Annual Blak Koffee House opens tonight
By MEG DADAY
News Writer
The Black Cultural Arts Council hosts its annual Blak Koffee House at 8 p.m. Friday night in Lafortune Ballroom.
A talent showcase of 10 to 12 acts, Blak Koffee House is "an upscale literary and musical extravaganza of African and African-American creativity," said Chandra Johnson, assistant to University President Father Edward Malloy and artistic coordinator of the show.
Johnson has been involved with the show since Karsonia Wise, a graduate student in peace studies, created it in 1993. While an undergraduate, Johnson began overseeing production of the show in 1994.
According to Johnson, the show's style reflects that of Harlem artists such as Langston Hughes and Nella Larson.
"It highlights the literary and jazz artists of the 1920s," said Johnson. "The students' creativity is highlighted in a way that gets to the very essence of the Harlem Renaissance."
The show features a performance by the Voices of Faith Gospel Choir, poetry readings by Tanesha Dixon, Orlando Gonzalez and Jourdan Sorrell and songs performed by Johnnie Cheeks, Patrick Parks and Adrienne de la Rosa.
Johnson said seniors Justin Smith and Joanna Bowen will narrate the show and weave the acts into a cohesive whole.
The event is officially part of Junior Parents Weekend.
"Blak Koffee House is always held on the Friday of JPW to give parents, as well as a broad cross-section of students a chance to witness African and African-American music and poetry," Johnson said.
All News Stories for Friday, February 16, 2001
