The end of summer does not have to mean the end of fun in the Triangle. There are two upcoming festivals where you can experience African American music, art, food and culture.
On Labor Day weekend the African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County will celebrate its 5th Anniversary. This two day event takes place along Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh. At the Cultural Festival, you can listen to a diverse mix of performers including the Taste of Honey featuring Janice Marie, Zap, the Bar-Kays and much more. You can view an African dance performance. Take your children to the Family Village where they can hear a storyteller or make a craft. Then enjoy a tasty treat or purchase a unique item from a vendor.
Michelle Davis Petelinz, Art Program Director encourages art lovers to “stop in to each booth to meet the artists, learn about the inspiration and stories behind their work, and find a treasured piece for (their) collections.” People of all ages, tastes and interests will find something to enjoy at the African American Cultural Festival. For more information, visit www.aacfralwake.org.
On September 5-6, the Durham Blues Festival will showcase the rich diversity of blues music by presenting local, national and international artists. The Blues Festival will also honor North Carolina's musical roots which include blues, jazz and R&B.
This year the Blues Festival will feature performances in two very different venues. According to Executive Director Angela Lee, "Presenting the Festival at two locations provides the best of both worlds for patrons. Those who enjoy an indoor venue will embrace the experience of our historic Hayti Performance Hall. Others who prefer an outdoor setting will appreciate the performances at the historic Durham Athletic Park.”
The Blues festival will open on Friday evening with a reading of the poem "The Blues Traveler" by award-winning poet Dasan Ahanu. The Campbell Brothers will play a new interpretation of John Coltrane's “A Love Supreme” in honor of the 50th anniversary of the recording. Other festival performers include John Dee Holeman, Grady Champion, Kermit Ruffins, Shemekia Copeland, Calvin Edwards Trio, the Red Dirt Revelators and more.
Saturday’s performances at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park will feature the International Blues Artist Winner, the Orie Naftlay Band. During the shows you can dance, spread a blanket or sit in the stands. You can also enjoy food or make a purchase at one of the many vendors. Each evening, the doors will open at 5 pm and the performances will be from 6 – midnight. Friday night advanced tickets are $35. Saturday night advanced tickets are $45. To purchase tickets, visit www.hayti.org.
Both the African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County and the Durham Blues Festival offer a variety of world class performances and events. They are reason enough to celebrate the end of summer.
Sherri Holmes is the Director of the Triangle Friends of African American Arts. She can be reached at [email protected].
On Labor Day weekend the African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County will celebrate its 5th Anniversary. This two day event takes place along Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh. At the Cultural Festival, you can listen to a diverse mix of performers including the Taste of Honey featuring Janice Marie, Zap, the Bar-Kays and much more. You can view an African dance performance. Take your children to the Family Village where they can hear a storyteller or make a craft. Then enjoy a tasty treat or purchase a unique item from a vendor.
Michelle Davis Petelinz, Art Program Director encourages art lovers to “stop in to each booth to meet the artists, learn about the inspiration and stories behind their work, and find a treasured piece for (their) collections.” People of all ages, tastes and interests will find something to enjoy at the African American Cultural Festival. For more information, visit www.aacfralwake.org.
On September 5-6, the Durham Blues Festival will showcase the rich diversity of blues music by presenting local, national and international artists. The Blues Festival will also honor North Carolina's musical roots which include blues, jazz and R&B.
This year the Blues Festival will feature performances in two very different venues. According to Executive Director Angela Lee, "Presenting the Festival at two locations provides the best of both worlds for patrons. Those who enjoy an indoor venue will embrace the experience of our historic Hayti Performance Hall. Others who prefer an outdoor setting will appreciate the performances at the historic Durham Athletic Park.”
The Blues festival will open on Friday evening with a reading of the poem "The Blues Traveler" by award-winning poet Dasan Ahanu. The Campbell Brothers will play a new interpretation of John Coltrane's “A Love Supreme” in honor of the 50th anniversary of the recording. Other festival performers include John Dee Holeman, Grady Champion, Kermit Ruffins, Shemekia Copeland, Calvin Edwards Trio, the Red Dirt Revelators and more.
Saturday’s performances at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park will feature the International Blues Artist Winner, the Orie Naftlay Band. During the shows you can dance, spread a blanket or sit in the stands. You can also enjoy food or make a purchase at one of the many vendors. Each evening, the doors will open at 5 pm and the performances will be from 6 – midnight. Friday night advanced tickets are $35. Saturday night advanced tickets are $45. To purchase tickets, visit www.hayti.org.
Both the African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County and the Durham Blues Festival offer a variety of world class performances and events. They are reason enough to celebrate the end of summer.
Sherri Holmes is the Director of the Triangle Friends of African American Arts. She can be reached at [email protected].
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