Audio By Carbonatix
As a chart-topping group in the ’80s, Atlanta’s SOS Band bridged funk’s past and R&B’s future. It’s only fitting, then, that the act is headlining the 24th annual Colorado Black Arts Festival. The celebration takes place this weekend in the southeast corner of Denver City Park; SOS will take the stage near Ferril Lake on Saturday at 7 p.m. to perform hit singles like “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” and “Just Be Good To Me.”
As usual, though, most of the fest will focus on homegrown performers, artists and vendors. Among the many featured acts on Saturday and Sunday are the spoken-word troupe Slam Nuba; jazz pianist Gayle Leali and her quintet; Denver-based comedian AD; and the world-famous Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Also expect crafts, parades, plenty of food and a furthering of the festival’s stated commitment to “raise the level of appreciation for the role that black arts and culture play in the development and well being of the community.”
Things get started at noon today with Hip-Hop Happiness & Rap Remembrance: A Generational Gathering, a convergence of music and community emceed by local rapper Mizta Sandman. The festival continues through Sunday evening and is free and open to all. For info and a full schedule, visit www.denbaf.org.
July 9-11, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., 2010
