Liberian R&B singer Munnah performs Saturday night at The Cedar. On Sunday, the fun is free for the whole family at Currie Park.

Photo by Submitted photo

The first annual Afrifest — a four-day festival celebrating African culture — kicks off on Friday, Aug. 17 in Brooklyn Park and continues through Monday in the Cedar-Riverside and Seward neighborhoods.

Festival organizers promise a diverse collection of African, American and International vendors, musicians, entertainers, and cultural performers that they hope will educate, showcase, enlighten and bring together not only Africans and African-Americans in the Twin Cities, but other cultures as well.

The grand opening event at Club Afrika (a 21-and-over affair) at 9510 West River Road in Brooklyn Park costs $15 ($25 for “VIP”) from 9 p.m.–2 p.m.

On Saturday, Aug. 18, the festivities move to Bridgeland, beginning with the Afrifest Gala Event, an All-ages show at The Cedar, 416 Cedar Ave. S. The cost is $10. The event, presented by DEMO.org, kicks of at 6 p.m. with a four-band lineup starting at 7 p.m. Show times and performers are was follows:

7 p.m. Wegegta (Ethiopian soul/hip-hop)
8 p.m. Quilombolas (Afro Pop)
9 p.m. Munnah (Liberian R&B)
10 p.m. Maria Isa (Latino hip-hop)
11 p.m. Cyril Paul & the Calypso Monarchs (Trinidad/Soca music)

On Sunday, Aug. 19, a free, all-day event takes place at Currie Park, 1419 S. Fifth St., near the Brian Coyle Center, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Also for all ages, the day features food, a Pan-African fashion show and historical display and exhibit, the Afrifest community mural — which children can help paint — and lots and lots of music on two stages.

Afterwards, the Sunday party moves to The Blue Nile, 2027 E. Franklin Ave., where those 18 and older may hear Yawo and the Afrofunk Band. Cover is $10.

Afrifest winds up on Monday night at First Avenue, where Lucky Dube will play to a 21-and-over crowd. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m.

For more information and the full Sunday lineup, go to http://www.afrifest.org.

last revised: August 17, 2007

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