The 15th annual Hayti Heritage Film Festival with its new features such as: juried films, student film workshops and awards show was a success for the cultural arts center.

“We’ve definitely taken the film festival to another level, and are looking forward to what next year’s festival will entail”, said V. Dianne Pledger, President and CEO of the Hayti Heritage Center.

The tone of the festival was set Community Night when writer and director, Leon Lonzano’s film, Something is Killing Tate was viewed by an attentive audience, who gave the film rave reviews. After the feature film was shown, Lonzano took questions from the audience and explained that his background in social work, and having been a teacher of emotionally disturbed children made it necessary for him to create such a film “that told the stories that he heard on a daily basis, he felt needed to be told.”

On Friday, students interested in filmmaking were treated to a catered luncheon by sponsor Golden Krust restaurant, a Caribbean Restaurant located in Durham. Emmy Award Winning documentary producer, Dante James gave the keynote address. James urged the students to maintain their integrity. While he only had one sponsor for his award winning PBS documentary, Slavery In America, he did not allow personnel from New York Life Insurance Company to view his work until it was completed, so that his work would not be tainted by the sponsor potentially voicing an opinion concerning content that was difficult to see and hear. “It’s very important that your work has some integrity–even if no one sees it. Your work cannot be bought.”, stated James.

SunTrust Bank, the North Carolina Institute for Minority Economic Development and the Community Reinvestment Association sponsored the Short Financial Film Challenge, and there were multiple entries from students from around the country that participated–from the University of Southern California, New York University and locally.

The final day of the Hayti Heritage Film Festival ended with awards being given out in six distinct categories.

Best Short Film Winner: “Election Day”
Best Acting Ensemble Winner: “Premature”
Best Feature Film Winner: “Some thing is Killing Tate”
Best Student Film Winner: “Brother’s Inc.”
SunTrust Short Financial Film Challenge Winner: “So Fresh”
Honorable Mention: “Think”
Audience Choice Award Winner: “Premature”

Film lovers and afcionados can keep up with the sights and news of the festival by joining the Hayti Heritage Film Festival’s (HHFF) fan page on the social networking site, Facebook.

22nd ANNUAL BULL DURHAM BLUES FESTIVAL
September 11 & 12, 2009

St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation is celebrating twenty two years of presenting the best in acoustic, traditional and contemporary blues music, this year’s festival will be a mix of rhythm and blues legends, show-masters, regional and local blues artists that will surely provide festival attendees two days of the best the blues world has to offer.

At the Festival there is something for the entirefamily, a Kids Zone with interactive entertainment for youngsters; and a Marketplace where blues lovers can indulge in an eclectic mix of regional and international foods for the soul, arts and crafts by NC artists, and a variety of unique specialty items. The music is sure to make you move, but if you feel a need, lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Join in the fun on the infield or in the grandstand, rain or shine!!

We will be back at the Durham Athletic Park (DAP) and hope to see you there. More information will be available in May on our website or www.bulldurhamblues.org. You will learn more about the new festival format including time and location, volunteer and vendor opportunities, and how you or your business can take advantage of the new sponsorship perks!

Vendor and Volunteer applications available May 4th at www.bulldurhamblues.org

Keeping the Blues Alive!!

April 20 – June 15
Registration Open Now! FREE
Calling all DANCERS! CREATIVE MOVEMENT CLASS
Each Monday from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM Ages: 15 and up!

Purpose of my class is to teach creative movement involving the techniques of contact improvisation and partnering. This class will also focus on balance and counter-balance technique that will enable students to be creative and to develop movement vocabularies that will help them acquire a better understanding and appreciation for the art of choreography.

Gaspard Louis was a member of Pilobolus Dance Theater from 1996 to 2001. He taught and performed worldwide with the company and collaborated on the choreography of nine major dance works. He most recently appeared in a Hundai commercial with Pilobolus and has appeared in National Geographic, Marie Claire, and O Magazine and on Regis & Kathy, and Good Day New York with the company.

Gaspard received his bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from Montclair State University. He was a scholarship recipient with Gus Giordano in Chicago and Nikolais/Louis Dance Lab in New York. Gaspard has danced with Shirley Mordine & Company in Chicago and AllNations dance company in New York. He has also appeared in the New York Renaissance Dance Festival and choreographed and danced in the Caribbean music video as well being a guest artist choreographer for the Kentucky University Dance Ensemble.

He’s currently on board with ADF, teaching and helping with their community outreach dance program as well as teaching a Haitian Creole course at Duke University.

To sign up for the class call (919) 683-1709 or email pwhitted@hayti.org.

Limited space available.

24th Anniversary Performance

RTP, NC – Collage Dance Company, a group of young dancers and musicians working together to explore African and African American dance and music traditions, will present M’SEMBA at its 24th Spring Performance on Saturday, May, 2 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 3 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Both shows will be performed at the Reynolds Theater in the Bryan University Center, Duke University, in Durham, NC 27708. Tickets are available at the Hayti Heritage Center’s box office. Call 683-1709 x 22. Concert ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Group rates are available.

Sadiyah Shakur is the artistic director and Toni K. Hall is the assistant artistic director. This year’s anniversary performance entitled M’SEMBA: passing down power and strength from one generation to another.

“We’re excited to showcase the newest members and new dances this year. The performance is upbeat and fun for the entire family. Our goal is to bring the joy of dance to as many people as possible.” said Shakur.

The company is based at The St. Joseph’s Hayti Heritage Center. Members ranging in ages from 9 – 20, represent youth from across the Triangle including Cary, Raleigh, Garner, and Durham. Company members serve as role models of self-determination and unity for other African American youth today in our community. Collage Dance Company has performed at the annual Kwanzaa Celebrations in Cary and Durham and many local festivals and events. Tickets for the spring performance at Duke will also be available at the door.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit dance scholarships for graduating members who will attend college in the fall. Ads and sponsorships are also available. Visit the website to learn more at www.collagedancecompany.org