UnderWorld Black Arts Festival OPENING NIGHT | Contemporary Arts Center

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The UnderWorld Black Arts Festival proudly presents its 5th Anniversary and 50 years of Hip-Hop during the kick-off event, known as the UnderWorld Black Arts Festival OPENING NIGHT. Taking place from October 19 - 21, 2023, at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, this three-day festival offers a unique and exciting experience for the local community. The festivities begin on October 19, 2023, at 6:30 PM, where attendees can enjoy an intimate one-on-one dialogue between special guest speakers Danny Simmons, abstract impressionist painter, poet, author, and co-founder of the RUSH PHILANTHROPIC ARTS FOUNDATION, and Ursula Rucker, master poet and recording artist from The Roots and 4Hero. This dynamic duo will share their blueprint for success with the Cincinnati community. Additionally, Mr. Simmons will showcase a never-before-seen 15-piece personal collection of art. The Opening Night will also introduce a new segment called The TommyGun Sessions, featuring a rapid fire round robin of Spoken Word and Lyrics set to music. Renowned performers such as Ursula Rucker, Napoleon Maddox, CJ The Cynic, Isaiah Cook, and DJ WellBlended will captivate the audience with their talent. Furthermore, the festival offers thought-provoking movie screenings as part of its Cinema & Cocktails tradition. This year, attendees can enjoy a special segment from the PBS Culture Quest Series, featuring the innovative interdisciplinary Ghanaian artist, Serge Clottey. Additionally, two beautiful short films by the dance collective Porte Avion from Besançon, France, starring Mam Mor Tall, one of our International Panelists, will be showcased. The event will also host an International Artists Panel, facilitated by Napoleon Maddox, featuring esteemed guests Wissal Houbabi from Bologna, Italy, Samba Sir X from Napoli, Italy, Flavia Giglio from Napoli, Italy, Dallas Clark from Springfield, MA, Mame Mor Tall from Besançon, France, and Josè Shungu also from Besançon, France. Tickets for the UnderWorld Black Arts Festival OPENING NIGHT are available at the Contemporary Arts Center for the affordable price of $5. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate art and Hip-Hop culture in Cincinnati.