Parks & Recreation Department

40th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival – Back to the Basics

Due to potentially inclement weather, REJOICE 1410, the sponsor for the Sunday, May 17, concert at the CCB Plaza, has requested that the concert be moved. The concert will now be held at:
United For Christ Church
2228 N. Roxboro Street (the corner of Roxboro Street and Club Boulevard across from Red & White Grocery)

Site Map, Parking and Street Closures

On Saturday, May 16, the Durham Parks and Recreation Department will host the 40th Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival in Downtown Durham. The theme of this year's celebration is "Back to the Basics." The festival will take place at the CCB Plaza (201 Corcoran St.) from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature an eclectic mix of music and dance celebrating African American traditions. There will also be a Bimbé Marketplace for visual artist exhibits and many other vendors. There will also be a host of weekday events planned. Stay tuned for more information. Please Remember:

No food or coolers are allowed at Bimbé.
Participants should bring their lawn chairs and blankets.
No alcohol is allowed at Bimbé.

Watch our Bimbé promotional video

Festival Highlights

Car Show

Triangle Thunder Cruisers will host a mini showcase of their antique and classic cars. This exciting addition to the festival is sure to "start the engines" of both young and old alike.

Kid's Zone

This year's Kid's Zone is sure to be a crowd pleaser. There will be musical and cultural workshops, hands-on art and crafts, storytelling, moonbounces, and a video game oasis. There is something for every age.

Artists	12-1 p.m.	1-2 p.m.	2-3 p.m.	3-4 p.m.	4-5 p.m.	5-6 p.m.	6-7 p.m.	7-7:30 p.m.
Allison Davidson Shield Decorating	African Shields	African Shields		Storytelling	African Shields		African Shields	African Shields
Rachel Galper West African Mats and Flags	West African Mats and Flags	Storytelling	West African Mats and Flags	West African Mats and Flags	West African Mats and Flags	West African Mats and Flags	West African Mats and Flags	West African Mats and Flags
Kamu Mimi/ African Dance			African Dance w/ Drumming	African Dance w/ Drumming	African Dance		African Dance
Braima Moiwai African Drum Circles and Games	African Games	Drum Circle	Drumming	Drum Circle	Break	Storytelling	Drum Circle	African Games

Schedule of Weekday Events

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Event: Poetry Slam
Time: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: The Marvell Event Center (119 W. Main Street)
Description: A night filled with poetry hosted by Dasun. The first part of the evening will consist of Open Mic. The second half will consist of a Poetry Slam with some of Durham’s great poets and spoken word artists.

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Event: "Back to the Basics" Town Hall Meeting
Time: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: North Carolina Central University - The School of Business Auditorium
Description: A panel style discussion will be conducted, with the theme of taking things "Back to the Basics," on the issues that are weakening the Durham community. Gang prevention, youth violence, the importance of education and health and wellness among the African American community will be the topics of discussion. Utilizing the arts as a positive outlet, family support and involvement will be promoted as alternatives to negative activity.

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2009
Event: "Bring It To The Floor" Dance Showcase
Time: 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Location: The Downtown Durham Armory (220 Foster Street)
Description: This event is a Dance Invitational for local dance groups, from elementary to graduate schools, to showcase their talent. Some of the groups have competed on national levels and some of their footage can be found on Web sites such as youtube.com.

Date: Friday, May 15, 2009
Event: Third Friday - The Beast with Pierce Freelon
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: CCB Plaza (201 Corcoran St)
Description: Join Durham Parks and Recreation for the Bimbé Third Friday Concert on the CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran Street, at 6 p.m. Music lovers can kick off the Bimbé Festival weekend downtown with a performance by the Beast, featuring Pierce Freelon and a Bebop to Hip-Hop Community Workshop.

Schedule of Saturday, May 16 Events

12 p.m. Procession of Elders (Led by the Magic of African Rhythms)
Presentation by African American Dance Ensemble

12:45 p.m. Special Presentations
ROSE Dancers (Realm of Senior Entertainers)
Winner of Poetry Slam Contest

2 p.m. Kirk Keyes (Jazz)

3 p.m. Battle of the Alumni Bands (Hillside High School vs. Durham High School)

3:45 p.m. Lil Y.I.T, Young Swift, & Lil Mac (Hip Hop)

4:45 p.m. Johnny White & The Elite Band (R&B/Old Skool)

5:45 p.m. Sahara Reggae Band (Reggae)

6:45 p.m. Brian Dawson’s Musical Medley: A voyage through 40 years of music
Featuring: DJ Kraze, DJ Gmac, DJ High Rise, DJ Heavy, and DJ Double "J"

7:30 p.m. Feature Headliner Act: National Recording Artist "Whodini"

Schedule of Sunday, May 17 Events

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2009
Event: Gospel Talent Fest presented by Rejoice Radio
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: CCB Plaza (201 N. Corcoran St)
Description: Local gospel artists and choirs will come out to be judged and compete for a cash grand prize at this year’s Gospel Talent Fest. National recording artists Vicki Yohe and Ted Winn will also perform during this grand event.

Performers Bios

Whodini

Along with Run DMC and The Fat Boys, Whodini was among the first hip-hop groups to cultivate a high-profile national following for hip-hop music and made significant inroads on urban radio. The Brooklyn, New York-based trio consists of vocalist-chief lyricist Jalil Hutchins; co-vocalist John Fletcher, aka Ecstasy; and DJ Drew Carter, aka Grandmaster Dee.

In keeping with 1980s trends, Whodini’s cuts tended to be synthesizer-driven with a heavy electronic drumbeat. From 1982 to 1986, the band toured with Run DMC, LL Cool J, The Fat Boys and other prominent R&B and funk outfits. By 1987, the group had earned its share of gold singles and albums. The band’s records have now become sample sources for contemporary emcees like Nas, Master P., Prodigy and MF Doom.

In October 2007, Whodini was an honoree at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors, acknowledged for its enormous contribution to the history and development of hip-hop music.

African American Dance Ensemble

Its mission is to preserve and share the finest traditions of African and African American dance and music through research, education and entertainment. With the motto, "Peace, love, respect for everybody," the ensemble celebrates traditional African culture, aesthetics and values as resources to encourage interracial cooperation, cross-cultural understanding and societal analysis.

"Peace, love, respect for everybody," is much more than a catchy way to end a concert and the African American Dance Ensemble is much more than just another dance troupe. The ensemble is an agency of positive social change and reinforcement of the best of human values (peace, love and respect). A concert by the African American Dance Ensemble is at once entertaining, enlightening and emboldening. Dramatic staging, exciting rhythms, masterful choreography and colorful costumes combine with consistently enthusiastic audiences to create an artistic experience difficult to forget.

Kirk Keyes

As a disciple of the new order of today's musical talents, Kirk Keyes is by no means your average instrumental virtuoso. Kirk has evolved from being just an artist into a well seasoned entertainer who composes, arranges, produces and performs. He is a fresh young talent that has captured the hearts of many. Kirk started playing the sax at the tender age of nine. By the time he was 16, Keyes knew he wanted to excel his craft to the professional level. Thus, he is now well versed in soprano, alto, and tenor sax, as well as piano.

The Kirk Keyes sound consists of innovative, "Next Generation R&B." This particular form of R&B is entwined with Hip-Hop culture sautéed over hard core Jazz roots. Kirk’s creative talent brings a whole new flavor to today's urban contemporary scene.

Young Swift

This new and upcoming Durham teen is just what the music "biz" needs today. He has a new hip-hop sound for a new generation. Young Swift’s expressive lyrics, catchy hooks and hot beats have been performed and heard by audiences all over the world. He has often performed in North Carolina and records weekly in the studio.

Johnny White & the Elite Band

Considered as one of the longest performing show bands on the east coast, Johnny White & The Elite Band knows how to deliver! As specialists in festivals and outdoor concerts, this magnificent band will perform a variety of music, including Motown, Top 40, old and new R&B. This is a great show designed for the entire family.

Sahara Reggae Band

Sahara has livened-up various events in the Greensboro area for a few years now and continues to develop a strong following. This talented group of musicians demonstrate a versatility that caters to various age groups. A trait that can be attributed to their combined years of musical and entertainment experiences. "SAHARA Style" is what they fondly call their musical flair and what a style.

Lil Y.I.T

Lil Y.I.T. (Young Intelligent Thug) is a rising rap artist from Durham. Born Ameer Spain, Lil Y.I.T. is known as one of the hottest new MCs around. At the tender age of 13, Y.I.T, inspired by his best friend, Ben, started to put his knowledge and life on paper in the form of rhymes. At the age of 18, Y.I.T learned to focus on the lessons that struggles teach rather than the actual hardship of the struggle. More focused than ever before, Y.I.T. started appearing on the mixed tapes of several local DJs and producers and performing all over the Triangle and surrounding areas. At the age 22, he began to earn the title of one of the best MCs in North Carolina, "The King of Carolina." In 2003 Y.I.T. released his first solo album "The Focus," followed by the release of his mixed tapes Voltron I, II and III. In 2007 Y.I.T. released his highly anticipated second album "The Difference," which hit the streets hard. His single "Got That" began getting radio play on K97.5 and his single "So 9nineteen" became a street anthem in the Triangle. Lil Y.I.T. continues to use his unique lyrics to express himself, his pain, struggles and his view on life. Through his poetic lyrics and appealing beats Lil Y.I.T. promises to move, inspire and motivate the next generation of Hip Hop.

Ted Winn

Ted Winn is best known as half of the award-winning duo, Ted Sheri, who have enjoyed massive gospel smashes with "Come Ye Disconsolate" and "Celebrate" in recent years. However, Winn is now positioning himself for solo success. Winn’s most recent album, Balance, contains songs written by Winn, Israel Houghton, Jonathan Nelson, and PJ Morton, who wrote DeWayne Wood’s smash, "Let Go, Let God". Winn says the title song holds particular meaning for him. "I named the CD Balance because I want to inspire people to live lives that are full and healthy," says Winn. "We have a tendency to be mono-dimensional because we fall into comfort zones and don't dare to explore. God has given us a range of emotions, gifts, expressions, ideas, etc., and I endeavor to speak to and about those on this project."

Vendors

The Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival strives to offer a wide variety of food, non-food, and artistic vendors. Please submit an application to today, to be apart of the fun!

Vendor Application (Bimbe)

Please note: You must review all of the Temporary Food Establishment (TFE Forms) below and fill out the proper paperwork to be eligible as a food vendor.

TFE Payment and Application Procedures

TFE Guidelines and Check List

TFE Requirements and Rules

TFE Application Procedures

Volunteers

Volunteer Application

Bimbé Volunteer Opportunities

Contact Information

Rukea Womack, festival coordinator
Tia Overstreet, weekday event coordinator
Rah Trost, vendor coordinator
Mal Atkinson, volunteer coordinator
Cynthia Booth, sponsorship coordinator

Site Map/Parking & Street Closures

Preparations for the Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival will begin at 5 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2009. Please download the perimeter map for all streets that will be closed to vehicular access.

The festival will offer an wide range of exciting vendors and activities. Please download the site map to locate where all the your favorite activities will take place.

View our Accessibility Policy and Disclaimer information.

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