Taste of Caribbean, Africa coming to Sudbury

BY RISA OLDFIELD

The second annual African-Caribbean Festival will be held in Greater Sudbury this September, and organizers are very excited about what is planned.

Blaise Cherif, president of the two-day festival, said the event is a way to celebrate African and Caribbean cultures with Sudbury residents.

The festival will feature African and Caribbean artists with an arts and craft sale.

One of the featured performers will be Prince Diabaté from Guinea, West Africa. Considered to be one of the leading kora players of his generation, Prince Diabaté is currently living in Los Angeles, where he performs with his fusion and traditional ensembles.

Other entertainers will be the African Dance Ensemble from Toronto, and Umurisho from Montreal. Sudbury's The Spirit of the World Journey will also take part in the festivities.

The festival will be held from Sept. 15 and 16 at Memorial Park in downtown Sudbury.

Along with providing things for people to see, the festival will give people an opportunity to learn about tropical cultures and meet their neighbours who come from Africa and the Caribbean.

"The purpose of the festival is to share our cultures with the community," Cherif said. "To show a presence in Sudbury."

Cherif said he feels the festival gives residents with roots in Africa and the Caribbean a sense of being back in their homelands.

Organizers hope to attract a larger audience this year.

"We are hoping to get at least 500 people (attending the festival) and more if it's possible," he said.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased online, or at Black Cat Two and Village International. Both stores are located on Durham St. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and children 10 and older.

For more information, visit the festival's website at: www.fesacs.com .