Born in Kingston, the O+ Festival has spread across the river to Poughkeepsie. Combining art, music, healthcare and awareness, the second annual O+ Poughkeepsie Festival takes place on August 3 and 4. Three mural artists and more than 20 musical acts take part in this multi-location street-scene happening. The Gardiner-based legendary graffiti and mural artist Lady Pink, who made a mural in Kingston during the 2016 festival, now undertakes a large-scale project in Poughkeepsie, as will Newburgh-based mural artist and graphic designer Joe Pimentel and muralist and educator Sam Meyerson of New York City. The three works will be unified by the common theme of “Shadow.”
Since its inception, O+’s approach to music has combined local with national. This year’s Poughkeepsie festival places an emphasis on busker-style street performance, hip-hop, reggae/dub, indie-rock, folk/bluegrass, electronic and spoken-word. Notable performers this year include Lara Hope & the Ark-Tones (rockabilly), Bright Dog Red (improvisational) and JAHG (rap).
Healthcare services and awareness have been integral to O+’s design from the outset. The participating musicians and artists will receive complimentary health and wellness care in the O+ Artists’ Clinic, which is staffed by volunteer providers. Festival attendees can also experience a wellness EXPO+ that highlights health and wellness services locally available and have the opportunity to take EXPLO+RE classes in yoga, dance, meditation and more.
Admission to O+ is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $10. For complete list of events, performers and venues, visit http://opositivefestival.org.
Join the family! 
