Friday, September 17, 2021

Cathedral Village plans Black Arts Festival - October 2nd - 6th

 


For more information click HERE

2021 Cathedral Village Black Arts Festival

"The vitality, passion and resourcefulness of artists with ancestral roots in Africa, has spanned the ages to communicate, entertain and inspire. The festival showcases a wealth of artists, musicians, writers, historians, actors and dancers. Together, we revel in the extraordinary creativity of African American artists whose legacy is ours to share and enjoy."

-Robert Polk, Cathedral Village Resident and Festival Founder

 

Saturday, October 2  |  1:30 to 5 p.m.
Jazz Fest
Location: Front Lawn

Outdoor performances by some of Philadelphia’s top jazz groups, including the Tony Williams Quartet and the Kenny Gates Trio, will open the Black Arts Festival. Other outstanding local jazz artists will join in traditional jam sessions and open mic performances. $5 donation requested. 

Saturday, October 2-October 6                                            
Black Arts Showcase: Residents’ Private Collections
Location: Leamy Room

Cathedral Village residents add a personal perspective to our Black Arts Festival by lending a wide array of work by African and African-American artists and artisans--baskets, carvings, cloth, figures, masks, paintings and books.  

Daily Showcase Times:

  • 10/2- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
  • 10/3- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • 10/4- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • 10/5- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • 10/6- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Sunday, October 3  |  4 p.m.                                           
Echoes of Yoruba: Life in Epic Times
Location: Cathedral Hall Near Guest House

This dance, drumming, music and conversational event offers a window into the vibrant presence of Yoruba practices in Philadelphia today, which have their origins in West Africa during the slavery era. The Germaine Ingram Group will illuminate these little-known local cultural assets and treasures.

Monday, October 4  |  7:30 p.m.                                          
Creating Community: The Early History of Philadelphia’s African-Americans
Location: Cathedral Hall  

A dramatic narrative performed by Cathedral Village residents will explore the building of this strong community in the face of continuing discrimination from the late 18th to the late 19th century.      

Tuesday, October 5  |  7:30 p.m.                                         
Meet the Artists
Location: Presser Lounge
In connection with our theme of “Black Women in the Arts,” award-winning painters Wanda Art PayneDressler Smith and Yolanda Ward will speak about their work and answer questions. Their paintings will be on display at Cathedral Village until November 30.

Wednesday, October 6  |  7:30 p.m.                                    
"The Gospel Accoding to Nana" by Liliya Uga, libretto by Lorene Cary
Location: Cathedral Hall

Philadelphia novelist and playwright will return to this year’s BAF with a debut of her mini opera “The Gospel According to Nana,” by Liliya Ugay, libretto by Lorene Cary. It is based on her memoir “Ladysitting: My Year with Nana at the End of Her Century.” The 30-minute performance by a trio of musicians will be introduced by Cary and followed with an opportunity to ask questions about the making of the opera and her life as a Philadelphia writer.