A3D's 7th Annual Salem CultureFest

A3D's
7th Annual Salem CultureFest

Saturday,
July 20, 10:00am-8:00pm / Sunday, July 21, 10:00am-6:00pm

The
Salem Common, Salem MA

SALEM, MA-- The Salem-based non-profit
humanitarian organization, A3D (African Development through Drum and Dance),
announces this year's summer extravaganza, Salem CultureFest. Now in its 7th
year, Salem CultureFest, held on the grounds of Salem Common, brings together
the music, food, clothing, arts, and crafts of the many cultural and creative
resources in and around Salem. This exciting two-day event takes place this
year on July 20th and 21st. Over 2000 visitors are expected for two inspiring
days of international and local music, art, and entertainment.  

This year's musical program offers a culturally
rich array internationally known artists to the stage. Saturday features the positive and soulful musical message of King-I, whose dynamic and versatile style  reflects his early roots in Trinidad &
Tobago as well as the influences of popular music that he listened to while
growing up in an urban U.S. neighborhood. Other
exciting Saturday performers include: Khalilah Rose, a global performer, bringing her authentic
reggae vibe from the Caribbean through Europe and now to Salem, three unique youth band groups from the Be Imagine Music School,
 and exotic belly dancers from Sisters in Dance.  Sunday's program features headliner,  Imojah
and the Skylight Band, led by Wade "Imojah" Dyce of Kingston,
Jamaica and veteran of the reggae music community. . On Sunday you will also be well entertained by Julio Bare, who brings  the rich sounds and
textures of the Dominican Republic, the High Hopes Band, considered one of New England's premier
roots reggae bands, offering traditional roots reggae (classic 70s period) with
an updated feel for today,  Gumbo
Diablo, a Boston-based quintet
specializing in a sound they call pan-Americana – roots rock that crosses
borders and boundaries, and the Hipshot Band which is a group of
singers, horn players, and full band playing R&B and Jazz music.

Each day will begin with a featured artist
singing the National Anthem;  Michelle Brooks Thompson (the Voice)
brings it in on Saturday with her powerful vocals and style, and will also
perform other songs during the day. On Sunday, Amy Moquin & Katelyn Silva will
open Salem CultureFest with a unique National Anthem duet.

Mamadou Diop, President of A3D
and leader of the award-winning, Salem-based band, MAMADOU, will lead a dynamic
drum circle both mornings, featuring members of his drum classes and anyone who
wants to join in. The entire event from dawn to dusk will be guided by the
smooth vocal skills of two gifted Masters of Ceremonies; Debra Crosby of Conquest Creative Media and De Ama Battle from Art of Black Dance & Music Inc., will make
sure that no one misses a beat, and with special guest  reporter, Papa Ale Niang, from 25TV
Senegal,  delivering the news back
home, Salem CultureFest will truly be an international event!

There will be plenty of family and kids events
including the traditional parade and piñata breaking each day. Check out the
bouncy thing (Moon Walk), face painting, an assortment of lawn games and other
kid games and crafts, as well as a carefully selected assortment of vendors
offering all types of food,  art,
clothing and crafts from a variety of cultures.

ALL
funds raised from Salem CultureFest are used to support an ongoing project of
educational development in Senegal, as well as distribution of medical supplies
to areas of need in West Africa. Every year a generous donation is also made to
a local charitable organization.

For more information about the efforts of
A3D (African Development through Drum and Dance) and/or to make a donation
please visit

www.A3Dinc.org

www.salemculturefest.com