AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS - THIS WEEKEND IN WASHINGTON PARK

this is a must attend event for anyone on planet earth!
(as well as you other planetarians)

AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS - THIS WEEKEND IN WASHINGTON PARK



SCHEDULE:
(THANKS TO Samuel J. Martin III )

Entertainment

World Music Stage
Fri. 8/29 Sat. 8/30 Sun. 8/31 Mon. 9/1

2:30 - 3:30 P.M. DJ Music DJ Music DJ Music DJ Music
3:30 - 4:15 P.M. SPIRIT Tribute to Motown Odies Williams New Orleans Revival
4:45 - 6:00 P.M. Siji/ DJ Music Youssoupha Sidibe Roland Brown Voices
6:30 - 8:00 P.M. Fertile Ground Ray Martinez New Orleans Revival Diblo Dibala


Dee Parmer Stage
Fri. 8/29 Sat. 8/30 Sun. 8/31 Mon. 9/1

2:30 - 3:30 P.M. DJ Music DJ Music DJ Music Trinity
4:30 - 5:45 P.M. SPIRIT Raices Habaneras Mulgrew Miller Samba 1/Featuring Dill Costa
6:15 - 7:15 P.M. Antoine Les Nubians New Orleans Revival Nicholas Payton
7:45 - 9:45 P.M. Al Hudson New Orleans Revival Rachelle Farrell Kool & The Gang


Hip Hop Stage (presented by George S. May Foundation for the Arts/ PAUSE Initiative)

Fri. 8/29
6:00 - 9:00P.M A Chi City Celebration hosted by Rhymefest featuring Mikkey Halsted, Town Gabbz,
Teefa, Dave Jeff, J4, Black Orchid, Amina, Cool Out Chris, DJ Roosevelt Treasure Chest and more.
Includes the Chi City Fashion Show presented by the hottest urban boutiques in the city.

Sat. 8/30
12 PM Until Showtime Special Guest DJ spinning Hip Hop, House and R&B
4:30PM Special Ed
5:15 PM M’reld
5:45PM Swamphouse
6:15PM The Lady of Rage
6:45 PM NoTryDo.Sincere
7:15 PM Big Daddy Kane

Sun. 8/31
12 PM Until Showtime Special Guest DJ spinning Hip Hop, House and R&B
4:00PM Khari Lemuel
5:00 PM Keith Murray
6:15 PM Uneq’ka and Just Flow
7:00 PM Nice and Smooth

Mon. 9/1
12 PM Until Showtime Special Guest DJ spinning Hip Hop, House and R&B
4:00PM The Main Thang
5:00 PM Black Sheep
6:15 PM Rhymefest
7:00 PM Brand Nubian


Pavilions

Chrysler Financial Pavilion
Chrysler Financial is committed to enriching the communities and regions where we live and operate. Through our support of events such as the African Festival of the Arts and Fiesta del Sol in the Chicagoland area, we are able to implement positive, long-term and lasting social change in the areas of financial education and community advancement."
View the new 2009 Chrysler vehicles and learn the smart financing options to purchasing the car of your dreams!

Film Pavilion (Presented by ICE Theaters)
View a variety of short and feature length films that are produced by filmmakers of African ancestry, and interpret the culture and experiences of peoples living in all parts of the African Diaspora. Enjoy free popcorn, get free movie posters and learn more about the Black World Cinema independent film screenings only at your neighborhood ICE Theaters

Fine Arts Pavilion
The Festival is world renowned for its assembly of artists from around the Diaspora featuring original paintings, sculptures limited editions, prints, photographs, and ceramics. Some of the artists this year include Stacey Brown - festival artist of the year- Emerson Williams, Uwa Hunwick, Bayo Iribhogbe, Frank Frasier, Melvin King, Rondell, Nii-Oti, Akosuah Bandele, Marvin Sims, Ousmane Gueye, Dana Easter, Dimali, Isodor Howard, Samuel Akainyah, and Dayo Layoe.

Author and Book Pavilion (Presented by Say it Loud)
Best-selling and emerging authors share their cultural interpretations and the legacy of storytelling in the Griot tradition. Enjoy author-facilitated workshops to learn marketing and other aspects of publishing; spoken word, live readings, and book signings featuring authors such as Felicia Pride, Bil Carpenter, Sharon McGee, Erica and Monica Simmons of Double Stitch, and Third World Press among others.

Meet the Artists Media Tent (Hosted by Swank Society)
Get signed autographs and take pictures with celebrity performers. Swank Society will stream live interviews from their media tent.

African Marketplace
Shop with over 300 artists and vendors to find African goods and find valuable treasures that make wonderful Holiday gifts. Buy wholesale items and artifacts.

The Drum Village
Come celebrate The Drum. The Dance. The Experience, an exploration of the influence African and African-American heritage had on the cultural arts in Chicago for more than 40 years. This pavilion showcases interactive music education sessions and cultural performances rooted in African traditions; historical artifacts, photos; performances; and demonstrations by artistic Drummers and Dancers from around the world. Master drummers Olu Shakoor and Baba Tyehimba Mtu lead sessions that teach drumming techniques. Bring your old drums for re-skinning. A spontaneous and collaborative environment encourages all to participate in the rhythmic experience and share their gifts with others. .

Bank of the Nile Food Court
Allow your senses to come alive as mouth-watering smells lead you to a food court rich in delectable and authentic African-cuisine. Experience exotic fare from the diverse cultures of Africa including Egusi from Nigeria; Wolof rice from Senegal; Jerk chicken, goat-meat and fish from the Caribbean; and other spicy, appetizing dishes from across the African Diaspora. And don’t miss out on the distinct Cajun and Soul foods from the different corners of the world.
Beer and Wine Garden (Presented by Heineken and Wines of South Africa)
Enjoy the full-bodied, refreshingly smooth spirits, wines, and beers.

Children's Pavilion (Presented by Target)
Youth of all ages can learn and enjoy games, music, dance, storytelling, theater, arts and crafts all day long! Contributors include: Hyde Park Arts Center, the Field Museum and other family-focused institutions that offer fun, educational and interactive programs. Many social service agencies will be represented in the pavilion to provide answers to family, parental and children’s questions.

Spirituality Pavilion
Engage or observe sessions and conversations with African priests, spiritualists, healers, nutritionists, and herbalists. Try the diviners and other readers to uncover your hidden paths.

Health and Fitness Pavilion-Wellness Village ( Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois)
Stop by the Wellness Pavilion for free health screenings including blood screenings and Sickle testing. And just as students head back to school, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Care Van will roll out to the Festival grounds on Saturday (one special day) for FREE immunizations. Parents who accompany their child with shot records can get up-to-date immunizations. Don’t miss your chance to receive promotional items and giveaways including healthy living recipes and lifestyle wellness tips.

Cyberspace Pavilion
This new festival educational center offers free seminars, workshops, advice applications from technology professionals along with internet, e-mail access and more.

Quilting Pavilion
The Nubian Quilters invite you to “ come and stitch with us!”
The African-American quilting tradition is centuries-old, dating back to the American colonial period. Further, enslaved Africans brought with them techniques of piecing, appliqué and embroidery. The contemporary quilts of today can be categorized as art as textile artist evolve the quilt making tradition. Come join us at the quilting pavilion to learn traditional and contemporary techniques of quilt design. Let's keep the tradition alive!

This is HipHop Stage and Pavilion
Designed to remind us of why we fell in love with hiphop in the first place. Complementing the stage performances, the programming is rounded out by exhibits paying homage to the beginning elements of the culture; as well as discussions led by HipHop artists and community leaders exploring Chicago’s music industry, HipHop and the global connection, immigration, HIV/AIDS, raising Black boys and more. Visit the pavilion and stage area to get the full experience. Take a moment to reflect on the African influence in HipHop, and leave with the understanding of why THIS is HipHop!"

When your hut is on fire

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited

island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he

scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted,

he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect

him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after

scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames,

with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and

everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger.

He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?' Early the next day,

he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had

come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man

of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.


The Moral of This Story:



It's easy to get discouraged when thin gs are going bad, but we

shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the

midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your

little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke

signal that summons the Grace of God.


P.S. You may want to consider sharing this with someone, because you never know

who feels as if their hut is on fire today

girlie wisdom

from my girlfriends to your girlfriends!
enjoy!


For all my Girlie friends full of Wisdom, and those of us still with a lot to learn .

Girlie Wisdom

Women over 50 don't have babies because they would put them down and forget where they left them.

A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills... she has 14 kids but doesn't really care.

One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5lbs.

My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.

The best way to for get your troubles is to wear tight shoes.

The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your bo dy and your fat are really good friends.

Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.

Sometimes I think I understand everything, and then I regain consciousness.

I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting fire to my knickers.

Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks 2 sizes!

Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like...
'You know, sometimes I forget to eat!'
Now, I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name and my keys. But I have never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!

The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing and then they marry him.

I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are - eating too much; impulse buying and driving too fast.
Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day!

LIE DETECTOR!

Some of the stuff you all send me is so crazy, I just can't keep it to myself.

enjoy!

John was a salesman's delight when it came to any kind of unusual gimmick.
His wife Marsha had long ago given up trying to get him to change.
One day John came home with another one of his unusual purchases.
It was a robot that John claimed was actually a lie detector.

It was about 5:30 that afternoon when Tommy,
their 11 year old son, returned home from school.
Tommy was over 2 hours late.

'Where have you been?
Why are you over 2 hours late getting home?' asked John.

'Several of us went to the library to work on an extra credit project,' said Tommy.

The robot then walked around the table and slapped Tommy,
knocking him completely out of his chair.

'Son,' said John,
'this robot is a lie detector, now tell us where you really were after school.'

'We went to Bobby's house and watched a movie.' said Tommy.

'What did you watch?' asked Marsha.

'The Ten Commandments.' answered Tommy.

The robot went around to Tommy and once again slapped him,
knocking him off his chair once more.

With his lip quivering, Tommy got up,
sat down and said, 'I am sorry I lied.
We really watched a tape called Sex Queen.'

'I am ashamed of you son,' said John.
'When I was your age, I never lied to my parents.'

The robot then walked around to John
and delivered a whack that nearly knocked him out of his chair.

Marsha doubled over in laughter, almost in tears and said,
'Boy, did you ever ask for that one!
You can't be too mad with Tommy.
After all, he is your son!'

With that the robot walked around to Marsha
and knocked her out of her chair.

PASTOR'S ass

The Pastor's Ass

The pastor entered his donkey in a race and
it won.
The pastor was so pleased with the donkey
that he entered it in the
race
again, and it won again.
The local paper read:
PASTOR'S
ASS OUT FRONT.
The Bishop was so upset with this kind of
publicity that he ordered
the
pastor not to enter the donkey in another race.

The next day, the local paper headline
read: BISHOP
SCRATCHES
PASTOR'S
ASS.

Solution to Singlehood: Seeking Sizzle? 30 men in 30 days

If you missed my seminar on Saturday at McCormick Place, here are the highlights!
It was taped so you'll get a chance to see it on ZTV!
Until then...


Women and men have w-a-a-a-y too many unrealistic expectations when it comes to dating. In these challenging economic times, one has to re-consider their dating options, if they are to date at all!

You don’t have to be lonely, or alone, if you know the tricks of the dating game. Most of us don’t. We simply do what we see others do.

Is it working for you?

Women: Dating multiple men doesn’t make you anything than you already are.
Men: Dating multiple women is what you do best. Sisters could learn a thing or two, while keeping their integrity and wholesomeness. For the church folk, don’t get your dander up until you’ve heard this truth.


Truth is, what works for others, may not work for you. Break out of the dating rut, and get into the game. You don’t have to sleep with the men you date, BUT YOU MUST INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MEN YOU DATE

If you want something different, you gotta DO SOMETHING NEW!




Date 30 Men/Women in 30 Days


1. Picnic
2. Library (Books, videos)
3. Children Events (Circus)
4. Museums (Sci. Ind./Adler)
5. Kareoke
6. Hotel Lobby (conversation, fantasize hotel room/drink)
7. Public Transportation/Metra (Bus Ride different neighborhood
8. Trolley/Tour Ride
9. Navy Pier Walk
10. Home Videos
11. Early Movie
12. TV Tour
13. Radio Station Tour
14. Bike Ride
15. Roller Skating
16. Conference (Professional Assn.)
17. How To Seminars
18. Games Shows
19. Tourist Game
20. Play Games (Hoola Hoop/Jump Rope)
21. Park Swings
22. Swimming Pool
23. Tennis
24. Board Games (Monopoly)
25. Card Games (Bid Whist/Spades/Bridge)
26. Checker Tornament
27. Free Concerts
28. Stimulating Conversations/foot rub/massages
29. Collage (Visualize Future)
30. Write Love Letters (Date don’t go well, had good love letter)
(Write letter to self – Acceptable/Unacceptable)