Amani
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Ensemble (2003)
FAQ
THE AMANI FESTIVAL
...working toward the elimination of racial, ethnic, and other discrimination and prejudice by fostering respect and appreciation among all peoples.
The 14th Annual Amani Festival will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the Dickinson Campus at High Street in Carlisle. Our theme this year is "Unity in Diversity" which is a fitting tribute to our partnering with the Dickinson College community.
The Amani Festival is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring people from various cultures together and provide a forum for enjoying, sharing and learning more about each other’s culture.
The Amani Festival has grown from a mere idea to a much-anticipated annual event in Central Pennsylvania and, more and more, far beyond our state's borders. This was achieved by a grass roots effort of community members who wanted to make a difference. Though most of the founding members have moved on, their work remains and has been expanded by the efforts of today's dedicated volunteers. What started out as a one day celebration of peace has grown into a year long effort to promote acceptance among cultures. Members of the Amani family participate in many locally-sponsored rallies and events in support of the themes of unity, tolerance and cultural acceptance.
Though we have made great strides in furthering the cause of civic unity, there is much more to be done. We hope you will support us in the coming decades and beyond as we work to make this community a better place for each and every one of us.
International Stage Entertainment - The main stage features performers of varied ethnic flavors including Klezmer, Mexican, Reggae, Salsa, African, Celtic and more. The festival’s opening ceremony and poetry contest are held at this stage.
Children’s Alley - Children of all ages are invited to explore and learn more about different cultures through arts and crafts and special theater and musical performances. Past Children’s Alley programs featured a “Passport” which allowed each child to "travel" to different countries around the world and learn about the people and culture in other parts of the globe.
Poetry
Contest Winners
-
The annual
Amani poetry
contest is open to school age children at all grade levels. Each year
students write on a different theme, which is created by the Festival's
organizers. Winning poems are read on
the main stage by their authors. Several hundred poems are received each
year and the competition showcases our very talented young local writers.
Poetry Reading - For several years, the Amani Poetry Reading has been a
part of the festival. Local poets, sponsored by Carlisle Poets' Workshop,
present their own poems, or poetry by others, in a salute to the occasion.
The program includes music. In 2008, our Poetry Reading will be in the grassy
area behind the Admissions Building on Dickinson campus.
Community Service Tent - Non-profit organizations from around Central Pennsylvania are invited to share information about their organizations with the community. There is no charge for any group to participate. The Amani Festival supplies the tables, chairs and electricity, if needed. Past participants include The Carlisle Regional Medical Center, PA State Police, Sickle Cell of Central PA and Domestic Violence.
Vendors - Art and Craft and Food vendors fill the streets with clothing, crafts, books, music and foods from many lands - Thai, Native American, Greek, German, African-American and Caribbean to name but a few. Festival goers have an opportunity to sample delicious foods from other cultures, and soon develop an appreciation for new tastes and experiences.
TAM (Teenage Arts and Music Festival) - The TAM area is dedicated to providing our youth with activities that will capture their interest and give them a forum for their talents. On the TAM stage, musical performers entertain their audience with alternative rock, rap, gospel, folk and more throughout the day. In the past TAM has displayed art and poetry created by young artists, and one year hip-hop dance lessons captured the attention of young and not-so-young alike.
Interfaith Stage - The Interfaith stage was introduced a few years ago as our way of giving various denominations a chance to highlight their own talented members. This stage features musical acts, singers, and the occasional dancer, all expressing their unique spiritual qualities. This venue is not limited by belief or creed and is open to all.
Tree of Hope - The Tree of Hope was planted in conjunction with the YWCA’s Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism. Carlisle area schools were invited to participate in a Tree of Hope planting ceremony. Each class developed its own hope which was written down on purple Unity ribbons and read aloud by student representatives.
Entertainment
Schedule
>>>Schedule may vary due to
circumstances beyond our control.<<<
<<<Please check back often for updates.<<<
9:30 We are happy to announce the return of the Opening Procession. This has traditionally been our "welcome" to the community and we are very happy to be able to include it once again. If your group would like to participate, please contact the Procession Coordinator.
|
International Stage |
TAM (Teenage Arts and Music) |
|
10 - 10:30 Dr.
Bill Durden, opening remarks 10:30-11 Central Pa. Womyn's Choir 11-12:00 Carlisle Middle School Jazz Band 12-1 poetry winners announced by Dr. Durden and Zach Scott (Regional VP for UPS) 1-2 Korean Percussion Ensemble 2-3 Troupe Miraj Belly Dance 3-4 Funk-n-Gumbo Cajun/Funk band 4-5 Silver Lights rock band sponsored by Dickinson |
10-10:30 K-5th
grade hip hop dancers - 98 below 10:30-11 6-12th grade hip hop dancers -98 DEEP 11-11:45 Zack & Joe (mandolin and bass) 11:45-12:30 Kevin (piano, vocal) 12:30-1 Y Arts/REACH! singers 1-1:30 JMC with DNL (all age hip hop) 2-2:30 GAAPA Alpha Omega Steppers 2:30-3 TBA |
|
Children's Alley |
Interfaith Stage |
|
10:00 - 10:45
- Nathan Kepner (magician) 10:45 - 11:30 - Gumpets (puppet show) 11:30 - 12:15 - Nathan Kepner (magician) 12:15 - 1:00 King's Gap Environmental Ed Center, Chad Smith, King's Gap staff (information on King's Gap and its programs will be available) 1:00 - 2:00 King's Gap Ed Center (repeat program) 12:00 - 12:45 - The Lorax (Dr. Seuss) 1:00 - 1:45 - The Salamander Room (exploring wildlife and "building" a salamander home) |
10 -
10:30 Jake Lopp
10:30 -
11 Antietam Gospel Trio
11 -
10:30 Dusty Alleman
11:30 -
12 Craig Kelley Band
12 -
12:30 Randy Simpson
12:30 -
1 Jake Lopp
1 -
1:30 Dusty Alleman
1:30 -
2:00 Randy Simpson
2 -
2:30 Antietam Gospel Trio
2:30 -
3:00 Craig Kelley band
3 -
3:30 Me & My Juice Box
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