concert at Switchyard Park. While festival goers can look forward to an in-person experience this year, they can expect strict safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours before the festival will be required to purchase of a ticket. A photo is acceptable to upload online when purchasing tickets. Masks are required for all indoor events and highly recommended for outdoor events when social distancing is not possible. Tickets are available for a variety of prices through the Buskirk Chumley Theater Box Office.
Board member Jillian Kinzie has been on the board for six years and volunteered for Lotus for 27 years. She said amidst the pandemic, the Lotus music festival acts as an antidote for a community in need of unity more than ever.
“It really seems like a time that we need to celebrate diversity,” Kinzie said. “We need to bring people together to bring a sense of social cohesion and belonging.”
Music began with two shows Thursday night and continues Friday and Saturday from 6:30 until midnight downtown, Saturday afternoon at Switchyard Park, and Sunday afternoon at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.
