In celebration of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary Upfront Theatre Foundation and Masani Productions are staging the annual multi-disciplined arts/culture festivals, Sistahfest and Rastafest in Jamaica (from July 24th, 2012 to July 28th, 2012) at Nature Village Farm, Eden, St. James, Jamaica and Rastafest in Toronto (from August 16th, 2012 to August 18th, 2012) at various locations with the grand finale at Downsview Park on August 18th, 2012. All proceeds from both festivals will be donated to Nanny’s Retreat in Jamaica – a shelter for women and children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault and carnal abuse.
Vendors, artists, sponsors, volunteers and community organizations interested in supporting the festivals are invited to attend an information session in Kingston on Thursday, May 24th, 2012 at Country Farm House, 3 Deanery Road. Time: 6:00 pm and in Montego Bay on Monday, May 28th, 2012 at St. James Parish Library. Time: 6:00 pm.
Rastafest is a multi-disciplined festival showcasing different aspects of the Rastafarian culture. The festival draws from the rich and diverse Rastafarian lifestyle and history. Activities include: music, dance, drumming, arts and craft market place, theatre, ital cuisine, film and video screening as well as a live concert featuring international and national reggae artists. Among the artists already confirmed for Rastafest Jamaica are Mickey General, General Trees, Horace Martin, Admiral Tibett, Echo Minott, Johnny P, Edi Fitzroy and several others. And confirmed for Rastafest Toronto are Karamanti, Mau Mau Warriors, Steele, Trinity Drummers, Echo Minott, Donna Makeda and others.
The festival is a continuation of international and national Rastafarian initiatives in Canada and Jamaica since 1977.
Sistahfest was started in Ottawa in 1996 then was relocated to Toronto in 2006 as part of Rastafest. The festival has now evolved into an independent entity, highlighting the struggles of women and children through the utilization of edutainmnent. The festival showcases female artists and educators through workshops, visual arts exhibition, theatrical production, spoken word, dance and music. The festival was created to empower and celebrate the power and beauty of women by recognizing their strengths, passions, common struggles, and stories.
For more information about Rastafest and Sistahfest persons may visit http://www.sistahfest.com/, http://www.rastafest.com/ or www.upfrontt.com. Phone number (647) 341-9031
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