A colorful day of visual arts, music, dance and drama to Douglas Park will run allday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m at the cultural center/field house at 1400 S. Sacramento. It’s free and people of all ages from anywhere in the world are welcome.
North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council, the not-for-profit group responsible for a unique citizens planning process in this West Side neighborhood, aims to bring out the area’s sometimes-hidden cultural assets, said festival chair Sheila McNary.
Artists and vendors so far include: BGLH, Sweet Beginnings, Maxwell Street Foundation, the NLCC, Celestial Ministries, MUSIC, Madd Rhythms, Momma Kemba, Painter Cory of 345 Gallery, Rickie Brown, Dametrius, Jaclyn Jacunski of SAIC, Free Spirit Media, Able Electropolishing, Bee Boys, Artsy Marcey Jewelry, Jamiah Calvin, and Eddie Hudson.
Both grown-folks and families will enjoy the the performers lineup. West Side blues singer Larry Taylor, oldest son in the musical family of guitarist Eddie Taylor Sr. and singer Vera Taylor, is a master of the old art of blues as well as the soul and R&B of the 1970s. His band for the festival features guitarist Joe B, and singers Mzz Reese andMz Red. www.larrytaylorchicagoblues.com
Community youth will liven up the day; the Celestial Ministries drum line will kick off the festivities. Tap MADD Rhythms is presenting a tap dance and MUSIC Inc features local youth violinists.
The spirit of Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman will reign at the festival, played by the venerable West Side storyteller Momma Kemba in a half-hour monologue. Planned development, local businesses, and the arts work hand in hand to build a better community, says Valerie Leonard, the sparkplug of NLCCCs planning efforts. The festival will be a way to show and feel the potential of what we in North Lawndale can be.
Artists and craft makers are renting tables to display and sell their work. All-day 8 foot tables are still available beginning at $100; contact Sheila at sjmcnary1@aol.com
Find the Arts and Culture Festival on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/265316473809673/ and the NLCCC’s page: https://www.facebook.com/NLCCCPlanning/?fref=ts
