Calendar of Events

Africa FEST

Title:Africa FEST
Date & Time:Sat Sep 7, 2019 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location:Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave. (Map This)
The Patrick Henry Recreation Center offers indoor running/walking lanes; a flex court with full size basketball, volleyball and Pickle Ball courts; multipurpose, arts and crafts, fitness and soft play rooms.
Event Details:Photo by Ja'Mon Jackson
Photo by Ja'Mon Jackson
Celebrate African heritage through dance, music, food, crafts and culture at this free community event. Participate in hands-on activities, sample traditional food, meet ambassadors and experience cultural demonstrations. Traditional African attire is encouraged.

Africa FEST is held in collaboration with the African Union Mission to the United States of America, the Pan-African Diaspora Women Association and Youth Association and Smithsonian National Museum of African Art.

Several African embassies will be represented. Ambassadors and dignitaries will participate in ceremonies and embassy staff will host cultural displays and activities.

Nigerian-American singer/songwriter Janeliasoul will be the mistress of ceremonies for the following scheduled activities:

• Noon - Official welcome and traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony with elected officials, dignitaries and special guests, which celebrates the Ethiopian New Year on September 12.
• 12:30 p.m. - Ni Dembaya West African Drum and Dance Company leads the parade of nations showcasing 55 African flags to symbolize the unity and pride of the continent
• 1:30 p.m. - VUSA: Voices from Southern Africa performs a cappella choral selections from South Africa and other southern African nations
• 2:30 p.m. - Chosen Generation, an African dance youth group, performs dances from Cameroon
• 3:30 p.m. - Ethio Dankira performs traditional music from Ethiopia and Eritrea
• 4:30 p.m. - Janeliasoul performs Nigerian soul and Afrobeat music
• 5 p.m. - Closing remarks

Hands-on activities will take place throughout the afternoon. Smithsonian National African Museum of Art will lead sessions about African games; Teresa Brunson will lead two painting workshops, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; and Ni Dembaya will teach a drumming and dancing workshop at 1:30 p.m. Vendors will also be selling traditional food.

Sponsors for Africa FEST are African Union Mission to the USA, Kathy Wilson Foundation, Gold Works by David Martin; West End Business Association, Marta Ali Studios and The Zebra. Use of public transportation is encouraged. Visit Metrobus or DASH for schedule information.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact arts@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5592, Virginia Relay 711.
Links:
Contact Person:Cheryl Anne Colton
Contact Phone No.:703.746.5592
Contact Email:arts@alexandriava.gov
Fees:Free
Audience:Anyone may attend
Tags:Arts, Black History Museum, Community Outreach, Concerts, Family, Performing Arts, Recreation, Recreation Centers, Restricted Food Trucks, Summer Fun for Kids, Teens, Toddlers, Tourism, Visual Arts, Volunteer, West End, Workshop


For event details visit https://apps.alexandriava.gov/Calendar/?27652
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