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African American Appalachian Arts: KUUMBA Festival June 20-23
 KNOXVILLE -- The 24th annual Kuumba Festival is ready to kick off on Thursday, June 20 in downtown Knoxville and Market Square. This is the largest African American cultural arts festival in East Tennessee. The festival will run through Sunday, June 23 with many events taking place throughout the city. Beginning at 12:00 noon on Thursday, kick-off events will be at Krutch Park and Haley Heritage Square with a luncheon, the "I am a Genius" Children's Choir, a Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drumline performance, musical guests Kelle Jolly and The Soul Sax Trio, along with other performances.
On Friday in downtown Knoxville and on Market Square, a youth arts extravaganza, African Market Place and a musical performance by raggae band EVER-G & The Crew will fill the day's activities along with a parade which will begin on Cumberland and Market Street and end at Market Square. Parade participants will entertain on Market Square following the parade, including Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Line, churches, Free Spirit Stilt Walkers, and community groups who strut, drum, and dance.
Saturday and Sunday events will be at Chilhowee Park and include an African Market Place, World Children's Village and entertainment.
Thursday, June 20 - Krutch Park & Haley Heritage Square
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Opening Luncheon featuring Ekpe Abioto and the "I am a Genius" Children's Choir, a Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drumline performance, Shaka Zulu Connection Stilt Walkers performance, and musical guests Kelle Jolly and The Soul Sax Trio
6:00 p.m. Kuumba Kamp Graduation presentation at Haley Heritage Square featuring Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou
Friday, June 21 - Downtown Knoxville & Market Square
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Youth Arts Extravaganza
6:00 p.m. JUNKANU (Parade) beginning on Cumberland and Market Street to Market Square featuring festival participants, the original Free Spirit Stilt Walkers, Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Line, churches, and community groups who strut, drum, and dance
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. African Market Place on Market Square with traditional crafts, clothing, and foods
8:00 - 10:00 p.m. Musical Performance by raggae band EVER-G & The Crew
Saturday, June 22 - Chilhowee Park
11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. African Market Place, World Children's Village and entertainment
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. First Kuumbathon at the Health & Wellness Area featuring a fusion of dance and drum workouts with Sister Zock
2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Youth Talent and Pep Rally Stage
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Company and the original Free Spirit Stilt Walkers
8:00 - 10:00 p.m. Musical Performance by American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard and Grammy Nominated Artist Alvin Garrett
Sunday, June 23 - Chilhowee Park
12:00 - 9:00 p.m. African Market Place, World Children's Village and entertainment
3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Gospel in the Park
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Company and the original Free Spirit Stilt Walkers
7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Concerts TBA
Published June 18, 2013
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