By Rina N. Risper
The New Citizens Press
LANSING, MI — Summertime is always rich with opportunities for cultural celebrations. The tradition will continue on Saturday, August 2, 2008, as the festivities commence at the 9th Annual African American Parade and Family Heritage Festival.
Beginning at 11:00 a.m., thousands of people will line the streets of downtown Lansing to enjoy the parade and festivities that will follow at Ferris Park, which is on Genesee Street between Pine and Walnut Streets. Those looking for a good parade view should find space along Allegan, Capitol or Ottawa Streets.
The Grand Marshall for 2008 is Mrs. Dorothy Kennedy. She was born on August 4, 1908 and will celebrate her 100th birthday 2 days after serving in her capacity as the parade leader.
The theme is “A Summertime Celebration” which will honor the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. which marks its 100th anniversary. They’re the oldest African American Greek-lettered sorority.
Dr. Michael C. Murphy the event founder and chairperson said, “Everyone loves a parade. There will be marching bands, floats, dancing horses, clowns, and other special displays.”
Ferris Park will have entertainment, food booths and arts and craft booths. There will also be vendors with information that will be of value to all that attend.
Spectacular Jazz
For those who would like to start the weekend festiviites early. JazzFest will commence on Friday, August 1, at 4:00 p.m. in Old Town, which is located on East Grand River and Turner Streets.
The JazzFest is an event with multiple stages featuring a wide variety of jazz music styles, ethnic food booths, a beverage tent and arts and craft booths.
Now in its 14th year, the JazzFest has always been a symbol of uniqueness. This year the artists have been asked to perform an original composition or a piece that has not been played at any other festival.
Artists featured this year include the Johnny O’Neal Trio, Rayse Biggs, Sunny Wilkinson, organissimo, Los Gatos and others. The Children’s Ballet Theatre and Happendance will also be performing along with the Nu Poet Collective.
On Saturday, August 2, the festivities will continue beginning at 2:00 p.m. and ending at 12:00 a.m. with a performance by Ed Smith’s JazzFest All Stars.
This 2 day event promises to provide something for jazz afficionados and those who are looking for a new experience.
Lansing JazzFest began in 1995 when the Old Town Business & Art Development Association, having successfully produced OctoberFest the year prior, discovered that music festivals are an excellent way to encourage people to visit and enjoy Old Town. Every year it continues to grow in popularity.
Connecting to Community
The first weekend in August promises to highlight the history and the music of a town that is steeped in a diverse and eclectic mix of traditions.
Because of Lansing’s special location in the middle of the state, it has become a place where many different people have come together to call it home.
The Annual African American Parade and Family Heritage Festival and the JazzFest are envisioned as events that would have popular appeal to a broad audience, both are must attend events.
Lansing invites and welcomes mid-Michigan to 2 of their best festivals during the summer.
