The Jose Candelario Show welcomed Dooley for a conversation about Dooley-O Fest, a three-day community celebration presented by Dooley-O and Lotta Studio that brings together art, live music, DJs, vendors, food, artisans, community organizations and family-friendly fun in New Haven’s Westville neighborhood.
During the interview, Dooley made it clear that the heart of the event is community.
“This is for the community, and it’s free. That’s the thing about it,” Dooley said.
The celebration kicks off Friday, July 10, with the “Yo That’s Fresh” Art Show at Lotta Studio, located at 903-911 Whalley Ave., New Haven, CT 06515. The art show begins at 5 p.m. and features local art, music and an afterparty celebration.
“The first day, which is Friday, we have an art show at Lotta Studio, and then after the art show we’re going to have an afterparty,” Dooley said.
The flyer describes the opening night as featuring “some dope azz art,” with a soundtrack by DJ Hughbetta. The event sets the tone for a weekend built around creativity, culture and neighborhood pride.
The celebration continues Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, at Westville’s Central Patio NHV, with live music, art, a car show, vendors, food, artisans and community organizations. The flyer notes that all ages are welcome.
Saturday will feature a full lineup of music and entertainment.
“Saturday is from 1 to 9. I’ve got multiple bands. I’ve got a jazz band, a funk band, an R&B band and DJs galore,” Dooley said.
Sunday closes the weekend with a full day dedicated to hip-hop.
“Sunday is all hip-hop, all day. So if you’re part of the hip-hop community, that means you need to be there,” Dooley said.
Dooley-O Fest is also creating opportunities for vendors and small businesses. Clothing vendors and other vendors are still being accepted for Saturday and Sunday, and the event is expected to bring activity to the surrounding neighborhood.
“It does stimulate the economy in that area. There’s some good food around that area,” Dooley said.
That local impact is part of what makes the event important. Dooley-O Fest is not just a festival. It is a gathering designed to support artists, businesses, performers, vendors and community organizations while giving families and residents a positive place to connect.
“You can support, which is what you want to do when you bring this community together,” Dooley said.
Dooley also thanked the sponsors helping make the event possible, including Greater Dwight Development Corporation, Fritz & Hawley Guild Opticians and Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center.
“I want to give a special shout-out to my sponsors: Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center, Greater Dwight and Holly Eye Care,” Dooley said, adding, “We’re always looking for more and always appreciate more.”
For those planning to attend, Dooley encouraged people to come prepared to enjoy the day.
“Bring your lawn chairs, your tables, your tents,” he said.
And when it comes to the cost, Dooley kept the message simple.
“Free 99.”
For updates, follow @DooleyOFest, use #DooleyOFest, or visit DooleyOFest.com.
Watch the full interview on The Jose Candelario Show and stay connected with more community stories, interviews and local events on TheVibeStream.com.
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