AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Date Posted: August 07 2008

Written By: Chicago Jazz

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CHRYSLER FINANCIAL PRESENTS 19TH ANNUAL AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Labor Day Weekend Event transforms Chicago's Washington Park into an authentic African village complete with three stages of spectacular entertainment featuring Kool and the Gang, Rachelle Ferrell, Diblo Dibala, Nicholas Payton, Big Daddy Kane and Black Sheep among outstanding others; African Marketplace showcasing authentic art and culture; luscious African cuisine and fare; cultural pavilions; fantastic family fun; and premiering the first ever African Festival of the Arts youth tennis tournament.

Africa International House presents The 19th Annual African Chrysler Financial Festival of the Arts, Labor Day weekend August 29-Sept.1 in Washington Park located 5100 S. Cottage Grove . This year's Festival titled, "Nuah Woo," which is from the Kpelle language of Liberia and translates as, "Voice of the Community," holds special meaning as the African Diaspora community arrives closer to fully integrating culturally and socially in the larger scheme of society, while maintaining and celebrating its own unique contributions. Produced by Africa International House, Inc. the African Festival of the Arts is the only one of its kind in the city.

The Festival is the place to be for those who wish to expand their collection of African fine art or for the beginner who seeks to purchase their first original art piece and importantly for those collectors who desire to add on their collections. Those looking to soak up the sun and celebrate African culture and traditions cultivated throughout the African Diaspora will be delighted with the complete Festival offerings from the extravagant art to the spectacular entertainment.

More than 250,000 attendees can explore the Festival grounds of Chicago ’s renowned Washington Park , which becomes a virtual African village featuring pavilions where participants can enjoy interactive experiences with artists and artisans sharing their gifts and talents, or engage in community forums and village meetings to discuss social and cultural issues. The Festival also highlights a virtual marketplace of over 300 vendors selling their wares. Shoppers will discover amazing treasures including fine sculpture; beaded furniture; jewelry and gem stones; fashions; health and skin care products; hand woven fabrics and textiles; museum-quality African art; original fine art and more… The cultural specific pavilions present educational, engaging and entertaining programs. Much like a bona fide African marketplace, the savvy shopper always negotiates until the price is right!


Three Stages of Live Entertainment

The 19th Annual Festival of the Arts is proud to present legendary talent performing for the first time in Chicago. Traveling from as far away as the African continent to the Bayous of New Orleans, ancient traditions are celebrated and revived on our three entertainment stages. This year, star-studded performances by Kool and the Gang; Rachelle Ferrell, Nicholas Payton, Black Sheep and other amazing talent; including International sensations Diblo Dibala and Les Nubians entertain on the Dee Parmer Woodtor Main Stage, World Music and HipHop Stages. Festival-goers won't want to miss the stand-out performances by Grammy-nominated and International sensations, Les Nubian when they explode onto the Dee Parmer Woodtor Main stage Sunday. And Diblo Dibala takes the World Stage to close out the Festival sharing a traditional musical and dance style, "soukous," derived from the Congo region (Zaire) of Africa, Diblo Dibala’s robust delivery, along with his singing group, has garnered them the title as legendary "Nightingales of Africa." Legendary Kora player and Grammy nominated Senegalese and International star, Youssoupha Sidibe, will be premiered in Chicago at the 19th Annual Chrysler Financial African Festival of the Arts.

We also are proud to help support the revival of the musical heritage and tradition that sustained the soul and culture of New Orleans for decades. The New Orleans cultural revival will be authentically represented by premier traditional practitioners, including Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians (Big Chief Bo Dillis); the Pinettes, billed as "the world's only all-female brass band;" and the Young Men Maganolias Second Line and Social Aide; Pleasure and Benevolent Organization (second line band).

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