LINK Picnic Festival
It was great to see so many of you this year.
See you again next year
In-Community: starting July 31, 2012
In-the-Park: August 25 - 26, 2012
Experience African and Caribbean culture
Joy and magic for the whole family!
**Check back for updates**
Great linking opportunities!
Bring things that aid your comfort in the park (picnic basket, lawn chairs, blankets, screen tent, and so on)
Click on each tab for the day's details:
- Saturday, August 27
- Sunday, August 28
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2011; 12 - 8PM
Drumming Village
The day begins with the communicative power of the drum. Come to the Drumming Village to enjoy Drum & Dance performances and to participate in the Open Invitation Drum & Dance Circles Facilitated by Jason Cave & Gerima
New this year: Muthadi and the World Drummers will begin the festivities.
The World Drummers, from Toronto, is made up of drummers from diverse musical traditions (Indian, Caribbean, African, Aboriginal, and more). They come together for performances throughout the year.
Muhtadi has been performing professionally for over 30 years, both nationally and internationally. In 2000, he founded the Muhtadi International Drumming Festival which is in its twelfth year.
Visit the artists page to see more of this year's lineup:
Jason & Gerima
Jah Paul
Muthadi and the World Drummers
Organic Groove
Oshungo
Collette "Coco" Murray
~Bring your drums and percussion instruments to join the drumming circle
all ages welcome
no experience required. ~
A drumming circle is a living evolving work of art that allows creative ways for self expression. Drumming is fun, a good mood changer, a powerful connector, an energy booster and a great relaxant. Come enjoy a spritual, musical and community experience.
(Free workshops are offered to help you prepare. See the workshops page for details.)
Mainstage
A Soundscape of DJs will display the African and Caribbean musical Diaspora. Come ready to dance and enjoy the various DJ presentations.
DJs lineup:
- Jahbama -- Nigeria & Zimbabwe
- DJ Tripp D
- DJ Blacks
- ... more coming soon
End the evening with local reggae artist Errol Blackwood Injah Band.
Visit Mainstage artists on Artist page for more
Other Activities
- LINK it UP Cultural Cooking Demonstration by Arlene Garrick -- learn how to cook some traditional recipes.
Dance Workshops
Activities for Children - Vendors
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011; 12noon - 9pm
THE DAY INCLUDES:
Mainstage Music
Reggae, Sudanese infused jazz, Traditional African, Calypso, Soca, Jazz, Drumming, Hip Hop, R&B, Gospel, Folk, Dance, Fashion Extraordinaire
Drumming Village
Bring your drum and percussion instruments. Join the jam.
Drumming Workshops by Jason Cave with Gerima Harvey Fletcher (Time TBA)
Drum-Fit-Chi with Tatiana
Drum-Fit-Chi is a beautiful active art incorporating Live traditional African drumming and percussion. Traditional African rhythms are played along with percussion instruments such as bells and shakers. With this beautiful vibrant live music we unite earthy African, Brazilian as well Caribbean movements into the invigorating workout.
Drum-Fit-Chi helps to improve the Cardio respiratory system (heart) as
well as muscle strength and endurance. Drum-Fit-Chi is a great way to
release stress and improve overall general health. It will also improve
co-ordination as it engages and stimulates both sides of the brain.
Drum-Fit-Chi is like an active form of meditation stimulating the
body, mind and soul allowing you to feel joyful, strong, light and free!!!A Drumming circle is a living evolving work of art that allows creative ways for self expression. Drumming is fun, a good mood changer, a powerful connector, an energy booster and a great relaxant. Come enjoy a spritual, musical and community experience. Bring your drums and percussion instruments to join the drumming circle; all ages welcome; no experience required.
(Free workshops are offered to help you prepare. See the workshops page for details.)
Steelpan Yard
-- with Panwaves, and Acoustic steel. Learn about pan, play a bit and dance a bit.
Visit The History of Steelpan display
Participate in a Rhythm Section workshop run by Clyde Dookie of Panwaves Steelband. Bring a percussion insturment. No experience necessary.
Carnival Costume Parade
-- Come join the costume parade! Bring your own or borrow one of ours. Attend Mas Camp and avoid the rush for a costume. Three days of mas camp are offered to help you prepare for the parade in the park on this last day of the festival.
Come express your beautiful self.
Children's Centre
All ages welcome.
Races and Games -- 3-Legged, Egg & spoon, potato, sack race
Storytelling -- with Aileen Bennett-Heath and others
Limbo Contest -- how low can you go?
Arts & Crafts activities
Facepainting -- free
Carnival Parade -- dress up
Other Workshops & Demonstrations
LINK it UP Cultural Cooking Demonstration by Arlene Garrick -- learn how to cook some traditional recipes.
African Dance -- by Mosa McNeilly
East African Coffee Ceremony -- (Time TBA) by QB2 Ethiopian and Eritrean Cuisine.
(Free workshops are offered to help you prepare. See the workshops page for details.)
Directions to Festival:
To Victoria Park (Courtland & David Street Entrance)
From Highway 401 (east or west)
- Take Exit #278 at Highway 8 West towards Kitchener-Waterloo
- Follow Highway 8 for five minutes until it becomes (in the far left lane) King Street
- Take King Street to Downtown Kitchener
- Turn left at Benton St. (Delta Hotel on corner, Frederick St. on right)
- Turn right at Courtland Avenue W
- Cross Queen St. S. and pProceed to Victoria Park entrance at the corner of Courtland and David St.
See google map here
Downtown Kitchener:



