Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Orchestra Headline

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2012

Contact:  Viola T. Johnson, Communications/Public Relations
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
(504) 813-9008 or violatjohnson@gmail.com

WHAT:             HOLIDAY ON THE BOULEVARD

WHEN:             December 7, 2012 - 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Kwanzaa Demonstration      
                         &   Imagination Tour)

                        December 7, 2012 - 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. (Open House & Luncheon)

                        December 7, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. - 10 p.m. ("Healing Force" CD Release Party)

                        December 8, 2012 - 12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.

                        December 9, 2012 - 1:00 - 9:00 p.m.

WHERE:           Ashé Cultural Arts Center - 1712/1724 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd

COST:           FREE ADMISSION

INFO:               (504) 569-9070

(NEW ORLEANS, LA)  For the thirteenth consecutive year, music and merriment are the order of the day as Ashé Cultural Arts Center lights up the boulevard with musicians, actors, merchants, and the community, creating an astonishing holiday family festival and marketplace in Central City New Orleans.  Located at 1712/24 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in New Orleans, the festival brings together a hefty mix of jazz, hip-hop, r&b, gospel, folk, reggae, sprinkled with spoken word and incredible dancers. 

The festival kicks off with the annual Kwanzaa demonstration where youngsters learn about the principles of Kwanzaa, terminology and the lighting of the kinara.  They are invited to dress in African attire and become dancers, while others take to the drums to play rhythms taught by master drummer Luther Gray of Bamboula 2000. 

During the afternoon, the community is invited to learn more about Ashé and its programming at the annual Luncheon and Open House.  Later that night, artists who performed on the live "Healing Force" CD will welcome the public to a CD Release Party where they can get up close and personal with the likes of Germaine Bazzle, Kidd Jordan and other musical greats.

The festival moves into high gear on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9 with a list of artists that span lyrical spoken word to instrumental delights.

Those interested in vending opportunities should contact Luther Gray at (504) 495-0463.  Individuals who want to help out by volunteering should call Gwendolyn Richardson at (504) 569-9070.

All entertainment is indoors, free and open to the public.  The schedule follows:

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

10:00 a   Kwanzaa Demonstration with the iconic Mama YéYé

               Imagination Tour (dance & drum workshop) with Bamboula 2000

Noon      Community Leaders Luncheon and Open House

7-10 p    "Healing Force" CD Release Party

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Noon - 8:00 p | Vendor Marketplace

Noon       Ashé's Kuumba Institute        

12:45 p    Ashé College Unbound

2:00 p      Green Charter School Dancing Dolls & STV Dancers   

2:30 p      Lucky Lou with F & S

3:45 p      Cfreedom

3:00 p      Black Kold Madina

3:45 p      Rudy Mills & The Caribbean Funk Band

5:00 p      Bamboula 2000 with special guests Guardians of the Flame Mardi Gras Indians

6:30 p      The Healing Force All-stars featuring Kidd Jordan, Germaine Bazzle, Rev. Lois Dejean

               Kalamu ya Salaam, Monica McIntyre, Morikeba Kouyate, Carol Bebelle

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2012

1:00 p - 7:30 p  | Vendor Marketplace

1:00 p      Golden Voices Community Choir

1:30 p      John Mosley & Friends

2:15 p      Gina Brown

3:15 p      Phat Word

4:00 p      Lloyd Daly & Friends

4:45 p      Michaela Harrison

5:30 p      Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Orchestra

7:00 p      Zion Trinity

For more information, call (504) 569-9070.