The annual National
Black Arts Festival (NBAF)
has blossomed into one of the largest and finest national
and international celebrations of the art, music and culture
of people of African descent. Held July 18-27, 2008 citywide,
this year’s highlights include:
- an all-star lineup of
concerts by Gladys Knight, and Wynton Marsalis, performing
with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
- fine art fair at the
Mason Murer Gallery and a special exhibit by artist Carrie
Mae Weems commemorating the 40th anniversary of the assassination
of Martin Luther King Jr.
- Tribute to Judith Jamison,
artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
- Theatrical
productions including hit Broadway musical “The
Color Purple” and James Baldwin’s “The
Amen Corner” performed by True Colors, led
by Tony Award-nominated director Kenny Leon
Each year the Atlanta
Jazz Festival brings an amazing lineup
of international performers to the city in May. In its 31st
year, it will introduce a new format in which festivities
move through four neighborhoods during four weeks, including
Castleberry Hill, Virginia-Highland, Midtown and downtown
Atlanta. Many events are free, culminating in free all-day
performances at Woodruff Park downtown during Memorial Day
Weekend.
Brothers Dr. Nathaniel H. Bronner Sr. and Arthur E. Bronner
Sr. began the Bronner
Bros. Atlanta Hair Show in 1947 with
300 attendees. Today a second generation of Bronners runs
the company, and the event, set for Aug. 2-5, now attracts
thousands and offers hands-on classes, presentations and
a trade floor at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Martin Luther King
Jr. Week (Jan.
14-19, 2009) is an annual citywide celebration of the civil
rights leader’s birthday, including the Atlanta Symphony
Orchestra’s tribute, “A King Celebration,” at
Morehouse College, collaboration with guest artists and Morehouse
and Spelman college’s glee clubs. Other events include
a Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Atlanta-based UniverSoul
Circus, the world’s first
and only African-American-owned circus, pitches its big tent
in the Turner Field parking lot in late February/early March.
The troupe of international performers of African descent
blends circus artistry with high-energy urban showmanship
and a hip-hop beat.
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