This weekend Knoxville celebrates the rich contribution of African Americans to the local art community and the community as a whole with the Kuumba Festival. Begun in 1989 by the African American Appalachian Arts, Inc. the Kuumba Festival highlights the art and artists who help to make our city great. The word kuumba means creativity in Swahili and captures the true spirit of creativity that is expressed in the festival. The festival incorporates the traditional arts, like painting, sculpture, and woodworking. Attendees can also take in non-traditional forms of art like music, dance, spoken word, and stilt walking. The festival will also incorporate a parade where local organizations show their commitment to the the local arts. There are three locations around town where the festival will be held. Each location will host a celebration on a different day.

Knoxville Museum of Art

On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the festival will begin with an opening celebration at the Knoxville Museum of Art. The opening event will run from 5pm until 9pm. It will include the traditional art exhibits as well as food, live jazz, drumming, dance, and spoken word. Admission is $10.

Junkanu Parade on Gay Street and Market Square

On Friday, June 27, 2008 from 10am until 3pm there is a Youth Art Extravaganza at the Emporium building in Market Square. At 6pm the Junkanu Parade will begin on Gay Street and end at Market Square. The parade will feature dancers, drummers, stilt walkers, and community organizations. After the parade there will be a jazz performance by Lonnie Liston Smith This event is FREE!

Chillhowee Park

Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29, 2008 the festivities move to Chillhowee Park. These two day will feature the African Marketplace with traditional crafts, clothing and food. Saturday evening will be capped with a performance by Island Records' Jagged Edge Sunday evening will be capped off with a performance by the legendary Ohio Players Each day is $5 before 4pm and $10 after 4pm with children under 6 free!

If you are in the Knoxville area anythime beginning this Thursday, I would recommend checking out the Kuumba Festival. This wonderful event highlights a wonderful aspect of our community that helps make our city great!

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