Festival Sundiata presents BLACK ARTS FEST at Seattle Center

Seattle Center Festál: Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest, 12 p.m.-8 p.m., on Saturday and 12 p.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 10-11, in Seattle Center Armory, Mural Amphitheatre and Fisher Roof, presents a packed weekend of non-stop entertainment and insight into Black American arts and culture.

Launched in 1981 to gather African Americans for a heritage celebration, the festival has evolved to encompass a lively mix of activities that share culture with all who join in the two-day event. Highlights include music showcases with nationally acclaimed artists including Wale and ConFunkShun, Brick and Steve Arrington, 6pm, Sunday, at Mural Amphitheatre.

Numerous regional artists will appear including: AFUA, New Genesis, Funk E. Fusion and Guests, Dora Oliveira & Dance Brazil, Harmonious Funk, Michelle Lange & Still Waters, Kevin Gardner, Michael Powers and many more. All-ages activities include African doll making, Zumba classes continuously on Saturday, Caribbean and Central American dancing, and a drum and African dance extravaganza Sunday afternoon. Children may also explore a Metro bus and a Seattle Fire Department engine parked on Fisher Plaza.

A special Sundiata exhibit features the works of artist Kimberly Anne Phillips, and the awarding winning American Traveling Museum will have items for the public to view. Festival-goers will find items for sale as well, from custom jewelry to hand made oils and lotions. A variety of vendors will offer freshly prepaRed Foods for purchase: Tornado Potato, C&A Wings and Things, Al's Gourmet Sausage, KCD BBQ, Caveman Eats, Sweet Mamma Brown's, Hapa Food and Ham Hock Jones.

In 2017, Seattle Center Festál celebrates 20 years of global music, dance, art, crafts, history, food and insight presented through a unique partnership among community organizations and Seattle Center. Festál provides a stage and platform for them to share their traditions, accomplishments and artistic expression. Festál events captivate and enlighten festival-goers as they experience the distinct cultures that shape the character and course of our broader community.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on Festival Sundiata - Black Arts Fest, visit www.festivalsundiata.org, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

This illuminating series of 24 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, The Boeing Company, NW Folklife, 4Culture and ArtsWA. Additional support is provided by the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.

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