Artbeat takes over Davis Square in Somerville this coming Friday and Saturday.

By Jim Clark

Presented by the Somerville Arts Council, ArtBeat is one of the area’s largest and most innovative arts festivals, with over a dozen bands, dance troupes, 75 craft vendors, food, and all-age activities, takes place this weekend in Somerville’s Davis Square.

On Friday night, July 15, beginning at 5:30 p.m., there will be music and interactive performances, then on Saturday, July 16, beginning at 6:00 p.m., Davis Square will be shut down for the craft vendors, two stages of music, dance in the Somerville Theater, and a host of great interactive performances.

This year’s ArtBeat theme is “roots,” a celebration of all things that have roots, are grounded, that tie people and place together. How do the roots of our families, friends and community define us, project an image of what we value, what we endear? Do roots inhibit us, tie us together, and limit our growth?

Artists and all community members are invited to explore how roots ground our expression and influence how that expression is publicly shared.

How do roots inform a work of art or a concept? “Roots” evoke many things: music that expresses a cultural heritage, a dance which pulls from layers of movement, or a visual work of art that suggests ground, dirt and growth. Perhaps we need a parade that is not linear but tangled. The event’s organizers feel it is time to go back to our roots and look forward to your creative interpretation of this theme.

The following performances have been scheduled for the event:

On Friday, July 15, on the Seven Hills Stage from 6:00–10:00 p.m., Sundog, Mick Mondo & Streaker, Latin Logic, and Psychedelic Cinema Orchestra.

On Saturday, July 16, on the Seven Hills Stage from 12:00–6:00 p.m., it’s The Steve Walther Orchestra, Shy Five, Jim Libby Band, Martha Bourne Band, Bad Superstar, and Funeral Advantage.

On the Elm St. Stage from 12:30–6:30 p.m. on Saturday there will be Toddlers, The By & By, Karim Nagi and Sharq Arab Ensemble, BBB, Banda Raizes, and Forrozeiros Dance Group.

Then the Somerville Theatre plays host to Weber Dance, Nozama Dance Collective, Jo-Mé Dance, Tony Williams Ballet, Brayton Dance, and Continuum Dance Project from 12:30–4:30 p.m.

Margaret Moody Puppets, Royer’s One Man Band, Amy Kucharik, and Toddler Rave w/Jef Czekaj entertain at Elm Street Plaza from 12:00–4:30 p.m.

For more information about Artbeat go to http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/artbeat/2016.