May 30 – June 4
In loving honor and memory of Baba Chuck Davis.
The 30th annual festival celebrating the dance and music of the African Diaspora! Introducing Griot Mama Sylvia Soumah, outstanding African dance companies from the DC metropolitan area, a master class series, free outdoor activities and our signature African Marketplace, this festival is guaranteed to inspire, invigorate, educate and entertain. Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Master Classes ($16)
May 30, 6:30 – 8pm: Assane Konte (KanKouran West African Dance Company) at Dance Place
May 31, 6:30 – 8pm: Nkenge Cunningham (Farafina Kan) at Dance Place
June 1, 6:30 – 8pm: Sylvia Soumah and Marcia Howard (Coyaba Dance Theater) at Dance Place
June 3, 10:30am – 12:30pm: Ezibu Muntu African Dance Theater at the Edgewood Arts Center
June 4, 10:30am – 12:30pm: Lasina Martin (Farafina Kan) at the Edgewood Arts Center
African Marketplace, Free Outdoor Activities & Performances
Friday, June 2, 6:30 – 7:30pm
on the 8th St Arts Park (3225 8th St NE)
Saturday, June 3, 12 – 7pm
12 – 12:45p: Tam Tam Mandingue
1 – 1:45pm: Energizers Youth Showcase
2 – 2:45pm: National Hand Dance Association
3 – 3:45pm: Stories from the Gullah Island
4 – 4:45pm: Urban Foli
5 – 5:45pm: Village Celebration with Coyaba Dance Theater
6:30 – 7:30pm: Duende Quartet
Sunday, June 4, 12 – 7pm
12 – 12:45pm: Drum Class & Circle with Dr. Yew
1 – 1:45pm: Malcolm X Dancers & Drummers
2 – 2:45pm: DC Casineros
3 – 3:45pm: Stories from the Gullah Island
4 – 4:45pm: Gato’s Band
5 – 5:45pm: Village Celebration with Coyaba Dance Theater
6 – 7pm: Amadou Kouyate
Performances ($15 – 30)
Saturday, June 3 at 2pm*
Soul in Motion, Dance Place Step Team, African Heritage Dancers & Drummers
Saturday, June 3 at 8pm
Coyaba Dance Theater, Ezibu Muntu African Dance Theater
Sunday, June 4 at 2pm*
Sankofa Dance Theater, Farafina Kan Junior Company
Sunday, June 4 at 7pm
KanKouran West African Dance Company, Farafina Kan
Tickets
$30 Admission
$15 College Students and Children (17 & Under)
*2PM ONLY – Family Series (1 free ticket for child 12 & under with paying adult)
Visual Art Exhibition
Steve Prince at the Brookland Artspace Gallery