The Third Annual Anancy Festival will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011, from 2-6 p.m. The event takes place at the South Regional/Broward College Library, located at 7300 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines FL. Admission is free.
The Anancy Festival, named for Anansi, the West African trickster of folklore, is a celebration of Caribbean-American culture that’s geared toward children and teens. The festival provides a unique way for youngsters to learn about their cultural heritage and experience a rich collection of stories, music and dance.
An extensive array of musicians, authors and performers will appear at this year’s event, including Father Easton Lee, C.D, Jamaican author and popular blogger, Geoffrey Philip; Andrew Davies will screen his short animation “Anancy and Common Sense.” the film is narrated by Joan Andrea Hutchinson. And Kellie Magnus will be reading from her new children’s series “Nancy Anancy” via a simulcast from Kingston, Jamaica.
The Jamaica Folk Revue is always a popular treat. The group of talented men and women showcase the interconnection of early forms of Jamaican music from ancient times to reggae.
Afua Hall, a dancer dedicated to connecting cultures through shared stories with the aid of musical, visual arts, theater and the spoken word. She will perform and host a dance workshop.
Xavier Murphy and Dr. Andrea Shaw are the driving forces behind the festival and its co-founders. Mr. Murphy is the CEO and owner of Jamaicans.com. Dr. Andrea Shaw, is a writer and scholar of African Diaspora studies. She’s the assistant director and associate professor in the Division of Humanities at Nova Southeastern University.
The annual Anancy Festival promises an afternoon of song, dance, stories and fun. The event is geared toward youngsters, but adults won’t want to miss the unique performances. The Anancy Festival offers an enjoyable way for people of all ages to experience the rhythm of the island through its dance, music and written word.