My True Story by Jive Five

The organizers of the ODUNDE African and African-American Festival today announced a four-day schedule of events, beginning on June 9, 2011, in celebration of its 36th Anniversary.

The activities will culminate on Sunday, June 12, with the annual centerpiece, the ODUNDE Festival, itself, which will take place, as it always has, along South Street, here, from 20th to 24th Streets, and from 23rd and Lombard, to Grays Ferry Avenue and Christian Street.

The free, outdoor festival, whose central theme is rooted in the traditions of the Yoruba people of Nigeria, will feature a wide variety of vendors, craftspeople, artists and performers.

As many as 500,000 persons, drawn from throughout the Greater Philadelphia area and the mid-Atlantic region, are expected to attend and participate in the events.

Major highlights in the scheduled programs for the week will be the Liberian Business roundtable, which will feature dignitaries from Liberia and invited guest J. Thomas Moore, Jr. of Select Greater Philadelphia; the Liberian Education roundtable, which will feature presidents from local colleges and universities, including Dr. Amy Gutman of University of Pennsylvania, and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell; and the free Zumba aerobics class, which will attempt to break the Guinness world record of 1,294 individuals participating in a class, simultaneously, set by Clemson University, this year. Pre-registration and bus pick-up locations for the Zumba session will be posted on http://www.odundefestival.org or participants may call 1-888-765-9569, for more information.

As has been done throughout the 36-year history of the ODUNDE festival, Sunday’s event will begin with a procession from ODUNDE’s Grays Ferry headquarters to the Schuylkill River, at 25th and Locust Street, at noon. There, ODUNDE founder and president Lois Fernandez will lead participants in paying homage to the Yoruba goddess of the river, Oshun. Once offerings of fruits, money, flowers and other items have been cast into the river, the procession will make its way back down South Street for the official start of the festival.

Among the entertainers scheduled to participate in Sunday’s events are neo-soul artists, hip hop artist Slick Rick, Doo-Wop Groups, African-Brazilian Dance Troupes and gospel music groups.

Initiated by Fernandez and Ruth Arthur in 1975, the ODUNDE Festival has spawned a vital organization with a year-round schedule of programs and events. In addition to the cultural benefits, this past year, the organization completed the construction of OSUN Village, a state-of-the-art, 16-unit senior housing complex, in South Philadelphia.

Throughout the year, ODUNDE sponsors numerous activities, including the “Thru African Doors” performance program, which travels to Philadelphia public schools. Various other programs and workshops are available to the general public. ODUNDE also offers publications and other educational materials, such as the video “Be a Player: An Oral History of the Life of Lois Fernandez” and the book: “From Hucklebuck to HipHop: Social Dance in the African American Community in Philadelphia,” by acclaimed folklorist John Roberts.

Commenting on this year’s program schedule, Oshunbumi Fernandez, president and CEO, ODUNDE, said, “In addition to having our attendees, this year, attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records for participating in a single Zumba class, we’re especially excited about this year’s Liberian Business Roundtable. This is an opportune time to discuss U.S. and African business development. Actually, a recent article in the Wall Street Journal describes how U.S. companies are racing to catch up with businesses from countries such as China, which have already established a viable business presence in Africa. The size, diversity of the landscape, and the amount of natural resources on the continent, allows for mutually beneficial relationships between here and there. Year to year, ODUNDE invites and hosts dignitaries from African nations, here, in an attempt to facilitate these relationships.”

Further information on ODUNDE’s programs publications and calendar of events may be obtained by calling the ODUNDE office at (215-732-8510) or by visiting: http://www.odundefestival.org.

Sponsors of this year’s activities include, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Greater Philadelphia Traditions Fund, Keystone Mercy Health Plan, Pennsylvania Lottery, Philadelphia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Universal Companies, University of Pennsylvania Medicine and Wells Fargo.

ODUNDE Origin

ODUNDE has gained a national reputation as one of Philadelphia’s brightest cultural jewels. The word ODUNDE originates with the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa, and means “Happy New Year.”

###

Related Zumba Press Releases

Legendary Jesse Cook performing Rumba D’el Jefe , a mix between Flamenco of Spain and Rumba of Colombia, this Rumba is so beautiful , follow the percussion and enjoy the music from the World Music Ambassador: Jesse Cook If you like this one please buy the DVD of Jesse Cook ( The Rumba Foundation) for more amazing music and to learn more about the art of Flemenco . Jesse’s official website: www.jessecook.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Chelsea Kane & Mark Ballas – Rumba Dancing With The Stars Season 12 Week 9 May 16, 2011 Song: “Eyes on Fire” by Blue Foundation Score: 30
Video Rating: 4 / 5

• Wonderful over a bathing suit or as a belly dance wrap
• Sheer and elegant you will be the Diva of the dance when you don this
• Enjoy the sensuality and feel the glamour as you twirl and whirl in this
• Made from sheer terylene with paillettes and long tassel

Color: available in rose red, red, silver, purple, lake blue, pink, navy blue and black. Dimension: one size fits most, 27.5″ in length, suitable for the waist between 25″ to 39″ Style: unique 23.6″ inch long tassel style.

Simple and special, perfect for practice or just as a fashion accessory!All paillettes and long fringes are hand sewn, not mass produced!Express your inner power and beauty in our designer belly dancing scarves, as a dancing tool, match with any outfit, shawl, head wra

List Price: $ 30.47

Price: $ 11.99

More than 2,500 VIP guests helped Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez celebrate its 10th anniversary at its signature White Party on July 16, 2011. The champagne kept flowing throughout the afternoon, and guests at the celebration were dazzled by a series of exciting performances, including Cirque du Soir and Brazilian samba dancers.

Saint-Tropez was our second Nikki Beach location, and we are very proud to celebrate 10 years of continued success, said Jack Penrod, owner. Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez is one of our largest locations and a favorite for many celebrities and noted personalities from all over the world.

Located on the Bay of Pampelonne on the Mediterranean coast, Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez has a tree-shaded outdoor dining area, and a large swimming pool that divides the restaurant from the lounging area for sunbathing and dancing to the beats of the clubs international deejays.

Nearly all of the guests dressed in white, upholding a tradition that began at Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez. Iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell selected Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez as the perfect setting to celebrate her birthday in 2002, and an ultra-exclusive, invitation-only event was organized with a strictly enforced dress code of pure white. As guests sought the proper attire, word spread immediately throughout Saint-Tropez, putting Nikki Beach on everyones lips. Today, Nikki Beach hosts a White Party for each clubs anniversary and new club opening.

In 1998, Nikki Beach introduced the world to the ultimate beach club concept bringing together dining, fashion, art, music and entertainment. Over a decade later, Nikki Beach continues to make its mark in the worlds hottest addresses and trendsetting locales, recently claiming the #1 spot in Travel Channels Worlds Sexiest Beach Bars.

The Nikki Beach concept has transcended its international venues and grown into a luxury global lifestyle company: Nikki Beach Lifestyle, launched at the Cannes Film Festival in 2009 with a clothing line, a sun care and fragrance line; Marketing and Public Relations Divisions; Global Sponsorships and Special Events; Nikki Beach Music label; a VIP membership card and concierge program; and a Hotel and Resorts Division with 10 new locations to begin opening in 2012.

Nikki Beach lifestyle can now be experienced in 11 cities in nine different countries with more locations to come in the near future: Miami Beach, Florida, USA; Saint-Tropez, France; St. Barth, French West Indies; Marbella, Spain; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Marrakech, Morocco; Koh Samui, Thailand; Cabarete, Dominican Republic; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; and also at the Cannes Film Festival, France and the Toronto International Film Festival, Canada. For more information on Nikki Beach, please visit http://www.nikkibeach.com.

###

Related Samba Press Releases

Ballet de Moscú Julio 2011


Image by ExpoMeloneras
BALLET RUSO EXPOMELONERAS

Ballet de Moscú Julio 2011

Ballet de Moscú Julio 2011


Image by ExpoMeloneras
BALLET RUSO EXPOMELONERAS

Ballet de Moscú Julio 2011

Ballet de Moscú Julio 2011


Image by ExpoMeloneras
BALLET RUSO EXPOMELONERAS

Ballet de Moscú Julio 2011

Flamenco at the Odeon


Image by klmartin
Flamenco – El Teye – at the Odeon Theater in Mason, TX – April 11th, 2009

spider johnson with the group

Flamenco at the Odeon


Image by klmartin
Flamenco – El Teye – at the Odeon Theater in Mason, TX – April 11th, 2009

spider johnson with the group

salsa-casseroll-back


Image by LareyK
Salsa Casseroll Triple – purchased 2009 53cm, standard complete bike Shimano 105 components plus Acorn Medium bag, Brooks B17 Saddle, Evo-Lite mirror, Profile AirStryke bars.

Later: The aerobars are an on-again, off-again kind of thing. Mainly off.

Salsa Mayor


Image by Yemayas_verse
Salsa Mayor, Cafe Cantante, June 1, 2009

the new Salsa


Image by mmeiser2
So, new Salsa came out yesterday… this bike was built for me. Really it was. I swear it.

The first pictures even have my fav Topeak Morph bike pump on it. It’s like I’ve already ridden it. They should have called the Mike’r.

In fact it’s called the Fargo (like the movie) and it is a 29′r mountain touring bike. It’s a whole new breed of mountain bike. A morph of cyclocross, touring and mountain.

If you were going to do the GDR, simply the TransIowa or for that matter just roam the back roads of Fargo North Dakota this would be the ultimate bike for you.

A few highlights.

1) Can switch between 700c road or 29" mountain tires up to 2.4" in width. In fact you could even build up a 26" wheel on the disk hub if say you were on the other side of the world and you busted a rim. It’s just one of the many advantages of 29r’s and disk brakes. In fact the only thing they possibly could have added was v-brake mounts for 26 and/or 29 inches wheels "just in case".

2) Cyclo-style drop bar for many hand positions.. for when you’re out there riding a 14 hour day. (Still definitely a mountain bike.)

3) Has six water bottle mounts… see if you can find them all. Hint: when you have six water bottle mounts you can spare one for mounting other essentials.

4) Has all the mounts and trimmings including those for disks, fenders, and all manner of touring racks.

5) You can probably put a 29′r front suspension fork on it if you like but most likely it won’t ever need one since 29r’s are famous for their ability to absorb anything… well anything unless you’re looking to do downhill or free ride… which I suppose you could swap out the bars and front for and do that as well.

6) Cro-Mo frame. The ultimate material for durability and value.

All in all it’s a TREMENDOUSLY versatile bike.

I can’t wait to get mine.

The only problem is it supposedly won’t be available until February!?

Perhaps Salsa should send me one for "testing". At 6’5" and 250+ lbs I’ve been known to push things to their limits and I just got back from a 4 day / 400 mile trip down into the hills of SW Ohio on my Surly Cross-check. (Pics are forthcoming.)

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) announced today that it will host the Capital Community Family Festival on Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Yards Park, 10 Water Street, SE, Washington, D.C. to celebrate 125 years of service to children, teens and families and Boys & Girls Clubs of Americas National Day for Kids.

Hosted by WPGC 95.5 Big Tigger and Free and MTVs From Gs to Gents Farnsworth Bentley, the Capital Community Family Festival will feature live performances, fun-filled educational activities, games and arts and crafts in each of the Boys & Girls Clubs Pavilions focused on BGCGWs five core program areas: character development and leadership, education and career development, health and life skills, sports recreation and fitness and the arts.

We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone in Boys & Girls Clubs long-standing service to the community and share all of the fun and innovative things that happen inside of our Clubs everyday, said Pandit F. Wright, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. So many kids in our communities face serious challenges and obstacles in today’s world. We are committed, with the help of our partners, to continue providing opportunity, hope and exposure for thousands of youth we serve each year, ensuring that every child who enters our doors will graduate from high school with an individual plan for their future.

Free and open to the public, the Capital Community Family Festival will kick-off at 12:00 p.m. with an opening ceremony and include multicultural, family-friendly live performances throughout the day by Grammy Award-winning Cuban septet, Afro-Bop; R&B group, The Blackbyrds; jazz musician, Marcus Johnson; violinist, Chelsey Green; RCA/Jive Records teen hip-hop artist, Issa, local gospel choirs and Boys & Girls Clubs Teen Arts Performers. Major event sponsors include CBS Radio Group, Coca Cola, Geico, CareFirst and Pepco.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington

Celebrating 125 years of continuous service to children, teens and families, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) is one of the largest affiliates of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). BGCGW serves over 21,000 youth annually at 21 sites throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, including Camp Brown, a 168-acre residential summer camp. Through a variety of educational, sports and recreation, health, arts, and character development programs, BGCGW creates a positive environment where children are encouraged to develop their ambitions and turn them into GREAT FUTURES. BGCGW helps boys and girls of all backgrounds, especially those who need us most, build confidence, develop character, and acquire skills that prepare them for school and for life as productive, civic-minded, and responsible adults. For more information, please call 202-540-2300 or visit our website at http://www.bgcgw.org.

###

The Edge Fitness Clubs announced it will open a brand new multi-million dollar facility at the former Staples store at 600 New Haven Av-enue, Derby, CT. The club will feature unique items such as an indoor turf area for athletic training, a space for functional training, a large spinning studio with fresh air and windows, and separate personal training areas throughout the club. The Edge Fitness Clubs is known for it’s group exercise offers. The new club will have several large studios that will offer a host of classes such as ZUMBA, Spinning, Kickboxing, Extreme Sports, Pilates, yoga and so much more! The Derby Edge will offer the latest in health club equipment; with individual television screens, heart rate monitors and ipod docking stations.

“We are excited about building this club,” says Vincent Sansone, company President. “Our current members have been requesting a in the valley area and we believe we have found a perfect space – access to route 34, convient to New Haven, Orange, Seymour and all of their surrounding towns”.

The Edge Fitness Clubs are high service facilities at a competitive price says Sansone. “Many clubs eliminate services in order to keep their prices low,” says Sansone. “We take the opposite approach, by offering more services and keeping our price reasonable we are able to please more members and keep them involved in fitness at The Edge longer”.

The Edge Fitness Clubs also offers one-on-one services like personal training, Pilates and specialty classes like TRX, Body Method and Kettlebell. Each new member to The Edge receives a complimentary personal training session so that they can acquaint themselves with the gym and develop a workout routine that will get them results.

The company will be announcing the club to its 50,000 members in its six clubs today and unveiling architectural plans to the public in the coming weeks. A fall 2011 opening date is projected.

“We are excited about being able to layout an exceptional world-class facility with state-of-the-art equipment,” says Sansone, “When it’s done, it will be a premier fitness club in a great community”.

This new location is part of The Edge Fitness Clubs, which are located in Fairfield, Stratford, Milford, Shelton, Norwalk and Greenwich, CT. Multi-club memberships are offered, giving members access to all locations

The new club will have approximately 40 employees including managers, personal trainers, Pilates instructors, babysitters, group exercise instructors, cleaning staff and customer service representatives.

For more information on the facility, please log onto http://www.theedgefitnessclubs.com.

Contact: