JEFFREY OSBORNE HEADLINES AFRICAN ARTS FESTIVAL SUNDAY
by Kai EL’ Zabar
Chicago Defender
Osborne who hails from Providence returns to his home town annually for ‘Jeffrey Osborne Celebrity’ weekend to help raise money for multiple charities. This year was no different, so earlier this summer with help from a few friends like former NBA star Magic Johnson who co-hosted the event he successfully met his goal. He was also joined by Actor Chris Tucker, as well as Cedric Antonio Kyles, who is more commonly known as Cedric the Entertainer just to name a few. They were in town to help Osborne with his foundation, which supports local charities.
Besides being a great vocal artist Jeffrey Osborne is a great humanitarian. He lends his name, star power and friendships to help raise money – give back to the community (and) give back to young people,” said Johnson. “All he wants to do and all he talks about doing is coming back to this community that he grew up in.”
Over the last three years, Osborne has donated more than $600,000 to local charities. He makes a major difference in the lives of many.
Within that context Jeffrey Osborne enjoys participating in events like the annual African Festival of the Arts which gives back to its community by exposing and introducing it to its heritage roots. He’s excited about meeting up with Chicago’s unique festival where Chicagoans meet Africa through arts and culture. No passport needed.
The 26 Annual African Arts Festival has come into it’s own dominated the attendance record for a festival of its kind in the country. It now boasts more visitors than both. The four day festival held over the Labor Day attracts over 200,000 people who come to Washington Park on the south side of Chicago to engage artists and other preservers of culture from all over the African Diaspora, including local, national and international performing artists, fine artists, fashion designers, galleries and art dealers, food sellers and many other cultural programs under specialized pavilions.
This year the African Festival of the Arts opens Friday September 4, with a Chicago tradition of Steppin’ with DJs Sam Chatman and K’Jon. Saturday offers The Children’s Pavillion, which kicks off with the Drummers Circle and concludes daily at 4:30, The African Beats showcasing Muntu Dance Theater, Nola Ade –Neo Soul and DJ sounds are just a few of the highlights. Sunday brings Chicago’s Best featuring vocalists Terisa Griffin, Tammy McCann; HipHop Tap Dance Troupe Madd Rhythms just to name a few. Monday’s Soul Fest closes out the weekend with sophisticated sultry songtress Joan Colasso and smooth sexy soulful Jeffery Osborne.
Friday evening starts at 5:30 pm and close out at 9:45 pm
Saturday starts at 4pm and closes at 7:45 pm
Sunday and Mondays performance’s begin at 5:15 pm and end at 9:45 pm at the Dee Parmer Woodtor main Stage.
Come ready to be thrilled.
For tickets, program and more information go to https://www.aihusa.org/african-festival/
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