Contributed by the Black Arts and Culture Center
KALAMAZOO (MICH.)-The Black Arts Fest brings a new twist to its 25-year-old event with a special event for adults only during the Summer Jam White Party. From 8 p.m. to Midnight on Saturday July 30, adults can enjoy jazz music, dancing, card game competitions and during a dressy affair all under one roof in the Epic Center, 359 S. Kalamazoo Ave. The event will include refreshments and cash bar for those ages 25 and older. Tickets are $15 each with specials which include membership to the Black Arts and Cultural Center.
“This is an opportunity for adults to come out, support the Black Arts and Cultural Center in an event catered just for them,” said Sid Ellis, executive director of the Black Arts and Cultural Center. “While we still maintain the focus of arts and culture, the Summer Jam White party brings a different flare and allows adults to come as couples or as groups to enjoy themselves and network with others.”
The Children’s Day will remain at the Arcadia Creek Festival site for Thursday, July 28. Children will receive free refreshments, face painting and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year the Black Arts Fest returns to its roots by holding the Friday, Saturday and Sunday events in Bronson Park. From noon to 11 p.m. festivities will include:
Friday, July 29-
Noon-3 p.m.: Storytelling at Kalamazoo Public Library, downtown branch. Youth in grades 3 and up will experience creative writing and storytelling.
6-8 p.m.: Storytelling and Poetry Reading at the Epic Center, Gail Sydnor Art Gallery (Black Arts and Cultural Center)
8:30-11 p.m.: Fine Arts Invitational Reception will feature live entertainment, slam poetry, dancing, singing, instrumental music and more in the Epic Center.
Saturday, July 30-
1-6 p.m.: Bronson Park Festivities will include a fashion show, live area entertainers, arts and crafts and family fun.
8 a.m. to Midnight: Summer Jam White Party in the Epic Center, second level.
Sunday, July 31
Noon to 5 p.m.: Bronson Park Festivities- Gospel in the Park featuring local Christian entertainers.
For more information or tickets to the Summer Jam White party, call 269-349-1035, or visit: www.blackartskalamazoo.org.
This year the Black Arts & Cultural Center is kicking it up a notch by celebrating local talent during its 26th Black Arts Fest! While Children’s Day will still be held at Arcadia Creek Festival Site, the Saturday and Sunday events will be held in Bronson Park. An Adults Only White Party also is added to this year’s festivities with music, dancing and card game competitions in the Epic Center.
In keeping with the organization’s mission to develop, promote and advance African American creativity, cultural heritage and artistic ability, the organization will highlight dozens of the area’s most talented poets, musicians, dancers and other artists of all ages.
“There is so much talent in West Michigan that this year we felt it only fitting to highlight the talent we have right here,” said Sid Ellis, executive director of the Black Arts and Cultural Center. “It’s great to bring in nationally-known entertainers, however many of our native performers deserve to have a platform in their own community where they can gain experience and support.”
This year the Fest will break from hosting all three-days of their event in Arcadia Creek Festival site, by exposing participants to various art venues in downtown Kalamazoo such as the Epic Center, the city’s art hub. “This year will mark our 26th year at the Black Arts Festival, and we want to create a more Fest-appeal for our community as a way to continue highlighting the culture and heritage in a 21st Century way,” said Ellis.
The Black Arts Fest is the longest-running Black Arts Festival in Michigan. This year’s festival will include three power-packed days filled with artistic and culturally rich family fun.
For more information, call 269-349-1035.
For more information regarding this year’s Black Arts Fest, contact the Black Arts and Cultural Center office located in the Epic Center at 269-349-1035.
- Celebrating culture and art will be the focus of the 26th annual Black Arts Fest.
The Black Arts Fest schedule includes:
Thursday, July 28: Annual Children’s Day:
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arcadia Creek festival site. This FREE event is geared for kids ages 6-12 years old and includes free hot dogs and drinks, carnival games, face painting, an instrument petting zoo, live entertainment and much more.
Friday, July 29: Explore Your Creativity: FREE storytelling and creative writing workshops.
Storytelling & Creative Writing: From noon to 3 p.m. at the downtown Kalamazoo Public Library in the Van Duesen room. Storytelling will be for third grade age youth and up/Creative Writing for Middle School age youth and adults.
Storytelling and Poetry Reading: 6-8 p.m. at the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo
Fine Arts Invitational Reception: From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Gail Sydnor Art Gallery in the Black Arts & Cultural Center located in the Epic Center.
Live Entertainment: From 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the Epic Center. A variety of FREE live entertainment acts will include slam poetry, dancing, singing, instrumental music and a host of other performing arts.
Saturday, July 30: Family Fun Fest
From noon-6 p.m. FREE live entertainment will include a fashion show, family fun, and original arts and crafts booths. This event will take place in Bronson Park.
Adult Summer Party: 8 p.m. to midnight. Nowhere else in Kalamazoo can you experience in three separate rooms under the same roof—live Jazz, D.J. music, card games and tournaments at the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo for only $15.00. Please call the BACC at 269-349-1035 to find out how to get discount tickets.
Sunday, July 31:
Gospel in the Park: From noon-5 p.m. Activities for this day is FREE. Local Christian dancers, musicians, soloists and choirs will take the stage to close out the 26th annual Black Arts Fest in Bronson Park.
TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS GREAT EVENT CONTACT US AT 269-349-1035 or
info@blackartskalamazoo.org
