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BWAF Philly 2009

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Schedule Overview

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Join us this summer for the 6th Annual BWAF in beautiful Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA!

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Thursday, July 30, 2009

A Night of Ritual, 6-10pm, $7 or 2 for $10

Circle of Hope (2007 Frankford Ave, Phila, PA 19125)

*A Children-friendly event, face-painting, storytelling & open playroom*

Featuring:

Hosted By: Spokenword Diva Aziza Kinteh

Aziza Zenzile Kintehg is a Poet/Activist, Griot, Published Author, Vocalist, Educator, and Hair Culturalist, who utilizes her gift to uplift her culture, promote black womanhood in a positive light, and cultivate a consciousness for social change. Alumna of Eckerd College and Temple University's School's of Journalism and Communication; Aziza’s poetry, editorials, and collective works have been published world wide.

Angela 'Sadio' Watson

Angela "Sadio" Watson is the founder of Camara Arts a Rites of Passage organization. She began training & studying traditional African dance in 1989, has traveled all over the world dancing, and was a Fulbright scholar in Guinea in 1997-98. Angela is currently a member of KuluMele African dance ensemble, the oldest African dance company in Philly.

Rhetta Morgan

Rhetta Morgan is a well-known music recitalist, educator, and innovator. She blends musical elements from her conservatory education, gospel music background, and love for popular music into the songs she creates and performs. She boldly intertwines various spiritual principles to create a unique sound. For more information: www.rhettamorgan.com.

Taina Asili

Taína Asili carries on the tradition of her ancestors, fusing present and past struggles into one poetic song-voice. She is a puertorriqueña vocalist, poet, visual artist, educator, activist and mother from Philadelphia, PA and Albany, NY.

Rahnda Rize

Hailing from the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia, Rahnda Rize is a multitalented performing artist and one of Philly’s upcoming Soul Sirens with the titles of vocalist, songwriter, poet, dancer and actor that follow her name. In 2002 she made her New York City debut as “Titilayo, the African Ancestor” in an Off-Broadway production called Khepera, and went on to do a four year residency with Headline Theatre Company under the direction of Tiffany Bacon (Radio One) & Bunmi Samuel. Recent acting credits include “Laveer” in Bushfire Theatre’s production of the Off –Broadway play Long Time Since Yesterday, “Liz” in It Comes with A Cost (Prince Music Theatre) “Mamie Till”, Emmit Tills’ mother in Ain’t Nobody Gonna Turn Me ‘Round (Kaleidoscope Arts Collective), and “Esther” in Songs of the Blue Goddess, A Misty Sol/Philly Fringe Production. Currently, Ms. Rize holds a B.A. degree in Broadcasting/Communications from Temple University where she was a Jazz Host/DJ on the NPR affiliate WRTI 90.1 FM. She is a member of Kaleidoscope Community Arts Collective & affiliated with countless artistic entities throughout the city. This dynamic diva is dedicated to bringing compassion, depth and integrity to the stage. Her passion is the performing arts and her mission is to use her artistry as a platform to educate, inspire, uplift and touch lives!

Fatimah Laren

*Christy Baker

Local therapist, herbalist, writer, and visual artist Christy Baker will be adorning the cheeks of children (young and old alike) with the images of their choice.

*Monique Gordan

Monique is a Philadelphia native and Graduate of Philadelphia University. Her nickname stems from a 1962 sitcom: The New Loretta Young Show. Loretta Young had five daughters just as Monique's parents and the inquisitive feisty child was named Binkie Massey. Her inquisitiveness and vivid imagination appears in Binky's Words, a mind-on hands-on activity poetry book. Her poetry is attributed to her parents' fascination with books and story telling. Monique can spin a poem from almost anything: vivid dreams, dialog, quotes found on fair-trade teabag tags, and notes left behind by strangers. Her personal library is a pastiche of literature books and journals given as gifts, purchased from flea markets, sidewalk sales, independent book dealers, thrift shops and unclaimed books found on public transit or tossed in the dumpster by its owner.

*Joslyn The Storyteller

As a storyteller, Joslyn works her urban upbringing and her theater background into her work. She shares a mix of traditional tales, creative works and personal narratives and aims to empower people by creating with words, a positive and progressive media that is accessible and easily understood. Joslyn has told stories in schools, libraries and at community events. She has also produced several storytelling based theater productions including, Hidden Roots, The Laughing Seed, and Emancipation of a Soul. Joslyn is currently working on a new production titled, The WURD.

More Artists TBA!!

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Opening Night After-party

Any Questions, 7-12mid, $3/after 9pm

Rum Bar (2005 Walnut St, Phila, PA 19103)

Featuring:

DJ BeFree

A Philadelphia native, Megan Gibson, known in the party and promotion world as "BeFree", was born into a family of music lovers. BeFree found the transition into the DJ world to be seamless. BeFree has become known for blending the old with the new to rock private parties(EMERGE, Adidas), clubs(FUSE, QFEST), and lounges throughout Philadelphia and NY. BeFree currently promotes and DJs, "...Any Questions?" a monthly lounge event and "UNFILTERED" a monthly party that takes its party goers through the evolution of sound. Thank you to all of the DJs old and new for your tutilage, inspiration, and encouragement.

Rosemary Fiki:

Mahoganee

Mahoganee released her first album "My Life, My Story" under the independent production company "Beat Huztlerz Productionz" in 2006 after deciding to take a different road on what type of music she wanted to leave as a legacy and dedicated a song to her mother entitled "I Miss Her". Although this was her first album, her musical journey began long before this. Being born and raised in the small historical of Summerton, South Carolina has always kept Mahoganee grounded and has been inspirational in her musical endeavors. Mahoganee has now relocated to Washington, DC. In the US capital she is a regular at its local artist venues, performing regularly and is putting together her second album entitled "Thoughtz of a D.I.V.A."

DJ Phoenix

AfroDJiak

AfroDJiak: AfroDJiak is a prolific deejay/producer, whose performances bridge the gap between hip-hop elitists and soul aficionados. Born in Richmond, and raised in the DC metropolitan area, she finds inspiration in musicianship from Outkast and Chuck Brown to MC Lyte and De La Soul (and so much in between). Her conspicuous mixes, combined with innate charisma allow her to command a spellbinding presence over a dance floor ultimately assisting her in becoming one of Philadelphia’s most sought after deejays. Always wearing her largest smile, she is well on her way to mastering the art of synchrony, creating a career as a dynamic deejay, performer, and producer whose talents proliferate various media entities.

Serina Carrera

is a prolific, stylistic vocalist, growing in her art, not only as a performer but as a recording artist. Carrera’s distinctive sound is vocally, a blend of Latin jazz and hip-hop. A futuristic lyricist too complex to be classified as a rapper, she fits under the title of MC, and is also a spoken-word poet.

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Friday, July 31, 2009

Last Friday Visual Arts & Live Performance Crawl, 5-10pm*

*Green Line Cafe (4426 Locust St, Phila, PA 19104), 7-9:30pm, $5

Kaffa Crossing (4423 Chestnut St, Phila, PA 19104), Donations Accepted

Metropolitan Bakery & Cafe (4013 Walnut St, Phila, PA 19104), Donations Accepted

Vivant Art Collection (60 N 2nd, Phila, PA 19106), Donations Accepted

Kaffa Crossing Featuring:

Hosted By: BWAF Founder & Multi-Media Artist Cassendre Xavier

Cassendre Xavier is has been working as a musician and multi-genre publishing author in and around Greater Philadelphia since 1990. An award-winning community cultural arts advocate, she coined the term "renaissance negresse" in 2002. www.cassEndrExavier.com

Katonya Mosley

A recovering token, New Age enthusiast, and educator, Katonya Mosley recently became the enraged intelligent Black woman at work, and she is thrilled to have made peace with the stereotype.

Shayna Israel

Shayna SheNess Israel, a Brooklyn native, is an accomplished poet and rapper that has co-founded the all womyn's feminist rap and poetry collective 3xLadyCrew (Three Times a Lady Crew) and Saturday Cipher, free poetry, rap and performance apprenticeship classes for youth. As a performance poet whose work is, at times, powerfully reminiscent of Black Arts Movement poetry, Shayna continues to write womyn into the center of her work, believing that it is crucial to restore importance to womyn narratives. Shayna SheNess Israel has released a CD of her rap and poetry titled Da Ghetto Intellectual Mixtape and is the author of three self-published works of poetry

Angel Hogan

A “rural girl transplanted from a horse farm to Philadelphia,” finds great adventure, beauty and often comedy in diverse experiences. An award-winning writer, Hogan studied literary theory at Bucknell University, where she received the Julia Fonville Smithson Prize for poetry and the Bucknell Prize for Women. Much of her work is fueled by her multiracial background and non-traditional upbringing, as well as her admitted passion for seeking out the unusual. Hogan works at the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of the New Philadelphia Poets. She lives in West Philadelphia with her cat, Mamacita, and is completing her first book, Blind Foal. You can see more of her work at www.angelhogan.com.

Bea Joyner

"A Different View of Liberty", A visit to the Ellis Island and the Statute of Liberty prompted me to take a different photographic views of these landmarks.

Kelly Wimbley

Kelly Wimbley is embracing her gifts, through a visual arts expressions, and living intentionally.

Jennifer McIntosh

The artist Jennifer McIntosh, formally known as Jennifer Jackson, was born on the beautiful Caribbean Island of Jamaica and now resides in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. As a child, Jennifer's favorite past time was drawing and painting. Jennifer studied art throughout her high school years and also studied at Prince Georges Community College, in Largo, Maryland. Jennifer's artwork is primarily done in oils and acrylics. She uses variety of styles to express her wide view of the world of art.

Black Women Artists Open Mic Come Early To Sign-Up

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Vivant Art Collection Featuring:

Hosted By: Micah Sims from "A New Day With Micah Sims" 1540 AM WNWR

Nina 'Lyrispect' Ball

Lyrispect’s performance can only be described as an intense, passionate “verbal grace”. Her style, approach, content and delivery have been likened to that of: Sanchez, Baraka, Neruda and Saul Williams. She has shared venues with the legendary: Last Poets, Dr. Julius Garvey, Eric Benet, Raheem DeVaughn, Kenny Lattimore, Dwele, Fertile Ground, and most recently, Mos Def. Lyrispect’s literary works, including an original one-act “Her-story”, have received recognitions from the NAACP, National Black Theater Festival, and Center Stage’s Young Playwright’s Festival. For more information: www.myspace.com/lyrispect

Nikki Powerhouse

Nikki Powerhouse is a native of Philadelphia, PA soil. An actor, playwright, poet, nude figure model and freedom dancer who uses her many artistic expressions to promote healing. She began her extensive theater training at the Philadelphia Creative Performing Arts High School, and continued honing her passion at Black Nexxus, and Theatre for New Generation. Her New York City stage credits include: 'Notice Me', presented in NYC Fringe Festival, 'Sex, God, and Heels', 'Queen Mary of Scotland' and 'Khepera'. In Philadelphia she has trained with The New Freedom Theater, she recently finish her BFA at Temple University School of Theater Communications. Philadelphia stage credits includes: her one-woman show 'Fantasy Is An Addiction' (2005 Philly Fringe Festival), lead role in 'Antigone', 'Seven Guitars', 'Fences', and 'Merry Wives of Windsor'. Ms. Powerhouse's flexibility leaves her audiences captivated by each every performance giving true mean to the name: Powerhouse!

Cocosol

Burning with a distinct & intoxicating life force, CocoSol is an International Songstress & multi-instrumentalist. Her music is a wonderful world funk symphony woven with catchy guitar licks, sultry voice, fiery rhythms and longing melodies. In Montreal, CocoSol grew up in a large family of nine, Brady Bunch style. While a teenager, she took the stage as a root dancer and singer percussionist with Ayana & Batanes; two Malian/Cuban premier ensembles and appeared as a recording artist on their release, Batanes. Since her arrival on the Philadelphia’s art scene in the late nineties, CocoSol has collaborated with multiple artists, companies and formed three distinct musical groups: “Do it Duo, Les Tourterelles and SOWELU.” For more on this artist: www.cocosmusic.com.

Sherry Burton Ways

Sherry Burton Ways is a self-taught mixed media and art doll artist. In late 2007, Sherry was challenged by my twin sister and artist, Sharon J. Burton, to create dolls and art again. In December 2007, she created Sankofa Doll Artistry, which provided her an opportunity to begin creating mixed media art and art dolls reflective of women of the African Diaspora. Her doll art has been recently published in the book, “Black Dolls: A Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting and Experiencing the Passion” by Debbie Behan Garrett, Soft Dolls & Animals Magazine and Doll Castle News Magazine. In 2009, Ways will contribute to the forthcoming book by nationally known doll artist, Pamela Hastings, entitled Hot Flash. For more information: www.sankofastudio.com

Cheryl Durgans

I am inspired by the writings of Octavia Butler and James Baldwin, the collage/assemblage art of Romare Bearden, the investigative prowess of investigative reporter Seymour Hersh, and my late father’s brilliant ability to solve complex problems as an engineer. I am intrigued by non-linear composition, layering conceptual elements on top of one another to tell a cohesive story. I grew up straddling the world of my working class relatives’ fun, cool, jazzy, but kitschy vibe with my college educated parents more pragmatic approach to living a structured, emerging African American middle class existence. Because of my background, I like to play with identity politics. Printmaking, painting and writing are important aspects of my art making process. I am particularly intrigued by the overall look achieved by using printmaking techniques.

Nataki Bhatti

A love and understanding of art was both nurtured and natured in Nataki McNeal Bhatti. She comes from a family of artists, Nataki’s mother, F. Diane McNeal was a textile & fiber artist, master papermaker and visual artist; her grandfather, F. D. McNeal, was a folk artist and her father is a painter and classical musician. One thing is certain. Nataki was raised to be an artist. She states, “I did not choose art, it choose me.” Despite challenge, she is obedient to her calling. Nataki received a dual degree in Art and African American Studies from Penn State University where she focused on African aesthetic and revolutionary art, which is the philosophical basis of all of her work. Nataki is presently working on a series of paintings that explore the black icon and harmonize conflict and movement within color. She continues to teach locally, give private lessons and facilitates various workshops. Nataki continues communicating spirit with a performance conversation about the dichotomies of being a black-woman-mother-artist-wife.

Sharon Burton

As a self-taught artist, I am influenced by the spiritual world, especially representations of beliefs and customs in a variety of cultures. I also use art to respond to social issues that affect those most vulnerable individuals in our society. I choose the appropriate medium, whether painting, mixed media, collage, or photography from the “visions” which guide me in during the creative process. I am influenced by African American culture and history, especially now that our country has elected the first African American President.

Simone Lino aka Donna Yaya by Lino
August 10th, 1978, on a sunny afternoon in Minas Gerais, a Brazilian artist was born. Simone’s (aka Donna Yaya by Lino) parents engrossed their daughter into several artistic activities. From the age of nine, she took art classes three times a week which blossomed into her passion. Simone is also a performing vocal artist and use to sing in the choir of Parana University of Arts (2001-2003). Since moving from Rio de Janeiro to Philadelphia in 2005, she reconnected with her art to fill in the absence of her parents and family. Simone also known as “Donna Yayá by Lino” in her paintings, she embraces her feminine spiritual side while a product of her father reflects her masculinity and strength. Donna Yaya by Lino expresses herself through freedom of colors, leaving ample room for the viewers’ imagination. Simone Lino’s personality is bright and energetic, which spills onto the canvas like a kaleidoscope!

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Metropolitan Bakery & Cafe Featuring:

Nija Michelle Smith

Nija developed a passion for the visual arts in her elementary years, taking an interest in drawing, film, and photography. She studied film and video at Temple University and after one semester in a photography class, her career direction changed. Since 2006, Nija has been exploring the world through the iris of her aperture. Her work reflects personal thoughts and perspectives of her take on society. She strives to be a conscious voice in the community and continues to photograph the world. Today, Nija is apart of a Black owned and operated co-op studio in North Philadelphia. See her work at http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/nijamichelle.

Jeliq

When they said music does not pay, she double-majored in accounting and music, graduating at the top of her class for both majors at Morgan State University. When an honest producer became hard to find, she produced her debut album (available at www.cdbaby.com/jeliq) in its entirety. When committed, responsible guitarists became scarce and "the boys" just couldn't seem to let go of their hidden agendas, she picked up a guitar. Just like Tina Turner was feeling jazzy one day, called up India.Arie, who put the blues to her Neosoul while Bob Marley’s Wailers sang back-up. Sometimes the gentle touch of Corinne Bailey…Sometimes the rawness of Amy Winehouse. Such is the phrase that would capture the jazz Neosoul style of Jeliq, who can be contacted at http://www.jeliq.com.

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Green Line Cafe Featuring:

Hosted By: Jack Drummond

Young Ladies of Music & Mentorship Program

M&M provides opportunities to neighborhood children and youth to explore and develop their musical creativity, self-expression and abilities through music appreciation, instruction and performance, as well theatre arts and martial arts training. This program was initiated in response to a need expressed by a diverse cultural groups of residents of the West Philadelphia community for more quality arts and cultural activities for their children. Music is a magical gift that we must cultivate and nourish in our children. Intercultural Family Services, Inc's Music & Mentorship program believes that every child should have an education in the arts and that music programs help our children and communities in real and substantial ways. For more information: http://www.ifsinc.org/

DanceAlisaDance

Brooklyn based indy-folk singer/songwriter DanceAlisaDance writes sweet sweeping songs of love, longing, and nature. Be prepared to be swept up in the musical web she spins. For more information: www.myspace.com/dancealisadance.

Rosemary Fiki

Rosemary grew up in a Nigerian-American household listening to great artists like Sunny Ade, Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder, studying their body of work as well as their ability to become geniuses at their craft. Rosemary began honing her craft in gospel choirs, talent shows, and local stage plays. While attending Temple University, Rosemary was invited to sing the National Anthem and God Bless America at numerous TU Men's & Women's Basketball games. To date, audiences have enjoyed watching Rosemary perform at the Five Spot, Warmdaddys, The Clef Club, Temple University, The World Café Live, Fergies Pub, The Black Womens Arts Festival, The Big Show Apollo Night, Jam Session at the Arden Theatre, and The PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As Rosemary continues to sing, compose, arrange, and record it is her hope that her voice and music will inspire others to find their voice and message in their own space.

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Friday, July 31, 2009

Last Friday Arts Crawl After-Party, Doors 8pm, Show, 9pm-2am, $10
Sanctuary (2737 Cambridge St, Phila, PA 19130)

Featuring:

Hosted By: Charly Brownskin and Sanctuary

Ghetto Songbird

North Philly rock-n-roll singer/songwriter/guitarist Ghettosongbird's touring schedule has landed her everywhere from Los Angeles with Rosa Lee Brooks, who wrote & recorded with Jimi Hendrix in the 60's, to legendary New York City venues: CBGB's, Snitch, B.E.T's 106 & Park, The Bitter End, The Apollo Theater, and Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar. In Philadelphia she's graced the stages of: The World Cafe Live, The Trocadero, Johnny Brenda's, opening up for rock legend Vernon Reid's (guitarist from 80's rock band Living Colour) new band, and Silk City with RES. She has also received notable radio play in NYC & London. As Ghettosongbird puts the finishing touches on her 2nd CD you don't want to miss this guitar goddess's live concert with her Roxsploitation Band that will remind you of a modern day P-funk experience. For more info on Ghettosongbird go to www.myspace.com/ghettosongbirdjukebox

Blue of Exodus Designs

Eclectic soul singer and fashion designer Blue will share from both of her gifts. Exodus is built on the philosophy of Self Love and Appreciation. Mission: To dress and adorn royalty. Products: Pocket books, belts, jewelry, jackets, men's shirts and vest, pant suits, dresses, formal attire, custom made items and more. New collection every 6 months.

Rachel 'Sojourn' Watson

Pieces of A Dream Jewelry Design

Zahrah Aya

Live Visual Arts

Feya Waters & Second World Productions

Feya is the co-founder of Second World Productions. She specializes in traditional clothing from all over the world and detail work such as embroidery beadwork and quilting.

Nuala Cabral

‘Who's That Girl: Women of Color and Hip Hop’

Rhode Island native Nuala Cabral is a filmmaker and educator who is passionate about using media to highlight underrepresented voices and promote social justice and youth empowerment. Her first documentary film, "Who's That Girl: Women of Color and Hip Hop" has screened at numerous festivals, conferences and classrooms across the United States and aired on PBS-New England. Nuala is a recent alumna of the Third World Newsreel’s production program in NYC, where she directed “Affording Progress” a short film about gentrification in Brooklyn. Currently, Nuala is pursuing a graduate degree in media studies at Temple University and co-directing a media literacy camp at the Russell Byers Charter School in Philadelphia.

Alexis aka GOLDEN~LOVER

My songs are one of the few paths in which I am finding myself. To articulate myself through the written/spoken word is not easy for me, but it is such a worthwhile process, and as I experience, so my songs are a reflection of those experiences. I am an intensely romantic person, so I deeply enjoy love songs; however, as I learn to cherish my growth as a woman, most of what you will hear now will be largely associated with spirituality and the affirmation of women. To put it simply though, I am a lover of people, I am a lover of the sensual, I am a lover of the spiritual and on this journey, I am learning to fall in love with myself. My greatest hope is that in listening to my songs, people will fall in love!

Ryva aka DJ Eye-V

More Artists TBA!!

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Saturday, August 1, 2009

Children's Storytime, 11am-2pm, Free

Big Blue Marble (551 Carpenter Lane, Phila, PA 19119)

Featuring:

Monique Gordon

Joslyn The Storyteller
As a storyteller, Joslyn works her urban upbringing and her theater background into her work. She shares a mix of traditional tales, creative works and personal narratives and aims to empower people by creating with words, a positive and progressive media that is accessible and easily understood. Joslyn has told stories in schools, libraries and at community events. She has also produced several storytelling based theater productions including, Hidden Roots, The Laughing Seed, and Emancipation of a Soul. Joslyn is currently working on a new production titled, The WURD.

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Saturday, August 1, 2009

Outdoor Vendors Market, 11-6pm

The Arts Garage (1533 Ridge Avenue, Phila, PA 19130)

Featuring:

Unique Hand-made Wares

For those itching to have unique wares, your tickle will be fancied! Jewelry, one-of-a-kind clothing items from Phreedum, a socially conscious apparel line for men, women, and infants, colorful hand-painted cards, and shea butter infused health & beauty products, will be available for purchase.

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Saturday, August 1, 2009

Sizzle: A Night of Burlesque, 7-10pm, $7 or 2 for $10

The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St, Phila, PA 19104)

Featuring:

Hosted By: The Lovely Ashley Brockington

In the past couple of years, Ashley has been throwing her energy backstage and taken up producing small community theater in the Lower East Side in New York City. Ashley curates The Cabaret Cataplexy at The Slipper Room with her creative partner, Monstah Black. Cataplexy is a show that features performance art, costume design & music within a community of emerging and evolving artists. She just closed her new play Black Girl Ugly that she produced and co-wrote. You can find her hosting these and other cabarets around New York City.

Teri Knox

Poet, Performer, and Naughty Girl...Teri Knox will have you holding your breath, blushing, and laughing as you hear her deliver poems such as: 'Her Panties' and 'I'll Be Your Purse'. She is accompanied on Upright Bass by Dave Walsh and they call their electric collaboration, Black Ink and Bass.

Nikki Powerhouse

Nikki Powerhouse is a native of Philadelphia, PA soil. An actor, playwright, poet, nude figure model and freedom dancer who uses her many artistic expressions to promote healing. She began her extensive theater training at the Philadelphia Creative Performing Arts High School, and continued honing her passion at Black Nexxus, and Theatre for New Generation. Her New York City stage credits include: 'Notice Me', presented in NYC Fringe Festival, 'Sex, God, and Heels', 'Queen Mary of Scotland' and 'Khepera'. In Philadelphia she has trained with The New Freedom Theater, and currently in her second year at Community College of Philadelphia and will finish her BFA at Temple University School of Theater Communications. Philadelphia stage credits includes: her one-woman show 'Fantasy Is An Addiction' (2005 Philly Fringe Festival), lead role in 'Antigone', 'Seven Guitars', 'Fences', and 'Merry Wives of Windsor'. Ms. Powerhouse's flexibility leaves her audiences captivated by each every performance giving true mean to the name: Powerhouse!

Zuri

Zuri has been involved in the creative and performing arts since childhood, but came to dance as an adult, beginning with the Latin dances. She discovered belly dance 3 years ago and found a home.
As music is her profession, Zuri incorporates her solid knowledge of timing and musical interpretation into her performances. Her show formats can range from traditional to a fusion with Caribbean and/or Latin flavor depending on client venue and preference. currently studies with Serena Wilson trained NYC based instructor/performer Layla, and is a member of her Veiled Visions dance ensemble. For more info www.zuribellydancer.com.

Misty Sol

2006 and 2007 Leeway Art and Change Grant recipient, Misty Sol is a writer, vocalist and performance artist. Her interdisciplinary work often brings together elements of song, poetry, drama and documentary film to explore issues as varied as politics, sexuality and spirituality, all through the lens of Black Diasporic experience. In 2008 and 2009, her company, SolEl Multimedia produced two documentaries commissioned by the United Way. During that time Misty also worked in collaboration to establish Sanctuary Wholistic Arts as a performance space and artist collective in North Philadelphia. There, she produced her two-woman choreopoem Songs of the Blue Goddess, which originally premiered at the 2007 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. As an educator, Misty has begun designing and facilitating workshops based on the late Agusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed. Most recently, she began performing and touring locally in rock/soul music duo, Kungfu Jane. Misty Sol is currently working toward an M.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts at Goddard College.

More Artists TBA!

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Saturday, August 1, 2009

Wish Monica Happy B-day & Farewell

10pm-2am, $5 or 2 for $7/after 11:30pm

Stir (1705 Chancellor St, Phila, PA 19103)

Featuring:

Ryva aka DJ Eye-V

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Sunday, August 2, 2009

Friendship Gathering @ Vivant, 12noon-2pm, $5, Free for BWAF Artists & Volunteers

Vivant Art Collection (60 N 2nd, Philadelphia, PA 19106)

Light refreshments, bring your cards/promo materials to network, music will be provided by DJ’s BeFree & Phoenix.

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Sunday, August 2, 2009

A Night of Joy, 6-10pm, $7 or 2 for $10

The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St, Phila, PA 19104)

Featuring:

Hosted By: Micah Sims from "A New Day With Micah Sims" 1540 AM WNWR

Angela 'Sadio' Watson

Rhetta Morgan
Rhetta Morgan is a well-known music recitalist, educator, and innovator. She blends musical elements from her conservatory education, gospel music background, and love for popular music into the songs she creates and performs. She boldly intertwines various spiritual principles to create a unique sound.

Taina Asili y La Banda Rebelde
Taína Asili carries on the tradition of her ancestors, fusing present and past struggles into one poetic song-voice. She is a puertorriqueña vocalist, poet, visual artist, educator, activist and mother from Philadelphia, PA and Albany, NY. Her newest artistic work is with her live band, Taína Asili y La Banda Rebelde, soulful vocals laid over a unique infusion of rock, neo-soul, reggae, hip hop, and Afro-Caribbean sounds.

Nuala Cabral

“Affording Progress”

Rhode Island native Nuala Cabral is a filmmaker and educator who is passionate about using media to highlight underrepresented voices and promote social justice and youth empowerment. Her first documentary film, "Who's That Girl: Women of Color and Hip Hop" has screened at numerous festivals, conferences and classrooms across the United States and aired on PBS-New England. Nuala is a recent alumna of the Third World Newsreel’s production program in NYC, where she directed “Affording Progress” a short film about gentrification in Brooklyn. Currently, Nuala is pursuing a graduate degree in media studies at Temple University and co-directing a media literacy camp at the Russell Byers Charter School in Philadelphia.

Chloe Davis

Chloe attended Hampton University, VA and graduated in 2004 with a Bachelors in Fine Arts. She then continued her graduate studies at Temple University, PA and received her Masters in Tourism and Hospitality Management in 2007. Chloe is a current member of The Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) and has also worked with world renown choreographers such as Ronald K. Brown, Rennie Harris, Christopher Huggins, Milton Myers and Tania Isaac. In addition she has performed a 2007 American Masterpiece "Southern Landscape" choreographed by the great Talley Beatty. Chloe also shares a love for event planner and has recently started an event management firm called Tigerlily Events, LLC.

Rhythm

Who is rhythm?...rhythm is a regular recurrence of an action or function, as of the beat of a heart; and that is who she is: a regular recurrence of "thinking out loud," using poetry and spoken word to express social and cultural issues as well as personal thoughts and aspirations. A wildflower from the start, rhythm began to spread her roots in Greenville, SC in the early 1980s. Almost as soon as she could hold a pen, she could pen a poem, and she's been doing just that ever since. She specializes in semi-biographical poetry, as highlighted in the first of a series of books entitled Libations. The series includes original poems and images (by acclaimed philadelphia muralist Willis Nomo) celebrating artists and musicians who have passed away. The first volume focuses on black artists who died young. Drawing upon influences from blues, r&b, rock, and jazz, rhythm often marries music with spoken word to form a signature blend of words, melodies, thoughts, emotions, and rhythm...

Cocosol

Anonamas

Hannabiell & Midnight Blue

Hannabiell & Midnight Blue is a melodic African percussion ensemble with a mixture of reggae, jazz and classical music. Today, the band is comprised of Hannabiell Sanders- Percussion and Bass Trombone, Yilis del C. Suriel - Percussion, Michael Lawton - Piano, Tom Mullaney - Bass, Ahmed Abdur-Rahman Gorham - Drums. The Band is committed to helping break down cultural barriers; the performances never fail to convey the band’s passion for equality and change.

Hannabiell & Midnight Blue, created in 2003, when a group of classical musicians gathered together to learn improvisation. While experimental at first, the different layers and harmonies that were created during this period inspired Hannabiell to compose the mixture of sounds that today comprises the Band.
“The power to unite humanity and make peace rests within art forms that break stereotypes and brings diverse communities together.”

More Artists TBA!!

Updated 9/28/09

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