Newark Kwanzaa Celebration Returns to NJPAC For 2015 Winter Holidays

Newark, NJ - The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced the schedule for its 2015 Kwanzaa celebration, featuring a day of free, family-friendly activities and performances, on Saturday, Dec. 19 from noon to 5 p.m.

According to a release, the festivities will include a “variety of programming that rejoices in the African diaspora’s traditions of family, community and culture, including an array of no-experience-necessary workshops exploring African dance and music, storytelling, jewelry making, drumming and more for both adults and children.”

Additional attractions will include an Arts and Crafts Village and Artisan Marketplace.

Live music at the event will include performances by The NJPAC Youth Chorus, The NYC Marching Cobras, The Cicely Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts Middle School Concert Choir and The National Liturgical Dance Network.

Other highlights include an annual Tribute to the Elders, this year honoring three pillars of the Newark community: Earl “Street Doctor” Best, founder of Street Warriors Inc.; Deborah Smith Gregory, retired Newark Public School teacher and NAACP Newark Chapter President; and Stanley Terrell, former Star-Ledger editor, author and journalist.

The day will also feature two performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. in NJPAC’s Victoria Theatre from

To learn more about the ongoing Newark 350 celebration visit: www.newarkhappening.com/newark-celebration-350

For free tickets call 888-GO.NJPAC (888-466-5722, purchase online at njpac.org, or purchase in person at the NJPAC ticket office, 1 Centre Street, Newark.

NJPAC’s Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace is sponsored by Leon and Toby Cooperman, a release stated.

The schedule of events includes:

Kwanzaa Children’s Festival

Saturday, December 19 – Noon to 5:00 pm

FREE ENTRY

At NJPAC’s Center for Arts Education (24 Rector Street in Newark)

Artisan Marketplace

Friday, December 18

Saturday, December 19 - 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Sunday, December 20 - Noon to 10:00 pm / 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Prudential Hall Lobby

Free Performances in Prudential Hall Lobby

12:15 pm – 12:45 pm NJPAC Youth Chorus led by NJPAC Faculty, Pastor Chantel Wright

1:15 pm – 1:45 pm NYC Marching Cobras led by Director Terrel J. Stowers

2:15 pm – 2:45 pm Folilaye African Drum & Dance Company; Foluso Mimy, Artistic Director

3:15 pm – 3:45 pm Cicely Tyson Community School of Performing and

Fine Arts Middle School Concert Choir directed by Jean James

4:15 pm – 4:45 pm National Liturgical Dance Network

Forces of Nature Dance Theatre: Kwanzaa Celebration with special guest, poet Sonia Sanchez

2:00 PM & 7:30 PM in NJPAC’s Victoria Theatre