5th Annual Music Festival Press Release

5th Annual Music Festival Press Release

The 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival Draws Over 50,000 People to Newark

NEWARK, N.J., August 3, 2010 – The 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival, presented by SEIU, Razac, Verizon Wireless and Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD), attracted over 50,000 people to Newark from national and international locations as far away as Japan, London, and Spain.  The free three-day festival offered a one-of-a-kind experience for revelers to enjoy four genres of world-class African American music and dance in Lincoln Park’s green space; learn about the affordable health, wellness and green lifestyle options available to them; and participate in activities designed for seniors and children. Anthony Smith, Executive Producer of the Lincoln Park Music Festival says that, “The festival has evolved to become a cultural ambassador for the city.  People come from around the world for this unique Newark, New Jersey experience.” Baye Adofo-Wilson, Executive Director of LPCCD adds that, “The 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival was truly an experience with outstanding performances throughout.  We started off a special anniversary weekend with the All-Star Newark Jazz Arkestra produced by Amiri Baraka and ended with hip-hop legend Kurtis Blow. This is one of the best festivals I’ve been to in New Jersey”

View 2010 Festival Photo Gallery – LPMF 2010

“I congratulate all of the organizers and sponsors of this year’s Lincoln Park Music Festival, which has grown into the largest three-day outdoor concert series celebrating Newark’s great musical past, present, and future.  Each year the music festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors who enjoy world-class performances of jazz, gospel, house, and hip-hop music. This year’s festival featured so many talented artists and musicians. I am proud that this annual tradition continues to manifest the cultural diversity of our great city,” Mayor Cory A. Booker said.

The festival has a companion photography exhibit titled “Reflections” Music Speaks on view now at the Russell Aldo Murray Gallery through October 2, 2010. Curated by Tony Graves and Akintola Hanif, Reflections is a retrospective exhibit about the last four years of the festival and features works by Tamara Fleming, Tony Graves, Akintola Hanif, Jaecyne Howell, and Stafford Woods and a priceless collection of photos by Vincent Bryant taken from 1972-1978 at Newark’s legendary Zanzibar nightclub.

The spirit of “Ticker’s Town” returned to Newark on Friday, July 30, when the All-Star Newark Jazz Arkestra hosted by Amiri Baraka opened the annual festival by paying tribute to Newark’s great jazz composers James Moody, Wayne Shorter, Woody Shaw and Larry Young.  Friday’s highlights included activities for seniors and children sponsored by WellCare and Newark Community Health Centers, the 6th Annual Newark Idol competition and a gospel showcase with “How Sweet the Sound” A Verizon Experience. On Saturday, July 31 thousands gathered in the park to dance to performances by icons Loleatta Holloway, DJ Joaquin “Joe” Claussell and Newark’s own Kenny Bobien.  For the grand finale on Sunday, August 1, hip-hop pioneers Kurtis Blow, Big Daddy Kane and Eric Sermon of EPMD and many more gave tremendous performances before a record-breaking audience to celebrate the 33rd Anniversary of The Rock Steady Crew.

Other free attractions in the park from July 30, 31, to August 1, included the following:

·       Essex County Division of Aging distributed free organic produce to the senior attendees;

·       WellCare Health Plans engaged seniors in “Silver Sneakers” activities including line

dancing, Zumba, foot massages and free raffle drawings;

·       Newark Community Health Centers and Health First co-sponsored the Health Pavilion

and provided free health screenings, blood pressure, diabetes, glucose, and body fat

index, and mental health information;

·       Newark Community Health Centers, Inc. and Health First co-sponsored “Reach Out and

Read” fostering childhood literacy, health and wellness;

·       Doctor Khalil Carmichael led mini exercise boot camp sessions;

·       Caryl Lucas led Mind, Body & Spirit “Positive Thinking” sessions;

·       Lotus Yoga Newark held Yoga classes at 460 Washington street, #1, Newark;

·       LPCCD hosted a youth skateboard and golf clinic; and

·       Americhoice sponsored “Work Those Hips” Hula-Hoop contests

The 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors:  SEIU, Razac, Verizon Wireless, The City of Newark, The County of Essex, PSEG, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, YOPAT, WellCare Health Plans, The Benefit Providers, The Ingerman Group, Health First, Newark Now and Super Summer, PNC Bank, Newark Community Health Centers, Fedway, State Farm, AmeriChoice, Wyndham Hotel, Continental Airlines, Newark International Airport Marriott, Bacardi Gold, 1800 Tequila, Red Bull, The Star Ledger, FEMWORKS, Cablevision, and GlocallyNewark.com.

About Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District

Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District is a non-profit 501c(3) organization with a mission to plan, design and build a comprehensive arts and cultural district in the Lincoln Park/Coast area of the City of Newark, New Jersey.   LincolnPark Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) is transforming a low-income neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey from blighted lots into an urban eco-village. Leading the revitalization of an emerging arts and cultural district, LPCCD is one of the nation’s best practices in sustainable urban development. The project includes 125 LEED United States Green Building Council certified units, music festivals, historic restoration projects and the Museum of African American Music, a Smithsonian Affiliate.