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The Sixth Annual New England Culture Fest - MOVED TO RAIN DATE 9/13
In an exciting fusion of film, fashion, world culture, and advocacy for a better world, The Sixth Annual New England Culture Fest benefit extravaganza returns to the Arts District of historic downtown Lowell, Mass. Enterprise Bank Parking Lot (2-10 PM) DIRECTIONS! http://bit.ly/2OCac on September 13, 2009 as cobblestone meets carnival with world class acts in honor of a more sustainable, vibrant, and unified world! Also: The interactive Ethical Art & Biz Expo featuring talented artists and dynamic businesses and The Fashionably Fair Runway Show in a stunning display of ethical global fashion!
MOVED TO SUNDAY (rain date), same time same place due to weather!
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Gokh-Bi System
Like reggaetòn which emerged from the barrios of Puerto Rico, African hip-hop is the new international music gaining global recognition. Gokh-Bi System (pronounced Go-Bee), has emerged as one of the leaders of the African hip-hop movement. Born in the slums of Dakar, the capital of Senegal in West Africa, GBS was formed in 1995 by three childhood friends Mamadou Ndiaye (MC), Diasse Pouye (MC), and Pape "Bathie" Pouye (manager) who grew up together in one of Dakar's poorest villages, Pikine, Guinaw Rail which translates literally into "the other side of the tracks." Transfixed by the conscious lyrics and powerful messages of The Last Poets, KRS-1, Chuck D, and Dead Prez, Gokh-Bi System started out imitating what they heard on the cassettes, combining English, French, Arabic, and several other Senegalese dialects including Serer, Jola, and Wolof (the official language of Senegal), into their own flow and ultimately into a unique style dubbed “Ancient Meets Urban.” Since their arrival in America in 1999, they completed 10 US tours through 30 states opening for and sharing the bill with Kanye West, Damian Marley, Tribe Called Quest, Angelique Kidjo, Femi Kuti, Culture, Toots and The Maytals, Michael Franti (Spearhead) and Erykah Badu. The title track from the“Rap Tassu” album was nominated to win the John Lennon Songwriting Contest by a star-studded music panel. Gokh-Bi System headlines this year’s Sixth Annual New England Culture Fest on September 12 in the Lowell Arts District, the premiere fair trade festival in the world organized by edutainment nonprofit Second World. |
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Mighty Mystic and the Strings of Thunder
Mighty Mystic was born Kevin Mark Holness in 1980, to Morris and Sonia Holness in the Country side of St Elizabeth, Jamaica. As a boy Mystic showed great interest in his island’s music. You could often hear him singing the popular tunes of those days while working on his father’s farm. After moving to the US he began experimenting with sounds ranging from hip-hop to reggae in Boston in the early nineties which eventually led to a breakthrough debut album “Wake Up the World” in 2005 when Mystic released landmark singles “Treat Her Right”, “Riding on the Clouds”, “Better Times” featuring Stephen Thunder, “Fire Town”, “Revolution” and the latest, “Here I Am”which features superstar reggae act Shaggy alongside Lelie, which has since received airplay on MTV Jamz. |
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Organ in Orbit
Back by popular demand! Organ trio from Jeremy Parker of the Freelance Bishops – Parker's love of jazz-laced funk reaches new places with the Hammond organ at his hands AND feet. Yes, the Hammond is big and heavy, but so is the sound of this group. Drums and guitar complete the trio format, which is interactive and improvisational but hard groovin’. Everybody looks for the missing bass player, but it’s the organ pumping those low frequencies! You’ll hear music from the Meters, John Scofield, Jimmy Smith, and others, but not like you’ve ever heard before. With the help of special guests and top-notch talents, Bruce Bartlett on guitar, and Steve Langone on drums, this trio is heavy in every sense of the word. |
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Mo Ambesa
"A house built on granite and strong foundations, not even the onslaught of pouring rain, gushing torrents, and strong winds will be able to pull down."
-- Qedamawi
From Brattleboro, Vermont, Mo Ambesa break genre barriers with original conviction. Drawing on Reggae, Hip-Hop, and Jazz beats they steap melodic improvised lines into heavy drum and bass rhythms. Mo Ambesa's lyricists invoke the teachings of RasTafari, Leonard Peltier, Sufiand other mystics with poetic word empowering conscious living and impartial justice. Their name means 'Children of the Lion' in the Amharic language of Ethiopia. Steadfast in patience of anciency Mo, the "children", bring water and resolve to the parched. |
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DJ Extravaganza
NEW to NECF09!! DJ Ray will return to the NECF09 on September 13 with sounds to support the Second World vision for a better world... alongside a special treat NEW to the festival this year...
>> DJ EXTRAVAGANZA: DANCE FOR A BETTER WORLD
DJ BRUNO:: UTOPIA
BRADFORD JAMES :: SEED
ADAM GIBBONS:: UHURU AFRIKA
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Dimple Shah
Dimple Shah is a Bharatnatyam dancer who recently show cased her knowledge of Bharatnatyam during her Arangetram in April 2009. Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest dance forms of India, and is the most popular and widely performed dance styles practiced by male and female dancers all over the world. Since childhood, Dimple had a passion for dancing that was exhibited during family events and cultural programs. She has been learning the Pandanallur style of Bharatnatyam from the Shiv Jyoti Dance Acadamy of NY, under the guidance of Guru Smt. Thejeswini Raj, since the past 8 years. During this endeavor, she has given numerous performances at many cultural events and has won several competitions in the Tristate area including a dance exhibition at Lincoln Center. Dimple participated in several productions produced by her Guruji, such as Bhavayami RaghuRamam, Devi Bhaghavatam and Krishna Geetam. She was recently interviewed by the Indian TV channel, ITV, which telecasted her interview under the title of 'Colors of Culture'. Bharatnatyam has not only instilled endurance and creativity in her, but also confidence in all aspects of her life. Dimple is committed and dedicated to this art form, and will continue to carry this culture and art to the next generation. Currently, she is a freshman studying Pre-med at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
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Salsa Dance Party with Dan Marshall
Dan Marshall, Artistic Director of LibrEMoción, invites you to partake in a feast of hot Latin dance footwork and partnering moves & combinations for Salsa and Merengue. No dance partner or experience is required to enjoy yourself and learn in this festive outdoor class, whether you're a beginner or advanced dancer!
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New England Culture Fest 2009 Schedule
- 2PM: Opening Ceremony - Valerie Parker
- 2:10PM: DJ Adam Gibbons - Deep House
- 2:20PM: Organ in Orbit- Funk
- 3:50PM: Dimple Shah - Bharatnatyam Dance
- 4:20PM: Salsa Dance Party
- 4:50PM: Mo Ambesa - Reggae
- 6:00PM: DJ Extravaganza
- 7:00PM: Mighty Mystic & The Strings of Thunder- Reggae
- 7:30PM: Live Video Installations - Bryan Teoh
- 8:15PM: Fashionably Fair Runway Show
- 8:15PM: Gokh-Bi System- West African Hip Hop
- 10:00PM: **AFTER PARTY** AMAE Asian Fusion and Martini Bar, 602 Merrimack Street, Lowell MA 01854, Get your Official NECF09 After Party Tickets for HALF PRICE at the door of the NECF! http://bit.ly/4CFZKn
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Fashionably Fair 2009 Runway Show
"Ancient meets urban," when the ethical fashion revolution called Fashionably Fair takes to the New England Culture Fest Stage. Recycled tribal and urban art infused original pieces crafted by partners Cult of Individuality artists Lichiban and painted in graffiti/tribal patterns by 280 Studios, Maj-Britt, Mr. Bread using fabrics from the Lowell Boott Cotton Mill with sculpted metal creations from Vagabond Jewelry hand knotted Nepali jewelry from Savage Traders and clothing as well as special appearances from Losst Unnown a positive youth oriented urban entertainment company. |
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The Official After Party
After a day full of music, arts, fashion, music and culture, the heat and fire of global rhythms is just getting started. Join some of Boston's hottest selectors gathering together to weave a fabric of groove and percussion, vibes and poly-rhythmic sound.
We are looking forward to this nighttime Culture Fest vibe!
Sponsored by Hempest
Featuring Selectors:
- Adam Gibbons (Uhuru Afrika / Fela Lives!)
- Bradford James (Seed in the City)
- DJ Ray
- Selectress Iriela (Second World)
Stay tuned for more!
> Get half price tickets directly @ the New England Culture Fest gate!
> Get yours early at The New England Culture Fest for $5.
> $10 at the after party door.
The Sixth Annual New England Culturefest Invite:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=98861492622
More Info: http://bit.ly/4CFZKn
http://www.second-world.com
http://www.uhuruafrika.com
http://www.seedrecordings.com
http://www.hempest.com |
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