BODY AND SOUL
Wednesday, July 14, 2010, 8:00 p.m., $45-$25, Rialto Center for the Arts
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Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon revives the lost art of live silent film accompaniment as he and a 16-piece big band performs his original score to Oscar Micheaux’s 1925 film, Body and Soul. Gordon provides a rich musical tapestry for the film which not only highlights his talent as a composer and performer but also contextualizes Micheaux’s genius and innovation as a filmmaker.  Gordon captures the spirit of the characters, the director and the film itself in the work songs, traditional jazz and hymns that are infused in the music.  Body and Soul was actor Paul Robeson’s debut film role as he portrayed Reverend Jenkins, a fugitive who charades as a preacher in rural Georgia, with a penchant for women, gambling, drinking and blackmail.

BRAZIL FEST CONCERT:THE BEST OF BRAZIL featuring IVAN LINS & CASSANDRA WILSON
July 15, 2010, 8:00 p.m., $65-$25, Atlanta Symphony Hall
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Experience what the jazz legends already know as the incomparable Ivan Lins, in a rare Atlanta performance, headlines an evening of the Best of Brazilian music. The songbook of Brazilian composer/musician Ivan Lins contains some of the most re-recorded songs in musical history with jazz greats likes Nancy Wilson, Quincy Jones, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald recording his music.

Mr. Lins is joined by Bossa singer Marcia Bittencourt, Afro Brazilian percussion group Olodum and Bale de Cidade, a Brazilian modern ballet group. Then, as if the evening couldn’t get any better, special guest Cassandra Wilson takes the stage, collaborating with Lins to bring the Brazilian heat to a sultry Mississippi simmer as only Ms. Wilson can. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime event. Get your tickets now!

LEGENDS CELEBRATION: TO CURTIS WITH LOVE
July 16, 2010, 8:00 p.m., $65-$25, Atlanta Symphony Hall

NBAF honors the music and legacy of Curtis Mayfield with To Curtis with Love, our 2010 Legends Celebration.  The Impressions, Eddie Levert, Van Hunt, Frank McComb, Dionne Farris and Joi Gilliam walk through the  Mayfield songbook reminding us of the genius of Curtis Mayfield.  Ten years after his death his music continues to inspire audiences, influence artists and serve as a mirror which reflects our humanity. The music Curtis Mayfield composed and performed is a soundtrack for time past and time yet to come.  He encouraged some to Keep On Pushin’ and took others on a Super Fly trip. The words prolific, veritable and provocative only scratch the surface when referencing this prophet from the South Side of Chicago who became a citizen of the world.  Music Director: Russell Gunn.  Stage Direction/Choreography: Jasmine Guy.

BRAZIL FEST AT THE NATIONAL BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL
July 15, 2010, 5 p.m.,  Centennial Olympic Park, Free

The world famous Afro Brazilian percussion group Olodum and celebrated Brazilian composer Ivan Lins headline Brazil Fest on Thursday, July 15.  In partnership with the Consulate General of Brazil in Atlanta and the Brazilian Government we explore Brazil through its cultural contributions.  From don’t miss performances in Centennial Olympic Park and Atlanta Symphony Hall to panel discussions and film, immerse yourself in this cultural journey through Brazil.  NBAF’s got your passport!   Check the website for the full schedule of events!

ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
July 18, 2010, 7 p.m., Ebenezer Baptist Church, Free

The National Black Arts Festival and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra continue their annual partnership to present a community concert at Ebenezer Baptist Church on historic Auburn Avenue.  The concert features young musicians from the ASO Talent Development Program and the Detroit based Sphinx Competition.  Both Sphinx and the ASO/TDP nurture talent in Black and Latino communities in the classical music genre. Sphinx has a special emphasis on string instruments.

CENTENNIAL PARK MAIN STAGE
July 15-July 18, 2010 Thursday, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 p.m.-9 p.m., Sun 12 p.m.-8 p.m., Centennial Olympic Park

The Music keeps on playing at NBAF with a four day line-up that promises to keep you on your feet and dancing into the night. The Main Stage is headlined by Brazilian based Olodum on Thursday, DJ Kemit and the very popular Spread Love on Friday, Roy Ayers and Common Ground Collective on Saturday and Lizz Wright on Sunday.

THURSDAY
5:00 Brazil Fest featuring Olodum

FRIDAY
5:00 Spread Love with DJ Kemit (House Music, Oldies)
7:00 DJ Kayo’s Golden Age 101 (Hip Hop, House)

SATURDAY
12 :00 DJ Salah with Luis Carreras and Dashill SunNova
2 :30 Ghanaian National Center for Culture Drum and Dance Corps
4:00 Leon and The Peoples
5:45 Russell Gunn Album Release Party @ NBAF
7:30 Roy Ayers and Common Ground Collective

SUNDAY
12:00 Yo! Karaoke with Fahamu Pecou
3:00 Jodi Merriday
4:00 Dionne Farris
5:30 Kelsy Davis & Radical Soul
6:30 Lizz Wright