Garlic gathering celebrates 11 years

Lafayette — “The best stinking event of the year.” That's how organizers refer to the annual Garlic Gathering at Olde Lafayette Village, this year held on Oct. 1 and 2. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. There will be lots of garlic to sample, farm fresh produce, herbs and spices and more. The two-day event includes music, starting at 11 a.m. with DJ's Pat and Harvey Voorhees playing tunes from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and others. At about 2 p.m. on Saturday, the Indian Princess Band, a local band with broad appeal for all ages, will be on stage playing cover and original music. With one album already released they are working on their second one. On Sunday at 2 p.m., the BD Lenz trio takes the stage. Hailed as one of the top 20 "up and coming" New Jesey jazz artists by The Star-Ledger and featured in The New York Times, guitarist B.D. Lenz leads a band that is very funky and highly melodic. Lenz has released seven CD's of his original contemporary jazz. His band has toured throughout the United States and Europe and his music has been featured on over 100 TV shows internationally. The Garlic Gathering is put on by Spirit of the Arts Foundation — SOTA — which has a mission to support the arts and humanities through the production of events like this. Vendor Finders USA is also cooperating in the production. Admission is free.