6th Annual Black Women's Arts Festival!

7/27/09 By Press Release

Annual festival showcases the amazing talent of black women in the art.

The Black Women’s Art Festival has got it all – music, dance, theater, film, visual art, and spoken-word – because Black women across the globe do it all. Now in its sixth year and partnering with web.illish.us to stream its festival live on the web, the BWAF is further building its reputation as a world-renowned arts festival. You won’t want to miss out!

On Thursday July 30th the Black Women’s Arts Festival (BWAF), a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization focusing on the visibility and viability of black women artists of all genres, presents A Night of Ritual at Circle of Hope; focusing on art which renews mind, body, and spirit through dance, music, spoken-word, and more. The night features Angela ‘Sadio’ Watson, an impassioned performer well versed in various African dance traditions, who currently is a member of the KuluMele African dance ensemble, the oldest African dance company in Philadelphia.

Other festivities like the Sunday August 2nd Joy: Closing Night Ceremony highlights include: Taina Asili y La Banda Rebelde with vocalist, poet, visual artist, educator, and activist, Taina Asili, whose soulful vocals lay over a unique infusion of rock, neo-soul, reggae, hip hop, and Afro-Caribbean sounds; and Hannabiell & Midnight Blue a melodic African percussion ensemble with a mixture of reggae, jazz and classical music, which features trombonist/composer Hannabiell Sanders.
For parents seeking to share arts and culture with their children there are two opportunities in this years BWAF. On Thursday July 30th during, A Night of Ritual, at Circle of Hope (2007 Frankford Ave, Phila, PA 19125), there will be an open playroom and on Saturday August 1st a Children's Storytime, at Big Blue Marble (551 Carpenter Lane, Phila, PA 19119) both events featuring writer/storytellers: Monique Gordon and Josyln Ladson.

Saturday, August 1st Children's Storytime, Big Blue Marble (551 Carpenter Lane, Phila, PA 19119)

When it comes to film, the audience will be introduced to the work of filmmaker Nuala Cabral presenting “Who's That Girl: Women of Color and Hip Hop”, a piece which uses personal testimony and heated dialogue, from hip hop fans to speak critically and candidly about an inner conflict, a catchy beat, and hopes for their culture.

For those itching to have unique wares, your tickle will be fancied on Saturday August 1st at the Outdoor Vendors Market, happening at The Arts Garage, 11-6pm. Jewelry, one-of-a-kind clothing items, colorful hand-painted cards, and shea butter infused health & beauty products, will be available for purchase.

This year will also see a return of the Harrisburg-based painter, activist, mom, and color enthusiast Nataki Bhatti whose work will be featured in the Last Friday
Visual Arts & Live Performance Crawl at Vivant Art Collection happening Friday July 31st. The night will also feature the Young Ladies of Music & Mentorship, a program which provides opportunities to neighborhood children and youth to explore and develop their musical creativity, self-expression and abilities through music appreciation, instruction and performance; that will open the night at Green Line Cafe. If you’re looking for an opportunity to share your work there will be a Black Women Artists Open Mic at Kaffa Crossing (4423 Chestnut, Phila, PA 19104).

For the first time ever, on Saturday August 1st, there will be a night for the grown and sexy, Sizzle: A Burlesque Night featuring music, poetry, dance and DC’s original naughty girl Teri Knox of Black Ink & Bass who in her own words claims “I’ll do it anywhere I’m invited…” poetry, with live acoustic bass accompaniment, that is.

Another first is their exciting new partnership with web.illish.us, a live webcast and new media production company, managed effortlessly by young up and comers Dejha Ti and Drew Kramer. This Philadelphia based company will allow the 6th Annual BWAF to broadcast various nights of its festival live to the World Wide Web!
If late night cavorting over drinks and dance inducing beats are your thing you are in luck. From Thursday’s ‘Any Questions’ Opening Night After-party at Rum Bar (2005 Walnut St, Phila, PA 19103) with DJ’s BeFree, Phoenix, AfroDJiak, to Friday’s Last Friday Arts Crawl After-Party at Sanctuary (2737 Cambridge St, Phila, PA 19130) with DJ Ryva aka Eye-V, and Saturday’s Wish Monica Happy B-day & Farewell at Stir (1705 Chancellor St, Phila, PA 19103) with DJ Ryva aka Eye-V; BWAF’s got you covered.

This annual event will shine a light on a group of about 50 black women artists, ranging from seasoned professionals to newly emerging talent, exposing the Philadelphia community to unique, under-represented art forms and performers. Supported by Circle Thrift and web.illish.us the BWAF will be hosted by several prominent venues around the city including: The Arts Garage, Big Blue Marble, Circle of Hope, Green Line Café, Kaffa Crossing, Metropolitan Bakery & Café, Rotunda, Sanctuary, and Vivant Art Collection.

For a complete up-to-date festival schedule, ticket prices, and other information please visit the website at www.BWAFphilly.org.

About Black Women’s Arts Festival:
The Black Women’s Arts Festival (BWAF) was founded and produced in March 2003 by Founder and Organizer Cassendre Xavier. Xavier a writer, singer, musician, visual artist, and producer, “…grew up with little support and [role] models of Black women making a good living from their art only.” In response to this lack of visibility Xavier produced a 3-day event, which showcased the work of black women artists in: performance, visual arts, literary arts, and film.

Now in its 6th year BWAF has become a non-profit which produces a once-yearly 4-day festival showcasing: Music/Live Performance, Spoken Word, Visual Arts, Film, Vendors, and Dance/Theater. BWAF is committed to being a platform that values black women and their work; emphasizing unique, under-represented art forms, showcasing new and emerging artists while promoting the necessity of health and well-being. Led by Creative Director Monica McIntyre, Founder/Organizer Cassendre Xavier, Organizer Maleka Diggs, and a myriad of volunteers; BWAF is further building its reputation as a world-renowned arts festival.

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