Case Warnemunde explained the idea behind his nonprofit Bella Love to visitors. (David Boraks/CorneliusNews.net)

Case Warnemunde has a dream of building a self-sustaining network of people, artists, and businesses to celebrate all things local. To that end, the Davidson resident’s nonprofit organization Bella Love hosted one of its first big outdoor public events Saturday night, “The Sound of Love” music and art festival at Kenton Place, off West Catawba Avenue.

The evening included music and performances by local groups, sales of jewelry and art, and “live art” – demonstrations of painting and graffiti that took shape as people watched. More than 400 people walked through the vendors’ booths, watched performances and listened to music by local bands.

John Burgin worked on a graffiti wall. He was working with fellow artist Joe Dobson (David Boraks/CorneliusNews.net)

The goal was to inspire people to build local connections, support local businesses, and encourage local artists and musicians, Mr. Warnemunde said.

“It’s a real organic people’s movement,” he said of his organization, and the festival. “We’re making it extremely easy to support all things local.”

All the participants in the “Sound of Love” were residents of the Charlotte area. Suppliers, sponsors and others connected with the event also were from the community. [CorneliusNews.net and DavidsonNews.net were media sponsors of the "Sound of Love."]

“Everyone commented on the vibe of the whole event,” he said. “It was a unique atmosphere. It had a real community feel.”

The festival was held in the street outside Galway Hooker Pub in Kenton Place. A portion of the proceeds from the event – about $200 – were to be donated to the Community Arts Project in Cornelius.

Mr. Warnemunde foresees staging three or four similar festivals per year, as well as other events, from sketch comedy events to trivia nights at restaurants. All would be promoted through Bella Love’s website, bellalovecharlotte.com.

The next event will be an Oct. 12 Rock and Roll Bingo Night – “a spin on your traditional bingo,” he said -  at Asbury Park Grove, 9300 Bob Beatty Road, Charlotte.

Click on any picture below to view the full gallery.