13th Annual African-American Music Festival to be held on campus

By D. Aja Franks
Grammy-nominated rap artist and actress, Yo Yo, and famed jazz musician, Washington Rucker, along with many hip-hop and Rhythm and Beat artists will participate in the 13th Annual African-American Music Festival Monday, March 19 through Saturday, March 24, on campus.

The Music Festival, which is free and open to the public, is hosted by the student organization A2MA and the Pan-African studies department.

Deborakh Broadous, CSUN professor and the festival’s advisor stated, “The music festival provides students the ability to network with music professionals and gain a greater appreciation of how music impacts academia.”

“Business of the Music Business,” a seminar hosted by Ernie Singleton, former president of urban music at MCA Records, will introduce students’ to the different elements of the music industry.  Singleton will also host a music showcase that will allow participants to showcase their musical talents center stage.

A R&B stage, positioned inner campus, will feature an African drum circle and various hip-hop and R&B performances.

There will be an art walk along Magnolia Way on Thursday, March 22 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. as well as a Music & Entertainment Summit from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at various locations throughout campus.

Students from local elementary, junior and senior high schools are encouraged to attend the festival’s music master classes taught by various R&B singers, writers and hip-hop artists. The classes will provide students’ with instruction on the fundamentals of music and prepare them for the festival’s gospel concert at Calvary Baptist Church March 24.

In addition, the festival will also host the “Music is Art” Artwalk that will encompass various interpretations of African-American music through art.

http://sundial.csun.edu/2012/03/13th-annual-african-american-music-festival-to-be-held-on-campus/