Belle Chere 2009

So nice to be at Belle Chere again! I guess due to the economy and some tough times, it seemed a bit scaled back from years past. Two of the biggest clues were the lack of a huge headliner and super big main stage. The other aspect was in the time. They shut down all the stages and music an hour early this year. I believe it was in an effort to get people back into the pubs - and spend some more money on food and beer. Nice way to stimulate the economy! None the less, Belle Chere in Asheville remains the largest street festival in NC. And one of the festival's biggest secrets still remains true: some of the best music during the festival is found not on the big stages, but in the little bars and venues that are plentiful in this unique mountain town.