The Annual Atlanta Bob Marley Festival “BobFest” takes place this week and promises to be “the most exciting and interactive to date”. According to the BobFest organizer, Ras Kofi Kwayana, “Beyond the fact that our lineup this year boasts several International acts, high powered films, sumptuous food, unique vendors, popular DJ’s and all manner of lovely sights and sounds pleasant to the senses, our greatest sense of pride comes from the fact that we have been able to foster a feeling of collective work and responsibility” Click through to see the full list of events…
This year’s theme is “L’Union Fait La Force” – Strength Through Unity. According to Ras Kofi. ‘We think that Bob would be proud of the fact that we have brought people together in his name.”
Wednesday Feb 2 nd NO WOMAN NO CRY
The root of our existence is the family, the nuclear institution of humanity. The harmonious relationship between mates is essential to optimal family operation. The beauty of having ancestors andthe life examples of people in general, is that we can be witnesses of best practices, as well as learn from mistakes. There is always room for improvement in our relations, and because of the universal principles inherent in or lives, there is always hope. Using passages from the controversial book No Woman No Cry as a backdrop, we will have a lively, passionate, intimate sharing of ideas and principles of building healthy relationships. Guest artist Ms Ozara Ode of the hit musical “The Nina Simone Experience.” Hosted by Ahzjah Simmons and The Love Doctor of WHPN, we kick off Bob Fest 2011 with affirmations, anecdotes and art in praise of the beautiful relationship between man and woman.
Venue: THE CUT 166 Stoval St Atlanta Ga
Time: 7-10pm
Thursday Feb 3rd A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN (STIR IT UP)
Of all the social rituals common to humanity, the sharing and enjoyment of food is probably the most popular and consistently successful. Atlanta’s Caribbean community boasts chefs of world class stature and talent whose special offerings delight millions on a yearly basis. The Taste of The Caribbean welcomes select few- the “best of the best” underone roof. A sumptuous family night out and a great option for those who desire to get a good foot in on the community’s most trusted and sacredly guarded level…the joy of food consumption. Presented in collaboration with DaFlavaRadio.com
Time: 6-10pm
Venue: INDIAN CREEK LODGE 900 S. Indian Creek Dr. Stone Mountain Ga.
Time: 6pm-10pm
Friday Feb 4th CONCRETE JUNGLE
The CONCRETE JUNGLE evening of cultural sharing is widely popular amongst those of the population that have families and whose interest is in the arts, literature, spirituality, and healthy lifestyles. This is a nighttime celebration that all family of all ages is welcome. It is a celebratory atmosphere rich with cultural expression and specializing in an exquisite marketplace. There are not many activities that guarantee hours of laughter and enjoyment like Karaoke. From seasoned bathroom singers to professional shower concert artists, this provides a platform for all the unsung “superstars” of the community. The evening will also feature some of our recognized superstars of Atlantas world renowned spoken word community bringing down the house with their social street anthems. Presented in collaboration with The Sankofa Society of Georgia State University
Venue: Ga State University College Of Education Bldg
30 Pryor St Downtown Atlanta Ga 33003
Saturday Feb 5th LA TO LAGOS FILM FESTIVAL
The LA to Lagos Film Festival is an all day affair on Saturday Feb 5th, 2011, in the historic Auburn Ave area of the city, just at the edge of downtown Atlanta. This film festival carries us around the world and explores the life affirming cultures of its people. These are rare and riveting films that explore music, religion, art, and gender relations. Titles include: MAN OF THE MILLENNIUM, WELCOME TO LAGOS, THE DIVINE HORSEMEN, LAND OF LOOK BEHIND, BASTARDS OF THE PARTY, BLACK TO OUR ROOTSNational Black Arts Festival www.nbaf.org and others. It is heaven on Earth for all lovers of film and family .Presented in collaboration with
Venue: Auburn Avenue Research Library 101 Auburn Avenue NortheastAtlanta, GA 30303
Time: 11am-7pm
BROOKLYN – BOTSWANNA
INTERNATIONAL NIGHT DANCE & CONCERT
Tightly packed music house in Atlantas historic yet trendy West End area. Horns, keyboards, and vocals are hovering over sweaty bodies and thunderous drums. Color screen projecting classic images of musical days gone by alongside colorful logos of supporting businesses timely images imprinted in the mind forever. Incense burning. Smiling faces. Vendors brokering that special deal with customers. Artists painting live portraits. Random outburst of cheers and whistles. Music hypnotizing all living beings in the room in a single touch of a magic note. Atlantas reggae music family and friends have gathered for International Night. As the music Mecca of the U.S right now, Atlanta boasts the cutting edge of the international music scene. Superstars are born and bred here, and music fans are attentive and adoring. So are the business makers.
International night is the longest running event in the Bob Marley Birthday celebration. This years lineup boasts an assortment of artists representing the pulse of African diasporic music. International night is music lovers paradise, featuring Atlantas premiere DJs of African and Reggae music DJ FOURTH WURLD & ABA SHAKA, along with top notch musical artists and bands Rastafunk, The Illest (live from The Bahamas), Ishmael Turner, Ambassador (live from Ghana) and several more.
Venue: OMENALA GRIOT AFRICAN MUSEUM
Time: 9pm Until
Sunday Feb 6 th ZION TRAIN
ALL FAITHS SPIRITUAL LOVE GATHERING
LUnion Fait La Force. Over 200 years ago, a united and determined group of our ancestors used this affirmation as a rallying cry to overthrow the most powerful army on the planet at that time. On Sunday, Feb 6th, Bobs Birthday, we culminate the celebration with a POW WOW., an all faiths event of great magnitude, featuring expressions, prayers, chants and love energy from around the African experience. To quote H.I.M Haile Selassie, Bob Marleys chief influence in his life works, when (African) righteous people come together, the WORLD will come together. This is our divine destiny Presented in collaboration with the World African Diaspora Union (WADU)
Venue: Clark Atlanta University
Time 3-6 pm
For additional information visit bobfestatl.com
Contact: Ras Kofi 404-516-6174
email socialstimulants@gmail.com
