American Museum of Natural History: KWANZAA 2011 Dec. 31, 12 PM - 4 PM

[Kwanzaa in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life AMNH/R. Mickens]

AmericanMuseum of Natural History
December 31, 2011 | 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, First Floor

KWANZAA 2011! is a vibrant celebration that honors the seven principles of Kwanzaa with performances of song, dance, and spoken word and an international marketplace. This year’s event will feature storyteller Linda Humes as master of ceremonies, The Brooklyn Steppers, Restoration Dance Theatre Company, ADLIB Steel Orchestra, and Something Positive, Inc.

PROGRAM

Noon–4 pm Marketplace

Performances, Main Stage

1 pm Linda Humes, Host

Welcome by master storyteller and actress Linda Humes

1:15 pm The Brooklyn Steppers

The Brooklyn Steppers, the high-energy stars of President Obama’s inauguration parade and a featured ensemble on “Law & Order,” energize with a universal call for unity and world peace. This dynamic student marching band—famous for its intricate drum solos, unbelievable moves, and “Brooklyn Attitude”—dazzles.

2 pm Restoration Dance Theatre Company

Restoration Dance Theatre Company, dressed in beautiful costumes, performs African, Caribbean, jazz, and modern dances. This multi-disciplinary arts training program in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn inspires thousands of young people toward self-determination, empowerment, and responsibility.

2:30 pm ADLIB Steel Orchestra

Rooted in the musical traditions of Trinidad and Tobago, the ADLIB Steel Orchestra offers a diversity of rich styles including calypso, jazz, pop, rhythm and blues, and soca. This award-winning ensemble boasting some of New York’s most talented and versatile young musicians has been known even to funkify Beethoven’s music.

3:20 pm Something Positive, Inc.

Something Positive, Inc., founded by Cheryl Byron, traces the ancestral origins of African-American musical, oral, and dance traditions from the motherland of Africa to the Caribbean beaches and onward to North America. This inspirational and highly interactive performance incorporates dance, music, song, and storytelling.

3:55 pm Closing Ceremony

Throughout the day, special Kwanzaa foods will be sold in the Museum Food Court, Lower Level.