GBN Lifestyle
This Labor Day weekend Jeffrey Osborne headlines the 26th Annual African Festival of the Arts held in Chicago’s historic Washington Park (September 4 – 7, 2015). http://www.aihusa.org/african-festival
This extraordinary event transforms Washington Park into a simulated African village. Patrons experience African culture, spirituality, fine art, film, video, music and more! Over 300 vendors will present artifacts, textiles, music, food and many other interactive program spaces.
AFA is the largest event of its kind held in the U.S. with a focus on African arts and culture. Attendees are transported across the Diaspora with the AFA’s authentic pavilions, including the Drum & African Folk Village; Children and Family Pavilion; Wellness Village; Book & Author Pavilion; and Fine Art Pavilion.
Each day of the Festival is themed: Opening day (Friday, Sept. 4th) will be the Chicago Steppin’ Party and Show, featuring R&B crooner K’Jon. K’Jon’s hit, “On the Ocean,” is fast becoming a classic and is a fan favorite among the Steppers’ crowd.
On Saturday, the focus will be on African Beats with Reggae, Afro-Columbian, Nigerian, and Caribbean music; Sunday is Chicago’s Best with Jazz vocalist Tammy McCann, percussionist Taylor Moore and vocal powerhouse Terisa Griffin, as well as Chicago-style Blues and comedy. Leading up to Osborne’s main-stage performance on Monday evening will be award-winning jazz/R&B vocalist Joan Collaso, along with soul artist, Sax Preacher, and the Big Band rhythms of Soundmine Merchants.
This festival is a virtual African marketplace brought to us by African International House. The mission of Africa International House (AIH) is to serve as a center that exposes and educates all people to the individual works and collective contributions of African cultures. This mission is addressed through their flagship program, the African Festival of the Arts, and through other activities that promote African-based culture. To find out more click here: http://www.aihusa.org