RASTAFEST: RASTAFARI ARTS AND KULCHA FESTIVAL

Upfront Theatre Foundation presents, Rastafest:
Rastafari Arts and Kulcha Festival from Wednesday, September 27th to Saturday, September 30th, 2006 at York University. Upfront Theatre started in September 2000 as a student based drama club at York University but has now grown into a service learning non-profit organization serving as a bridge between York University and the Jane and Finch community.

Rastafest is a multi-discipline festival showcasing different aspects of the Rastafarian culture. The festival draws from the rich and diverse Rastafarian lifestyle and history. Activities include: music, dance, drumming, arts and craft display and educational forums on Rastafarian culture and history.

Festival schedule:

Wednesday, September 27 - 12 noon - 1:00 p.m.
Panel discussion on Rastafarian women on Womyn's Word - CHRY 105.5 fm. Panelists include: Sister Sandra, Sister Asheda and Masani Montague.

Thursday, September 28 - 12 noon - 3 p.m. Venue - TBA
Cultural show featuring singers, dancers, story telling and dub poets. York University students and students from various schools in the Jane and Finch community will be engaged in a participatory workshop with Mother Farika, Empress and Empress Divine.

Friday, September 29 - 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Venue - room 313, Student Centre
Panel discussion on Rastafari, reggae and dancehall culture. Live broadcast on CHRY 105.5 fm. Moderators: King David (from Positive Vibrations) and Masani Montague (from Stage to Air). Guests include: International known reggae singer, Tony Rebel, Rastafarian lawyer, Michael Lorne and reggae singer, Steele.

Friday, September 29 - 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Venue - TBA
Reasoning session on Rastafarian culture and history. Guests include: Jah Wallo, Ras Tyson, Kwasi Clarke, Mother Farika and Sister Sandra. Moderator: Sister Asheda.

Friday, September 29 - 8:00 p.m. - Venue - 23 Denison Drive
Cultural show at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church featuring various artists. Live entertainment by: Horace Martin, Trinity Drummers, Roger B, Humble, Natty Pablo, Sheba Storm, D'Jango, Moses, Barbara Dan and Jah Clive. Guest speakers: Michael Lorne and Tony Rebel. Music: Natty B from Zion Train (CHRY 105.5 fm).

Saturday, September 30 - 9:00 p.m. - Venue - Canlan
Ice Sports Cultural show featuring Tony Rebel, Horace Martin, Steele, Natty Pablo, Empress, Empress Divine and Humble. Backing band: Junior Miller and United Groove.

Music: Boxer Joe and Empress Divine.

For further information: www.upfrontt.com -
www.rastafest.com - www.masaniproductions.com

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