Photo by Wade Payne // Buy this photo
Members of the Kuumba Watoto Dance & Drum Company perorm on Market Square during the Junkanu Parade Friday, June 25, 2010 as part of the Kuumba Festival.
The 22nd Kuumba Festival, presented by the nonprofit African American Appalachian Arts, is next week. Kuumba events are held in several different Knoxville locations Thursday through Sunday, June 23-26.
Kuumba, which means "creative," is presented each year as an African-American cultural and arts event.
This year's festival begins noon-2 p.m. June 23 at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. There'll be a discussion about African-Americans and slavery during the Civil War as well as information about local efforts to find and restore black cemeteries. Admission is free.
Kuumba continues Friday, June 24, with events in downtown Knoxville. A youth art show is 1-3 p.m. on Market Square. A highlight each year of the festival is the evening Junkanu parade along Gay Street and into Market Square. Participants in the parade that starts at 6 p.m. June 24 include the Free Spirit Stilt Walkers and the Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Company.
The parade is followed by the festival's "Taste of Africa & the World" food-sampling event on Market Square. A marketplace of traditional African crafts, clothing and food also will be set up on the square. The evening ends with a concert of reggae music.
The festival moves to Chilhowee Park off Magnolia Avenue for events on Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26. Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. June 25 and noon-9 p.m. June 26. Adult daily admission at Chilhowee is $5 before 5 p.m., $10 after 5 p.m.
Kuumba weekend events include the African Marketplace, a village set up with children's activities and two entertainment stages. Saturday's music will highlight local talent and hip-hop music. Sunday's music includes the festival's "Gospel in the Park" concert during the afternoon and a 7 p.m. concert by featured R&B group Shai.
© 2011, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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