The Center for the Arts purchases California WorldFest

The Center for the Arts has purchased the iconic California WorldFest from its founders, Sierra FoodWineArt has learned. It has been held at the Nevada County Fairgrounds since its founding in July some 18 years ago.

The magazine called the founders, Dan DeWayne and Christine Myers in Chico, after a report appeared — apparently prematurely — on TheUnion.com, a community newspaper in Grass Valley. “That’s surprising,” said Dan DeWayne, one of the founders. “I thought they were going to do it tomorrow. But that’s the way it goes.”

After confirming the article in The Union — initially accessed behind a subscription-based “paywall” — Dan added: “We’re very excited about the Center taking over the Worldfest. We think it’s going to be a really good match. They do such good work in the local area.”

DeWayne and Myers will remain on as consultants for a few years, Dan said.

It is a coup for The Center, which has succeeded in bring world-class talent to the foothills, from Joan Baez to Willie Nelson.

For its part, the County Fairgrounds is hosting more major festivals, including the Strawberry Music Festival.

The WorldFest, started by Dan and Christine, is now going to be in its 19th year. “We’ve decided we’ve come to the end and want to infuse new energy and take a step back,” Dan told Sierra FoodWineArt.

Next year’s WorldFest will be held July 16-19. Tickets go on sale Wednesday.

The California WorldFest began as a showcase for some of our world’s finest artists performing music and dance from the United States and around the world.

Drawing inspiration from the Vancouver Folk Festival, Strawberry Music Festival, MerleFest in North Carolina, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and the Newport Folk Festival, the California WorldFest includes eight performance stages, a complete children’s program, a community outreach history and a pledge to present the finest artists and performers from throughout our world.

From Afro/Pop to Bulgarian Harmonies, Latin to Bluegrass, Scottish fiddle tunes to Rock & Roll, Jumpin’ Jazz to Gypsy, Folk to New Acoustic, Mariachi to Russian Folk, Swing Jazz to Gospel, Bollywood to the newest Celtic incarnations, the California WorldFest is the home of our globes finest music and dance.

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