PROVIDENCE SOUND SESSION 2008 FESTIVAL EXPANDS TO INCLUDE MORE PERFORMANCE VENUES & INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES

Black Rep recruits legendary mask maker from Trinidad’s Carnival to enhance popular Sound Session Carnival Parade

PROVIDENCE – Drummers, singers, dancers and entertainers dressed in colorful carnival costumes today provided a glimpse of the excitement ahead as the Providence Black Repertory Company prepares for Sound Session 2008. Mayor David N. Cicilline and Black Repertory Company Artistic Director Donald W. King joined the festivities on Westminster Street as they announced an exciting Sound Session 2008 line up that includes performances by musicians from around the world, new venues, Sound Session carnival inspired parade and, for the first time ever, new technology that will enable festival goers to share their Sound Session experience.

“Sound Session has evolved into one of New England’s premier music festivals, transcending cultural barriers and attracting thousands of people to our city,” said Mayor Cicilline. “The City of Providence is proud to partner with the Providence Black Repertory Company to bring outstanding entertainment to the capital city.”

“Providence Sound Session is a partnership with the City’s Department of Art, Culture + Tourism and the Providence Black Repertory Company that sows the seeds for a genuine cultural exchange that lasts long after the festival ends,” says King. “This is the type of programming and shared experience the uniquely positions Providence as a city that embraces individual expression and cultural diversity.”

The weeklong, multi-stage festival kicks off on July 6th and runs through July 12th with performances at the Providence Black Repertory’s Xxodus Café, Providence Performing Arts Center, Back Lot Stage and free outdoor concerts at Bank RI’s Main Stage at Waterplace Park. Providence Sound Session culminates with a carnival-style parade that weaves through the streets of downtown, ending with a lively block party in the heart of downtown.

This year’s festival features brass bands, Reggae artists, jazz, R & B and hip hop with headlining acts such as jazz legend Jon Hendricks, R & B sensations 112, Rap Hipsters Kidz in the Hall, Dance Music pioneer Wunmi and up-and-coming jazz star Maurice Brown. The Sound Session parade, themed Divine Providence, will be influenced by legendary mask maker, Terry Evelyn, a prominent designer in Trinidad’s Carnival for years. SoundSession will also feature neighborhood and community programming, including workshops and neighborhood concerts.

Sound Session 2008 will add 25 new performance venues to an already robust festival lineup this year through partnerships with a number of local arts organizations, restaurants and hotels. And for the first time ever, through a unique partnership with IMEEM, festival goers will be able to share their Sound Session experience by uploading their videos and photos onto IMEEM.

Major sponsors of Providence Sound Session 2008 are the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture & Toursim, Bank RI, CW28, Barcardi, WBRU, Hot 106, The Providence Phoenix, New England Ford Dealers and the Providence Tourism Council. The other sponsors include: Providence Economic Development Corporation, Imeem.com, Foxwoods, McLaughlin & Moran, Inc. -- Distributers of Budweiser in RI, Graphic Innovations, Intown Parking, Narragansett Brewing Company, Numark / Alesis / Akai Pro / Ion Audio, Cornish Associates, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, FUZE Beverage, Poder 1110, Providence Biltmore, Providence American, RIPTA, Trinity IPA, Hotel Providence, MetLife Auto & Home, Renaissance Providence Hotel, The Providence Foundation, Lustre Kings, RISCA, and Providence Parks.

Contact: Karen Southern, Press Secretary
(401) 421-2489 x 752
ksouthern@providenceri.com

Executive Office, City of Providence, Rhode Island
DAVID N. CICILLINE
MAYOR

About Sound Session 2008

Providence Sound Session 2008 is produced by the Providence Black Repertory Company, a 501 “c” 3 organization that produces and presents artistic performances inspired by the traditions of African culture that provoke thought, inspire hope and create understanding. The City of Providence Department of Art, Culture & Tourism was established to ensure the continued development of a vibrant and creative city by integrating arts and culture into community life while showcasing Providence as an international cultural destination.

This release was published on openPR.