Colorado Black Arts Fest Rocks Steady
A Celebration Of Culture and Community Turns 29
Story and photos by Siobhan Lloyd
City Park played host to the 29th Annual Colorado Black Arts Festival July 10-12. The theme of three-day event this year was “Rock Steady,” and two stages were set for music, from jazz to hip-hop, to world beat and traditional African. There were African drum and dance, modern, praise and interpretive dance performances.
Under canopied tents nearby, visual artists showcased their work.
“This brings people from all over together,” said artist Marley Boling. “[The festival] brings out a lot of different people and a lot of different cultures. Even through we all look brown, that doesn’t mean we’re all from the same place. There’s West Indian, Jamaican and people from all over. It’s inspiring and uplifting.”
Up-and-coming artists, such as Boling, set up booths to sell their work and get their names out. Vendors included people selling everything from paintings, drawings, photography, clothing and crafts.
“I think that a lot of the vendors out here are helping to promote black excellence and black business,” said attendee Joy Bomwell. “This gives people a chance to come out here and experience that.”
Music was a big part of the festival as well. Performances included local and national musicians, such as Gayle Leli and Sheryl Renee.
“I’ve heard about Sheryl Renee so it’s exciting to see her live,” said Sandra Johnson. “It’s really nice to be out here with the community and coming together to celebrate life and culture. That’s what I love about this festival, it’s not just for one set group of people, it’s for everyone from all walks of life.”
The Colorado Black Arts Festival began in 1986 by the Ayers brothers, Ayo and Perry. The festival first went by the name Denver Black Arts Festival until the name was changed in 2009 as people from across the state joined in. The festival’s mission “is to seek to involve the total community in helping to establish self-reliance, believing that pride in one’s culture is the foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.”
For more information about the Colorado Black Arts Festival and its history, visit colbaf.org.