Third World to lead fest
The popular and versatile reggae band Third World is on its way to Brooklyn to headline the opening day of the 2014 International African Arts Festival on July 3 in Brooklyn at Commodore Barry Park, Navy St., between Park and Flushing Aves., from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The festival continues on July 4, 5 and 6 with a wide range of entertainment and activities from throughout the African disapora.
Third World’s anticipated performance is part of the IAAF’s impressive lineup of entertainment and rich cultural offerings. The July 3 events also include Phillip Jennngs, Runway the magician, the Kuumba Kids Culture Zone, a natural hair show and the Touch 2.0 Dance Party.
On July 4, the Earthman Experience Band, featuring Hard Hittin’ Harry, will headline the day’s events, which also include David Cedeno, the Donald Smith All Stars, Tracy Pierre, and a reading of the e famous Frederick Douglass Fourth of f July speech by Rome Neal.
The Internation- al Electric Transfu- -
sion Band, the Universal African Dancers and Drummers and parade are part of the July 5 activities. And on July 6, Awa Shango, the Golden Voice of Mali, will perform. There will also be a tribute to Nania Kimati Dinizulu by the Dinizulu African Dancers, Drummers and Singers, performances by the Medgar Evers College Dance Ensemble, the Imani Singers and the Tschaka Tonge Experience.
The Coalition to Preserve Reggae helped coordinate the Third World performance and other reggae components of the 2014 IAAF, said CPR founder Sharon Gordon, who urged festival-goers to support the 43-year-old annual cultural event by donating more than the $3 festival entry fee. “Put a little more the bucket,” she s said.
And for information, call c (718) 638-6700 and visit http://www.iaafestival.org and like the IAAF F Facebook page at htt tps://www.faceb book.com/IAAFestival. Also visit the Coalition to Preserve Reggae website: http://www.cprreggae.org/
‘Open’ government for St. Lucia
St. Lucia is taking part in a project to bring government to the people of the Caribbean by getting information online and making it easily accessible, according the spokesperson for the World Bank.
The eastern Caribbean nation is the first in the region to join a new, “open government data” initiative. Open government data refers to the public gaining access to non-sensitive government statistics.
Open data — which can have uses for businesses, nonprofit groups as well as individuals — can include weather, traffic and real estate information.
Celebrate Guyana’s birthday
Celebrating the 48th independence anniversary of Guyana, a free reception will be held at Brooklyn Borough Hall on July 9, featuring music, dance and special recognition to youth.
Presented by the Guyana Tri-State Alliance Inc., Guyana Consulate in New York and Guyana’s Mission to the U.N., the event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St., between Adams and Court Sts.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Councilman Dr. Mathieu Eugene are among the VIPs scheduled to attend the affair, which includes the “A Taste of Guyana” reception, a violinist, dancers, song recitals and a sample of the Ingrid Griffith play “Demerara Gold.”
For information, call the Guyana Consulate at (212) 947-5115, the Guyana Mission at (212) 573-5828, Patricia JordonLangford at (917) 541-4101, Yvonne Marcus at (347) 256-4473 or Phyllis Cort at (914) 456-0563.
Tees for a cause
It’s jazzy gear for a great cause — Alpha Wear JA quality t-shirts benefitting the Alpha Boys School in Kingston, Jamaica.
The recently launched 2014 Summer Lookbook line, designed by Michael Thompson, aka Freestylee: Artist Without Borders, features shirts in Jamaica’s national black, gold and green colors and others crafted with the Alpha Boys School’s signature red, gold and white hues.
The shirt debut has been elevated through the efforts of celebrity-past students, such as Yellowman, Leroy (Horsemouth) Wallace, Damon Riley and music star supporters Josey Wales, Chronixx, Konshens and others.
The handmade shirts are the major component of an entrepreneurial project operated by the school. To support the program and its students, visit http://alphawearja.com/shop and purchase a shirt.