Chicago, IL - Takin' It to the Streets: Urban International Festival

Date: June 19th, 2010
Time: 9:00am-9:00pm
Where: Marquette Park, Chicago, IL
Group: Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)

Website: www.streets2010.com

Event Description: Takin’ It to the Streets is a Muslim-led festival where artistic expression, spirituality and urban creativity inspire social change.

Takin’ It to the Streets bridges today’s cultural divides by connecting diverse racial, ethnic, and religious communities through a dynamic festival. The festival will enrich cross-cultural community building not only in Chicago, but around the world.

Featured Artists:
* Mos Def - Grammy Winner
* Brother Ali – Minnesota, USA
* Tinarwein – Mali
* Chabab al Andalous – Morocco
* Monajat Yultchieva – Uzbekistan
* Outlandish – Denmark
* And many more!

Four Stages:
* Unity Stage: Reflects this unifying principle and showcases the diverse musical talents of contemporary artists
* Hip Hop Pavilion: Bringing together the elements of MCing, DJing, Breakin’, and graff art, with skateboarding and workshops
* World Music Stage: Blending global expression of traditional art forms through international artists
* Streets Stage: The festival’s signature stage bringing together dynamic performers and inspiring speakers

Activities:
* Faith & Justice: Speakers, panel discussion, and dialogue on a variety of issues relating to spirituality & social change
* International Bazaar: Cultural artifacts, multi-ethnic cuisine, community organizations and more!
* Health & Wellness Fair: Free health screenings, information on healthy living and refreshments
* Sports Arena: 3-on-3 Basketball tournament open to all
* Family Zone: Rides, interactive games, children’s activities, and family-friendly performances
* Prayer Center: A quite space open all day for meditation, reflection and prayer

Additional Streets 2010 Events

Since its inception in 1997 as a single-day event, Takin’ It to the Streets has steadily grown in attendance and impact, and in 2010 it is preceded by a full week of events that embrace a new Muslim cultural renaissance.

Salaam Film Festival June 13-15: Location TBA

A three-day festival highlighting the power of film as a tool for peace and social change. The festival will also screen films from the One Chicago, One Nation online film contest.

Melodies from Morocco June 16: Old Town School of Folk Music

The festival continues with a performance by the renowned Orchestre Chabab Al Andalous from Morocco

Dandana: A Celebration of Muslim Voices June 17: Millennium Park

World Music artists Tinariwen from Mali and Monajat Yultchieva from Uzbekistan will perform at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Admission: Free & Open to the public