R2A Concert Series
The Rhode to Africa Concert Series
The Rhode to Africa (Sunday) Concert Series was held on October 5, 12, and 26, 2008 at an art gallery and performance space in Providence, RI - Firehouse No. 13. A final performance was held at the Providence Black Repertory Company on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 as part of the “Rhode 2 Africa at Black Rep” event. The featured artists were Cape Verdean-American singer Candida Rose and her accompanying KabuJazz Ensemble.
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Rhode to Africa Interview Series Earns Metcalf Diversity in the Media Award
Honored for demonstrating ‘African ties to RI soil’
April 27, 2009
Entries are judged by a local, independent panel convened by Rhode Island for Community and Justice. The annual competition offers the only award in Rhode Island to recognize journalists and the media for their stories promoting diversity. Winners will be recognized at the 21ST Annual Metcalf Awards Breakfast
Providence, RI, April 21, 2009 – Recruiting urban youth for nursing school, touting the accomplishments of RI women, a sailing team competing against the odds, African neighbors putting down Rhode Island roots and food from the around the globe in our backyard, are the focus for winners of the 21st Annual Metcalf Diversity in Media Awards to be presented Thursday, May 14, 8:15 a.m. at the Temple-Downtown restaurant in Providence.
Rhode Island for Community and Justice is proud to announce the following winning individuals and media outlets.
–>Broadcast: Dana Neugent for the “Be A Nurse” video.
–>Print, Daily: Gail Ciampa and the Providence Journal for the “Taste of the Neighborhood” Food Series
–>Print, Weekly/Bi-Weekly: Jewish Voice and Herald – Community News Series
–>Print, Monthly/Quarterly: Northern Rhode Island YWCA – She Shines Magazine
–>Internet: RezaRitesRI.com for “Rhode to Africa” Podcast
–>Radio: Megan Hall and WRNI radio for “ Clagett Regatta”
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Established in 1988 to honor the late Michael Metcalf, publisher of the Providence Journal, awards are given for Print, Broadcast (Radio and Television) and Web/Internet media. A final category was added recognizes unusually outstanding effort in any media. Entries are judged by a local, independent panel convened by RICJ. The annual competition is the only award in Rhode Island to recognize journalists and the media for their stories promoting diversity.
WJAR TV 10 General Manager, Lisa Churchville will emcee the breakfast festivities and RI PBS President, Bob Fish is honorary chair. Established in 1988 to honor the late Michael Metcalf, publisher of the Providence Journal, previous awardees have included: Stephanie McKenna, Providence Journal; Joseph Fitzgerald, the Woonsocket Call; Jaime Remillard, the Observer; Valerie Tutson, Cultural Tapestry, Cox Communications; and WELH Brown Student Radio.
RICJ is a social justice organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism and promoting understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution and education.
Tickets to the awards breakfast are $40 per person. For additional information contact Ann Clanton at Rhode Island for Community and Justice at 401 467-1717 Ext. 101.
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The Rhode 2 Africa Video
Celebrate it One More Time
March 4, 2009
PROVIDENCE, RI - Did you experience Rhode to Africa (R2A)? The music, the conversations, the community? From the Interview Series to the Cape Verdean Jazz Reception, celebrate it all one more time: The Rhode 2 Africa Video by Executive Producers Reza Clifton and Corey Taylor.
Want to download it as a video podcast via iTunes? Click here
R2A was a Concert Series and Interview Series about Africans in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. It was produced by RezaRitesRi.com and Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc. with support from The Rhode Island Foundation, Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, The Van Leesten Group, The Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Firehouse no. 13, WRIU, Beatbox Studio, The Providence Black Repertory Company and many other organizations, businesses, and individuals. For more info, email rezaclif@gmail.com.
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Was Rhode to Africa a worthwhile project?
Then Shout it Out…and Fill Out a Survey
December 16, 2008
Have you listened to any of the Rhode to Africa interviews? Click on the photo above or here to share your thoughts.
PROVIDENCE, RI - RezaRitesRi.com and Mount Hope Neighborhood Association need your help. Rhode to Africa was a project we produced that combined an Interview Series with a Concert Series. The idea was focusing on underrepresented cultures, topics, and people, and drawing in an audience that was diverse in age, gender, ethnicity and birth country.
Did we accomplish this? Did you listen to an interview and did you find it interesting? Did you attend a concert and did you enjoy the music? Did you receive updates and did you find them helpful? Did you skip the project all together, and is there a reason why? Should we plan to create a second Rhode to Africa project?
Did you attend the Rhode to Africa Concert Series? Click on the photo above or here to share your thoughts.
Click here to link to an online survey about the Rhode to Africa Interview Series. Click here to take the survey about the Rhode to Africa Concert Series. Or skip the survey all together and email your thoughts to rezaclif@gmail.com; include the subject - “Rhode to Africa Feedback.” Thanks.
-Reza Rites
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The original Rhode to Africa concerts happened on October 5, 12, and 26 at FH 13, an art gallery and performance space in Providence, RI. They coincided with the Rhode to Africa Interview Series, which aired on WRIU, 90.3 FM in October and early November.
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Rhode to Africa at Black Rep:
Live KabuJazz with Candida Rose
December 7, 2008
Rhode 2 Africa at Black Rep consists of a Cape Verdean Jazz Reception and a Panel Discussion about Africans in RI and America. For more information, contact Reza at 401-497-5246.
PROVIDENCE, RI - Rhode to Africa wraps up this week, on Wednesday, December 10 with Rhode 2 Africa at Black Rep: 6 - 8 PM, 276 Westminster St. in downcity Providence. Join me, Reza Rites, and the musicians, organizations, and individuals who supported this groundbreaking Concert Series and Interview Series.
Rhode 2 Africa at Black Rep is the perfect after-work event. It’s from 6-8 PM - ideal for those who work hard and stay late AND for those who get in and out early who want time to change before going back out; it includes complimentary entrance and refreshments; it is at a great venue known for its community commitment, atmosphere and cash bar; and it features the smooth yet eclectic sounds of “KabuJazz” with highly acclaimed Cape Verdean vocalist, Candida Rose, and the KabuJazzz Ensemble. Plus, the evening closes with a provocative and thoughtfully timed panel discussion about race, culture, and immigration in America and RI.
If you attended the Rhode to Africa Concert Series in October, then you know the music will be exceptional. If you’ve heard an episode of the Rhode to Africa Interview Series, then you know the dialogue will be rich and informative. With both experiences in one night, enjoy it all one more time or catch it before you miss it. Rhode to Africa at Black Rep: Wednesday, December 10, 6-8 PM at 276 Westminster St., Providence; free and open to the public. For more information, contact me, Reza Rites, at 401-497-5246.
Keep reading to learn more about the original R2A Concert Series and other R2A performers. To hear directly from participating artists, click here to listen to episode 1 of the Rhode to Africa Interview Series; here for episode two, here for episode 3; and here to access the fourth and final episode. To hear them or subscribe via iTunes, click here.
Peace,
Reza Rites
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R2A Concert Update
Special Guest Joins Lineup for Final Rhode to Africa Concert
October 20, 20o8
BOSTON, MA - Highly sought after, award-winning spoken word poet and National Slam Competitor, Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo has signed on to be a special guest performer at the final Rhode to Africa Concert this Sunday, October 26. Ever-trekking, it will follow an October 22 performance the Nigerian-American, Boston-based artist has scheduled for Austin, Texas. She’ll join RI-based artists - hip hop emcee, poet and writer Kalyana Champlain; Cape Verdean-American musician and songwriter, Michelle Cruz; and funk musician and dj, Aarin Clemons (aka Abstract Soul).
The final Rhode to Africa Concert happens this Sunday, October 26 at Firehouse no. 13 in Providence. The shows are 18 plus and 8 PM – 1 AM, with a $5 dollar door cost for the live and recorded music. Firehouse 13 is located at 41 Central Street in Providence - seconds from downtown Providence, close to Central and Classical High Schools.
The October 12 Rhode to Africa Concert featured RI-based Liberian, reggae and/or hip hop bands and performers: Rooted Sound with Lady DUBB; Riders Against The Storm (RAS); and Corey Taylor, aka DJ Blade Mon from WRIU, 90.3 FM, the radio station of the University of Rhode Island. The October 5 show was headlined by Afrika Rainbow - a Cape Verdean reggae band made of members primarily based out of Brockton, MA - with Olivier Varela or Mr. Loverman from WRIU’s Cape Verde-Afro Beat Show.
Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo and Reza Rites pose for a photo at the 2006 Urban Music Awards. It was held at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston, MA. Okoawo was one of the winners. Click here for more info about the event.
Rhode to Africa is a Concert Series and Interview Series about Africans in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The Interview Series documents four roundtable conversations with RI and MA musicians and community leaders speaking on these and other topics: Liberia, Senegal, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Gambia and America; culture and identity; education, music, and language. The thirty minute episodes are currently airing on WRIU and they are being released as podcasts on RezaRitesRi.com and iTunes (search “Rhode to Africa” or “RezaRitesRi.com” in the iTunes store).
Rhode to Africa was produced by RezaRitesRi.com and Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc. with support from The Rhode Island Foundation, Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, The Van Leesten Group, The Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Firehouse no. 13, WRIU, Beatbox Studio, and many other RI-based organizations, businesses, and individuals.
For more information about Rhode to Africa, visit RezaRitesRi.com or contact Rhode to Africa Creator and Director, Reza Corinne Clifton, at rezaclif@gmail.com or 401-497-5246. To read a 2005 RezaRitesRi interview with Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo, click here.
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Concert Series Update
PROVIDENCE - The Concerts began with a musical revolution last Sunday, October 5 at Firehouse no. 13, an easy to find gallery and performance space. Thanks to everyone who joined us that night for the inspiring and illuminating performances - by Afrobeat DJ, Mr. Loverman and the reggae band Afrika Rainbow. Our thoughts go to Cape Verdean jazz singer Candida Rose, who may join us later in the series. Pictures are coming soon, so keep checking back in.
This Sunday, October 12, the series features Rooted Sound, Riders Against The Storm (RAS), and DJ Blade Mon. There is sure to be “more fiyah” on the eve of the day commemorating the hero-villain, Christopher (Cristobal) Columbus (Colon).
Want to learn more about Rooted Sound front woman, Lady DUBB? Want to hear what RAS co-founder and member, J-Bro has to say about the power of music and art?
Tune in to the R2A Interview Series tomorrow, October 9 at 12:30 PM to hear: A Conversation with Sata Jallah (Lady DUBB of the band Rooted Sound), Jonathan Mahone (J-Bro of the band Riders Against the Storm and of the comedy group, In House Freestyle), and Emmanuel Paulus (of the Liberian Community Association of RI).
Miss this Sunday, and you’re missing the best. I’ll see you from 8 PM - 1 AM. Peace.
Reza Rites
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NEW VENUE:
Firehouse 13
41 Central Street in Providence
seconds from downtown Providence, behind the McDonald’s and Dunkin Donuts on Broad Street, near Classical and Central High Schools.
The Rhode to Africa (R2A) Concert Series is Presented by: RezaRitesRi.com; Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc; WRIU, 90.3 FM; Firehouse 13
The R2A Concert Series: will begin in October (2008), featuring live and recorded music by artists, bands, poets, and DJ’s who are Africans living locally or regionally in RI or elsewhere in New England. It is part of Rhode Island Council for the Humanities’ Freedom Festival, a collaborative series of events scheduled for October.
About RezaRitesRi.com: RezaRitesRi.com is a website/blog maintained by Reza Corinne Clifton, an award winning online publisher, freelance journalist and grassroots community leader who created the site in 2005.
About Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc. (MHNA): Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc. is a non-profit, community development agency located in the historic Mt. Hope section of the East Side of Providence, RI. MHNA was incorporated in 1981 to address issues affecting the Mt. Hope neighborhood.
About WRIU: WRIU is Rhode Island’s leading non-commercial radio station, available at 90.3 FM or online at www.wriu.org. The station is a broadcast service of the University of Rhode Island made possible through funds from the college, underwriting partners and listener support. It is operated by students and community members.
Other R2A Supporters: Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, Beatbox Studio, Bashment Sounds, The Liberian Community Association of RI, www.RIFuture.org, The Rhode Island Young Professionals (RIYP), The Providence Black Repertory Company, Oasis International, RI State Representative Joseph Almeida & more.
Lady Dubb, pictured here, is one of the featured performers with her band, Rooted Sound.
Click here to download a PDF of the Info Sheet
Confirmed performers to date:
- Rooted Sound ft. Lady Dubb (Liberia/Reggae Band)
- Michelle Cruz (Cape Verde / Acoustic / Jazz)
- Africa Rainbow (Cape Verde/Reggae Band)
- Vivi, aka Mr. Loverman (Senegal / Afrobeat DJ)
- Iyeoka (Nigeria / Poet and Funk Band)
- Reza Rites (USA / Pan-African Women’s DJ)
- Abstract Soul (USA / World Soul, Afro-funk)
- DJ Blade Mon (USA /Reggae & Caribbean DJ)
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Rhode to Africa is supported by organizations and partners like RI Council for the Humanities, Beatbox Studio, Bashment Sounds, The Liberian Community Association of RI, www.RIFuture.org, Oasis International, The Providence Black Repertory Company, The Rhode Island Young Professionals (an auxiliary of The Urban League of Rhode Island), & RI State Representative Joseph Almeida.
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How can you support the project? Click here to Contact Rhode to Africa (R2A) Director, Reza Clifton, by emailing rezaclif@gmail.com. Be sure to put “Rhode to Africa” in the subject line!
If you run a business or are an individual who wants to donate merchandise or money toward the project; if you want more information about co-hosting one of the performance nights; or if you are interested in hosting an event to listen and discuss one of the interviews, click here.
If you are interested in interviewing the Project directors or any of the artists; if you are interested in broadcasting the interviews; or if you are interested in publishing print excerpts from the interviews, click here.