Best of Mississippi tapped to perform at Kwanzaa jamboree
By Alice Thomas-Tisdale
JA Publisher Emerita
The lineup for the UJIMA Kwanzaa Jamboree with DeAnna Tisdale Johnson and Friends happening Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, 6 p.m., at the Jackson Convention Complex is a cultural powerhouse.
On tap to perform songs, dance interpretations, and narrations tracing African American music from slavery to hip hop are: poet Amanda Furdge, bluesman Keith Johnson, the Time to Move Band, classical soloist Dr. Phyllis Lewis-Hale and JSU Opera/South students, jazz artist Tara Janique, Bridget Archer and The Montage Theatre of Dance, Bongo drummer Jerry Jenkins, gospel artist Travanti Hill, and R&B vocalist Kerry Thomas.
A highlight of the evening will be Tougaloo College President, Dr. Donzell Lee accompanying featured artist DeAnna Tisdale Johnson on piano. Prior to his presidency at Tougaloo, Dr. Lee headed the music department at Alcorn State University and is a classically trained pianist.
The free community program sponsored by the Jackson Advocate, NAACP Jackson City Branch, Metro Jackson Section NCNW and One Voice with support from Atmos Energy will be a night to remember!
Prior to the jamboree, poet/author C. Leigh McInnis will host the traditional Kwanzaa ceremony to pay homage to the ancestors and elders in our community. Tickets to all events, including the 5 p.m. reception and youth fashion show coordinated by Musical Expressions, are available through Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kwanzaa-celebration-with-deanna-tisdale-johnson-and-friends-tickets-1024274812537).
The 2024 Citywide Kwanzaa Committee Chair is Andrew Campbell.
