Young Audiences - Showcase of Local Student Talent
December 16, 2009
Ashé Cultural Arts Center - 7:00 p.m.
FREE
Over 100 students from five local schools have been selected to perform at the first Young Audiences Winter Spotlight to be held Wednesday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center. The performance is free and open to the public, but seating is limited.

The one-night event will spotlight the dance and band initiatives at six of Young Audiences after-school programs, for which YA has become well known. Students have spent the past semester working with talented local artists to choreograph, rehearse, and perfect their routines.

Highlights will include the
Ballet class from Martin Behrman Academy of Creative Arts and Sciences, the O. Perry Walker College and Career Preparatory Academy Jazz Band;
African dance and drumming from the students at William J. Fischer Accelerated Academy, Woodmere Elementary, and Kate Middleton Elementary.

Douglas Redd Summit / End-of-Year Meeting & Sistahs Making a Change Social
December 17, 2009
Ashé Cultural Arts Center – 6:00-8:00 p.m.
FREE
Luther Gray announces the End-of-Year Meeting in conjunction with the Culture at the Center meetings that have been held at the New Orleans public libraries. Funds collected at the House of Blues on November 25 will be dispersed at this meeting to the following recipients: Robert Wright, Lady BJ, Big Chief Bo Dollis, J.D. Hill, and Humberto Pupe Menes. In addition, Sistahs Making a Change will have their Annual Holiday Social along with Summit attendees. Hot entertainment acts will perform.

HOME New Orleans? Holiday Social
December 18, 2009
Ashé Cultural Arts Center – 5:00-7:00 p.m.
FREE
Open only to participants of HOME New Orleans? programs.

KWANZAA CELEBRATIONS

UJOMA Committee, Inc. - Children’s Celebration
December 26, 2009
Ashé Cultural Arts Center – 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
FREE
UJOMA Committee, Inc., presents “Children Celebrate Kwanzaa,” Saturday, December 26, 2009. The celebration is free and open to the public. In addition, volunteers are welcomed and needed. Call (504) 722-3213; or email tejacarey@gmail.com, kimberlyrichards@pisab.org or stephenbradberry@gmail.com for more information.

Ashé Cultural Arts Center’s Celebration
December 26, 2009
Ashé Cultural Arts Center – 4:00-6:00 p.m.
FREE
Ashé Cultural Arts Center presents its annual Kwanzaa celebration. December 26’s focus is on Kwanzaa Principle “Umoja,” which means “unity.” For more information, call (504) 569-9070.

New Orleans Black Social Workers
December 28-31, 2009
Ashé Cultural Arts Center – 8:30-3:00 p.m.

FREE

Kuumba Institute hosts a Kwanzaa Program for program participants ages 6 to 16. Kwanzaa Principles: December 28 -Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), December 29 - Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), December 30 - Nia (Purpose), December 31 - Kuumba (Creativity). Call (504) 569-9070 for more information.