SOUTH HADLEY — April showers bring May flowers, but foliage isn’t the only thing blooming in South Hadley after a windy winter and early spring rain.

On April 26 and 27, music, arts and entertainment will line the streets for the second semi-annual Showcase South Hadley. Featuring 13 musical artists, a New Orlean’s style gospel brunch, history tour of the South Hadley canal, musical instrument petting zoo and plenty of other activities for residents of all ages, the festival places free activities across town to get people out of their homes and into the spring sun.

“In a time like this, it’s wonderful to have something to look forward to and have people come together to showcase all the wonderful types of things in South Hadley,” said Regina Zebrownsky, event organizer and membership coordinator for the South Hadley Chamber of Commerce. “Hopefully after a long winter, people will want to get out and enjoy all the wonderful activities going on.”

Headliner Ruthie Foster is an Emmy award-winning and five-time Grammy nominee artist who mixes a wide array of music genres into her own unique, soul-filled sound. Weaving together jazz, blues, gospel and folk music, Foster has worked her way from the church stages in rural Texas to New York’s Beacon Theater next to the Allman Brothers. On Saturday at 7 p.m. she will bring her talents to Mount Holyoke’s Abbey Chapel.

“She’s an amazing artist and she will be showcased as the main event,” Zebrownsky said. “I think that’s something special for the community to really feel what we have to offer.”

Opening for Foster is western Massachussets singer-songwriter and violinist Aisha Burns. She has began playing violin at age 10, and began touring with instrumental ensemble Balmorhea. Burns brings her haunting, folk-infused vocals and expert violin skills to open a night of music and entertainment.

“I love that it has family activities, area crafters and vendors and it will highlight musicians both locally grown and nationally known,” said Carol Constant, event organizer and Select Board member.

On Sunday, Morning Star Baptist Church will host a gospel brunch catered by Chef Sara Barnes of Ebony & Savory, whose stews her New Orleans roots into the menu. Morning Star’s Music Director Kevin Sharpe and the Kevin Sharpe Band will perform a selection of contemporary gospel songs to accompany the meal. The brunch is the only paid event, costing between $25 and $30 per ticket.

However, those who did not purchase tickets to brunch will have a litany of other activities to choose from. Zebrownsky said the eight volunteer organizers of the event did their best to book family-friendly events for all age groups, like Gerry’s Music Shop’s musical instrument petting zoo, an animal show from Forest Park Zoo and several puppet shows.

“We have all different ethnicities and age groups participating in this, and that’s important. We don’t want to see that going away,” Zebrownsky said.

At different venues in town, music ensembles, bands and singers provide music of all genres and tastes. “The Voice” finalist and Westfield native Madison Curbelo, emerging soloist Wes Park and acoustic singer David Vantassel are some of the singer-songwriters featured. Contemporary bands on the schedule include party group The Grumpytime Club Band, country band Cottonwood and Springfield rock band Wayfairing Soul. FlavaEvolution, Taproots and the Mount Holyoke Klezmier Band are a couple of the unique music ensembles bring their talents to South Hadley.

Asmall craft fair of local artisans, businesses and nonprofits will occupy The Commons from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Zebrownsky added that the fair not only features the artistic talent from the area, but honors the community and social work of the various nonprofits. Artists and businesses can still apply to table at the fair up until the day of the event, and nonprofits can table for free.

“We welcome our nonprofit community,” Zebrownsky said. “This is a time to give back to the community and give back to those less fortunate.”

Showcase does not offer food at the performances, but rather encourages visitors to seek out concessions at the different restaurants and businesses in the area. A map and list of restaurants can be found on the event’s website.

“For it being a free event, the amount of money that’s being spent on this is very significant,” said Ira Brezinsky, an event organizer. “It’s a pretty big budget, and we couldn’t do this without the support from the town, from significant contributions to businesses and all the donors that are stepping up, to the Mass Cultural Council and South Hadley Cultural Council. This couldn’t happen without that.”

Constant, Brezinsky and Zebrownsky all said the best part about Showcase is how the community comes together. The event is supported by nearly every department in town: the Select Board allocated ARPA money to fund the event, the Department of Public Works and Police Department provide security and South Hadley Electric Lighting Department helps with lighting logistics.

“The collaboration between town, Mount Holyoke College and business community is really heartening and I think people hopefully more and more are realizing we’re all better together,” Brezinsky said. “The connection between education and the arts, and the business community, they’re all tied together, they’re all important and that’s what we’re trying to do here.”

The full schedule of events, as well as ticket purchases, can be found online at https://southhadleyarts.org/