Garden of Black Roses celebrates Black creatives at Vines Art Festival, August 11
Performances from AHSIA, Ana Santos, Feven Kidane, spotlight spoken-word and musical artistry
AHSIA and Ana Santos. Photo by Jen Frias
Vines Art Festival presents Garden of Black Roses on August 11 at 6 pm at X̱áywá7esks | Creekside Park
IGITARAMO, a Kinyarwanda word that translates to party, entertainment, or “the night assembles” for Rwandans, sums up the energy expected at Garden of Black Roses.
The free Vines Art Festival event celebrates the contribution of Black creatives to music, theatre, dance, poetry, and stewarding of community through a lineup of bold performers, presented in partnership with Black Arts Vancouver and kicking off at 6 pm with an opening welcome at Creekside Park near Science World.
Afro-hip-hop dancer Izo Dreamchaser performs IGITARAMO—The Night Assembly with Elite Squad at 7:05 pm, with a re-creation of the Rwandan tradition of artists and warriors showcasing their acts, followed up by sharing food and drinks around a fire.
Kindling Collective brings a tone of reflection and rebirth to the evening at 7:30 pm with Kindling, a monologue that follows a queer mother striving to create a new life for herself and her daughter—all while she fights addiction in the wake of global collapse and the death of her true love. The creation from playwright Lili Robinson, director Angelica Schwartz, and performer Lissa Neptuno investigates a deeper meaning of recovery.
At 8:20 pm, Feven Kidane takes the stage; the celebrated Ethiopian-Canadian composer, trumpeter, bassist, and electronic musician performs Black American Music—’60s and ’70s jazz—to a tone of decolonization and self-liberation.
In the penultimate performance of the evening, alt-soul and hip hop artist Ana Santos brings her magnetic charisma to the fest at 8:55 pm with a fusion of soulful ballads, fiery rap verses, and captivating storytelling. Think thought-provoking lyrics and infectious rhythms.
Philadelphia-born, Vancouver-raised artist AHSIA (pronounced “uh-sigh-ah”) closes out the night after sunset at 9:20 pm. Blending R&B, soul, jazz, afrobeat, and hip hop, AHSIA has a deep passion for amplifying the voices of marginalized communities that’s led her to perform on stages across Canada. Her songs explore the challenges of self-discovery, hurting, healing, and growth, while advocating for anti-oppression and black empowerment; check out the video for her “The Get Down” below.
More not-to-be-missed performances are on the lineup, from Saudi Arabia-born Gambian artist Eye-sha (delivering avant-garde R&B), South African musician Imbali Blooming (performing soothing, old Sophiatown-inspired jazz in their first single “Apocalyptic Sunset”), and poet D Fretter (sharing lessons he’s learned about love, loss, and healing).
Plus, art installations will be on site from social worker-turned-poet fanny kearse, and watercolour artist Victoria Marie, whose work draws upon environmental activism and her role as a spiritual leader.
More information on the 9th annual Vines Art Festival can be found here.
Related Articles
