Performances by world-renowned jazz pi- anist Ahmad Jamal, South African songs-tress Lorraine klaa-sen. vocal- ist Julia Huff, musician Book-er T. Jones. Congolese touring ensem- ble Sou-kous Stars, the first U.S. tour of the Cuban group Los 3 de la Ha- bana, the dance group Spirit and more highlight one of the largest events focusing on Af-rica the "must attend" 20m annual African festival of die arts which promises to "rock" Washington Park the Labor Day weekend.
Africa International House presents the 20th Annual Chrysler Financial African Festival of the Arts, Sept. 4-7, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., in Washington Park. (Enter at 51st and Callage Grove.)
Jamal, a former Chicagoan, performs Sept. 6, 8:45 p.m., on me Dee Parmer Woodtar main stage. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the gate; $30, a weekend Main stage VlP seating is also available.
AFA celebrates 20 years of Africa and Africans throughout the Diaspora and especially in Chicago. Washington Park, located just a stone's throw from President Barack Obama's Hyde Park neigh- borhood, will be trans- formed into an African village filled with artists and artisans, music, dance, drumming, the exotic aroma of African cuisine and an expected 250,000 festival-goers seeking to experience the continent and culture of Africa.
This year's theme. History, Traditions & Legends, which, says Patrick Woodtor, festival producer and Africa International House president, is indicative of the cultural influence of Africa from ancient times through present day and beyond.
"This year's festival represents 20 years of OUT mission to educate our authences about Africa, the cradle of all civilization, wltile celebrating her significance and impact on mankind." Woodtor said.
Av always, the Festival offers something for everyone . . .
At the very heart of the festival is the African Marketplace featuring more man 300 artists and vendors wim a variety of African and Afrocentric wares including fine art. artifacts, crafts, fashions, jewelry, masks, collectibles, baskets, beads, fabrics, textiles, museum-quality African art. furniture, household goods and gift items.
Additionally, me fine arts, film and quilting pavilions will have an array of offerings. The Children's Pavilion will be filled with activity to enter- tain and educate young fest-goers. The Heal�i and Wellness Village will be filled with activities focused on maintaining optimal health and fitness. The Spiritual-ity PavUion will explore ancient belief systems and the roots of religion.
Festival favorites such as the Drumming Village and the Bank of the Nile Food Court will keep visitors in Washington Park all weekend long.
The 20m Annual AFA presenting sponsor, Chrysler Financial, is joined by other sponsors, including State Farm Insurance, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Target, III. Dept of Human Services, National Endowment for the Arts. 111. Arts Council, Black McDonalds Operators Association, U.S. Bank, UIC Sickle Cell Center, Cricket, Chicago Park District, Wine Cellars Distribution, Chicago South Loop Hotel and United Africa Organization.
Media sponsors: NBC5. Citizen Newspapers, Comcast, Power 92.3 FM, Soul 106.3, WYCA Rejoice 102.3. The Africa Channel. Bronzecomm.com, SoIeU 's To-Dos and Click Around Chicago.com. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more, call (773) 955- ARTS (2787) or visit www.africanfestivalchicago.com.
The mission of Africa International House is to serve as a center mat exposes and educates all people to me individual works and coUective contributions of African cultures. Yep! See yti there!
Friends' Celebration - Joli Burrell, past president of the Friends of La Rabida Children's Hospital, receives "high honors for volun- tary leadership" during a Celebration of Friends, an annual fundraiser on Nov. 12 at the Four Seasons Hotel to benefit hospital programs and services. Joli has worked for more man 15 years to raise money for the hospital and its programs. La Rabida's Child Advocacy Centers in Chicago and Park For-est both bear her name and have directly benefited from her generosity.
Other community civic and business leaders being honored: Illinois State Senate President John Cullerton. D-Chicago, "for continuing a legacy of public service;" Vincent W. Foglia, chair and CEO of Sage Products "for hu-manitarian vision;" Maria Pinto, fashion designer, "for creative inspiration;" and James C. Tyree, Mesirow Financial's CEO "for corporate involvement.**
Tickets start at $350; guests will enjoy a magical cocktail reception, foUowed by dinner and awards. For more info and to obtain tickets online, visit www.larabida.org or caU Lauren Smith, (312) 553-2000.
La Rabida Children's Hospital provides comprehensive care for children who are chronicaUy ill with lifelong medical conditions, developmental disabilities and those who have been abused. Located on die shore of Lake Michigan at Jackson Park, La Rabi-da has served the children of Chicago for over UO years.
Gala Re-Groups - After a two-year absence, Ghingo W. Brooks, newly named president of Mal-colm X College, wants us all to know that the President's Scholarship Gala is returning Oct. 16 with the theme of Building Scholars to showcase "the ac-complishments of the school and celebrate our students' achievements. The gala. Brooks continues, "is part of the 40th anniversary celebration of Malcolm X Col-lege and its 40 years as one of Chicago's historic, empowering and groundbreaking educational institutions." Brooks is currently on the lookout for sponsorships, gift bags and door prizes in addition to block ticket purchases.
"Support will assist many of our students in realizing their dreams and goals. And it may produce die second Black female astrophysicist. One of our shining examples, an alumna, Dr. Reva K. Williams, received her GED and associate degree from Malcolm X College, her B.A. degree from Northwestern Univ. in Astronomy and Physics and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Indiana Univ. in Astrophysics. Dr. Williams is me first Black female astrophysicist.
"We need the corporate and me community's assistance to insure mat Dr. Williams is among the first of her kind, not the last. And we look forward to sponsorships and contributions as Malcolm X College continues to fulfill our mission of Empowerment through Education," Brooks said.
"Through the years, since it founding as Crane Technical High School in 1911, Malcolm X has been at the forefront of providing advance educational opportunities. The history of the college parallels and reflects that of the great metropolis of Chicago; it is one of transformation, diversity, dynamism and growth. Malcolm X provides associate degrees and college credit certificates that provide access to affordable, quality education for our underserved communities."
Wanna know more? Call (312) 850-7037.
[Author Affiliation]
by Theresa Fambro Hooks
email: tesee@chicagodefender.com
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