Health & Fitness
Les Nubians at Walt Whitman Post Recap.
The Les Nubians Performance, hosted by MoCADA at the Walt Whitman Houses was a huge success. What do you think about bringing concerts to Public Housing?
Les Nubians Perforamce at the Walt Whitman Houses Was Successful
Soul of Brooklyn Week’s presentation of Les Nubians at the Walt Whitman Houses was epic. Over a thousand people came out to enjoy the concert, not all of which were residents of the housing complex hosted by Shantrelle P. Lewis, of Caribbean Cultural Center.
Jamel Gaines’ Creative Outlet Youth Dance School opened for the Grammy Nominated Group, Les Nubians. Adults and children alike danced alongside Les Nubians as they took them on a journey throughout the African Diaspora and everyone even learned a bit of French.
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If the children weren’t dancing, they were enjoying getting their faces painted, playing on the nearby playground, or drawing beautiful urban murals on the sidewalk near the performance with the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA) staff.
Not only did the children enjoy the festivities, they also learned the importance of community building and working together from MoCADA’s Founder and Director Laurie Cumbo.
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Les Nubians, two sisters who come from Bordeaux, France, by way of Cameroon and are now living in Brooklyn know what it’s like to be a part of two distinct cultures-- much like many of the citizens in Brooklyn.
The piece that the duo performed, “Afrodance” was described as a song that "expresses this reality by celebrating hairstyles as an expression of personal style and cultural identity," they said. "Your hair is a statement of who you are and how you live with your true nature.”
Soul of Brooklyn Week is a production that celebrates the business and cultural exchanges of the African Diaspora, while highlighting Brooklyn’s unique culture that unites us all.
Preserving Brooklyn’s unique culture is what Soul of Brooklyn week is all about. With the support of the Rockefeller Innovation Fund, MoCADA and BAC created a “regrant” program designed to support local businesses and cultural collaborations that are participating in events for Soul of Brooklyn Week.
The grants will also be used to stage monthly events that strengthen communities and increase tourism in the borough. The organizations gave 11 awards, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to help produce and market the events staged for Soul of Brooklyn Week.
Additional major funders include Deutsche Bank and New York State Senator Kevin Parker. For more information on Soul of Brooklyn and Soul of Brooklyn Week 2011, visit www.SoulofBrooklyn.com.
SOUL OF BROOKLYN WEEK JUNE 18th – 25th, 2011
SATURDAY JUNE 18, 2011
11th Annual Fort Greene, BK Juneteenth Arts Festival
Presented by Urban Bush Women & the Cooperative Culture Collective
Hosted by: District Leader Walter Mosley
Location: Cuyler Gore Park, Fort Greene, BK (on Fulton Street)
Trains: C to Lafayette Ave, G to Fulton St. or trains at Atlantic Ave/Pacific St. Station
Time: 12PM - 6PM; FREE
This major festival includes fashion shows, performances, food and art vendors, as well as dance performances by Urban Bush Women to commemorate the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the United States.
Family Day Celebration
Presented by Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy
Location: Long Meadow Field in Park Slope, BK
Trains: F to 7th Ave.
Time: 12PM - 5PM; FREE
Ifetayo Family Day Celebration will be filled with fun activities including African Dance workshops, an African drum circle, face painting, as well as arts and crafts.
Soul of BK Summer Jam
Presented by MoCADA
Hosted by: Dist. Leader Walter Mosley
Location: Blink, 856 Atlantic Ave. Fort Greene, BK
Trains: C to Clinton-Washington, or trains at Atlantic Ave/Pacific St. Station
Time: 10PM - 2AM; FREE
This “All Brooklyn Dance Party” will feature classic tunes ranging from Biggie to Mos Def, played by Brooklyn’s own DJ Trauma. Desserts will be provided by some of Brooklyn’s finest bakeries.
SUNDAY JUNE 19, 2011
The Flock
Presented by F.O.K.U.S.
Hosted by: Ede Fox
Location: Five Myles Art Gallery, 558 Saint Johns Place, Crown Heights, BK
Trains: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Franklin Ave.
Time: 12PM - 5PM; Free
The Flock is an outdoor gathering space where artisans, singers, DJs, dancers, and visual artists will unveil their latest work. Guests are invited to experience artwork, taste a variety of food, watch performances, shop, and vibe with one another.
Juneteenth Celebration
Presented by KowTeff School of African Dance
Location: First A.M.E. Zion Church, 54 Decatur Street, Bed- Stuy, BK
Trains: A,C to Kingston - Throop Ave.
Time: 1PM - 5PM; Adults $10 Children $5 in advance
This event will feature a special Juneteenth-themed performance by KowTeff African Dance Company as well as an African marketplace with a unique array of vendors.
Souls of Our Feet: People of Color Dance Festival
Presented by Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center & Long Island University
Location: Kumble Theater, 1 University Plaza, Fort Greene, BK
Trains: B, D, Q, R, N to DeKalb Ave
Time: 7:30PM - 9:30PM; Adults $15 Students & Seniors $12
Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) celebrates its 35th season of sensational performances with the Souls of Our Feet: People of Color Dance Festival. This season pays tribute to THPAC’s 35 consecutive years of dance presentation by showcasing 35 dance artists over 5 consecutive nights(June 19th - 23rd).
MONDAY JUNE 20, 2011
Les Nubians Live Pop-Up Show
Presented by MoCADA & Embassy MVMT
Location: Walt Whitman Houses Basketball Court (enter from Carlton Avenue or North Portland between Myrtle and Park Avenue)
Time: 5PM - 7PM; Free
Jamel Gaines’ Creative Outlet Youth Dance School will open for Grammy Award nominated soul sisters, Les Nubian who will perform a surprise “pop-up” show at an undisclosed location in Brooklyn. The family filled day will include face painting, chalk art and prizes.
Juneteenth Presentation and Reception
Presented by Fort Greene Association & Long Island University
Location: 1 University Plaza, Health Sciences Building, Room 107
Trains: B, D, Q, R, N to DeKalb Ave.
Time: 6PM - 8PM; Free
Join the Fort Greene Association (FGA) for a special celebration to commemorate African-American freedom and honor the FGA’s Black History Month Honorees who’ve made their mark in and around Fort Greene.
TUESDAY JUNE 21, 2011
Music on Myrtle: Celebrate the Summer Solstice
Presented by Make Music New York
Hosted by: Shantrelle P. Lewis
Location: Myrtle Avenue, Fort Greene, BK
Trains: G to Clinton - Washington Ave.
As part of the annual Make Music New York festivities, musicians will grace the streets, shops, and restaurants of Myrtle Avenue. Live music will be featured at Move with Grace, Five Spot, SoCo, Brooklyn Stone Boutique, Cake Joy, Kiini Ibura, and Sans Souci. Please visit soulofbrooklyn.com for exact performance times.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 22, 2011
Rip the Runway: Brooklyn’s Fashion Outdoors
Presented by MoCADA
Hosted by: Renee Collymore
Location: MoCADA, 80 Hanson Pl. Fort Greene, BK 11217
Trains: C to Lafayette Ave, G to Fulton Street or trains at Atlantic Ave/Pacific St. Station
Time: 6PM - 8PM; FREE
Get ready for models rocking designs from Brooklyn’s hottest young designers. Watch as they take on an outdoor catwalk in the heart of Fort Greene, Brooklyn. See the latest designs and enjoy free refreshments as DJ Trauma provides the soundtrack to an evening of fashion.
THURSDAY JUNE 23, 2011
Brooklyn Shops Brooklyn
Presented by The Shops of Lewis Avenue (SoLA)
Hosted by: District Leader Robert Cornegy, Jr.
Location: Lewis Avenue, Bed-Stuy, BK (between Decatur Street & Halsey Street)
TraIns: A or C Train to Utica Ave.
Time: 7PM - 10PM; FREE
Join SoLA for an evening of shopping, food, and live entertainment. Special offerings and discounts will be available at The Shops of Lewis Avenue, in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Participating businesses include: Little Red Boutique, House of Art, Peaches, and Therapy Wine Bar.
FRIDAY JUNE 24, 2011
SoLA Summer Solstice
Presented by The Shops of Lewis Avenue (SoLA)
Location: Akwaaba Mansion, 347 MacDonough Street, Bed-Stuy, BK
Trains: A, C to Utica Ave.
Time: 6:30PM - 9:30PM $30 Before June 19; $40 After
Join SoLA for the 2nd Annual celebration of the Sun Season in the courtyard of the Akwaaba Mansion Bed and Breakfast. Gather with neighbors as you enjoy five courses of locally prepared food paired with summer wines. Advance ticket sales only. For more information, visitwww.shopsoflewisave.com.
Brooklyn Shorts
Presented by ActNow Foundation & Media MVMT
Hosted by: Latrice Monique Walker, Esq.
Location: Common Grounds, 376 Tompkins Avenue, Bed-Stuy, BK
Trains: A, C to Nostrand Ave.
Time: 8PM - 10:30PM
ActNow and Media MVMT have curated an outdoor screening of short films by Brooklyn’s most cutting edge filmmakers. Enjoy refreshments and films under the stars.
SATURDAY JUNE 25, 2011
Fort Greene Festival featuring Mos Def
Location: Fort Greene Park
Trains: B, D, N, Q, R to DeKalb Ave.
Time: 12PM - 10PM; FREE
Taking place in historic Fort Greene Park, this year’s Fort Greene Festival headlines Mos Def, alongside a line up of live musical performances, and a taste of Brooklyn’s diverse culture and cuisine. Bring a blanket, bring your friends, and enjoy a full day of food, shopping, and live music in Fort Greene Park.
