| |
Humble
Beginnings Lead to World Unity |
|
| |
The
International Arts Festival (IAF) is more than music;
it is a two day celebration of diverse cultures exposing a potpourri
of creative natives from New Orleans, Cuba, Brazil, Honduras, Europe,
Africa, and the Caribbean. These communities represent the
influences that designate New Orleans as the most unique city in the
nation. |
|
| |
The
International Arts Festival, formerly known as Reggae Riddums, thrives
on an exhilarating experience of live World Music, Latin, Jazz, Reggae,
Soca, and R&B. Visitors are treated to the exotic aromas
of spicy food from South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and New Orleans,
as well as artist crafts and the milieu of tropical breezes and sunshine. There
is no event in New Orleans that brings cultures together like the International
Arts Festival, and all under the universal theme of “One World,
One Love.” Each year this theme radiates throughout the
festivities. |
|
| |
The
IAF is held during the second weekend in June. It is a family
affair, where visitors are likely to learn something from the person
standing next to them, and where children have a place to explore and
be creative. The IAF has an impressive history of self-containment with
a 19-year track record promoting culture, business, literacy, and community
and social awareness. |
|
| |
In
1987, Orpus Entertainment Corporation, which was founded by New Orleans
native Ernest Kelly in 1984, produced the first International Arts Festival. The
group that composed Orpus Entertainment began producing concerts during
their years at Louisiana Tech University. The company grew, and
its focus turned to producing special events regionally and locally.
Khalid A. Hafiz the International Arts Foundation Executive Director
brings over 25 years of experience working in the arts, music, entertainment
and film industries and has lent his talents to many successful events
and is widely respected for his expertise. "It's about bringing
people together to enjoy, share and experience one another through the
expression of music and culture". |
|
| |
The
International Arts Festival was designed to promote unity via the irresistible
appeal of music and arts. From its inception, the festival has
been at Marconi Meadows in City Park, making it the longest running
event at the park and New Orleans’ third oldest festival and the
only World Music Festival. The alluring and tantalizing qualities
of New Orleans life, music, art, and food have been the highlights of
the festival over the years. |
|
| |
The
festival has hosted some of the most celebrated names in music. Over
the years artists like, Hugh Masekela, Lucky Dube, Majek Fashek, Havana
Soul, K.R.E.M.K, Eddie Palmieri, the Lion King & the Zulu Connection,
and Reggae’s finest like Morgan Heritage, Freddie McGreggor, Steel
Pulse, Capleton, Burning Spear, Third World, Shinehead, and Sugar Minott;
New Orleans’ finest like Bamboula 2000, Irie Daughters and Early
Brooks, Lataye from Haiti, The Roots, India.Arie, Common, Akon, Ernie
Smith of South Africa, to name a few. Artists
Pictures Artists
Links |
|
| |
Another
highlight of the festival has been the tasty assortment of international
dishes, such as Caribbean Fish, Jerk Chicken, and Haitian Rum Cake,
and the perennially New Orleans favorites: gumbo and red beans and rice. |
|
