Newspaper Page Text
April 10, 1995
—i
The Panther P7
The Spring Arts Festival Has
Sprung And Events Are
Blooming With Excitement
By Dionne Reynolds
Contributing Writer
It's 7 a.m. While most Clark Atlanta
University students are just turning over in
bed, Vivian Dixon, director of Special Events,
is already hard at work on the next event for
the Spring Arts Festival.
Since all of the events are back-to-back,
there are no
days off.
“For the last
two weeks, I
haven’t gotten
home before
midnight,”
Dixon stated.
But despite all
of the long
hours, she said
it is all worth it.
The Spring
Arts Festival
started in 1972
at what was then
Clark College. It began, Dixon explained, to
mainly showcase Clark’s performing groups,
but during the Consolidation of Clark College
and Atlanta University, it fell to the wayside
and was almost forgotten. Then entered Dr.
Florence Robinson, associate dean of the
School of Arts and Sciences, who wanted it
back. Entered Dixon, who was put in charge
to bring it back.
Three years ago, when the festival was re
born, people were very enthusiastic about its
return, but there was one problem, Dixon
recalled. “We didn’t have any funding for it.
We had a very limited budget.”
Dixon said it was hard to get quality people
for such a small budget. Nevertheless, for the
limited amount of money that was available
for the festival, she produced artists such as Ozzie
Davis and Ruby Dee and Dr. Ben Carson, author
of “Gifted Hands. ”
Now, after three years of organizing the festival,
Dixon’s office is in sole control of the project, and
it has been noted as a tremendous success.
“This year, people came to us,” Dixon explained
with excitement. Artists such as John Amos,
Complexions Dance Group and the Steel Drums
performing artists have asked to perform
in the festival.
Then there’s The Writer’s Workshop
Conference, which is also a makor part of
the Festival. This is the workshop’s 26th
anniversary and will be celebrated with
such esteemed authors as Haki
Madhubuti, Amiri Baraka, Gwendolyn
Brooks, and Nathan McCall to name just
a few. Dixon works with the English
Department concerning the logistics of
the Conference.
“My job is to bring in noted African-
American writers,” Dixon explained. The
authors then read from their works, lec
ture, and give students advice on how to
get started.
Dixon believes encouragement is a great part of
the Festival. She said the artists show students,
“Yes, I can do this. It shows them their goals are
attainable.”
Dixon said she asks herself why she is doing it
“literally everyday,” but added that the students
bring her back. She said that after all is said and
done, it is worth it and the festival shows her how
much she can accomplish.
“You start doing it, and you wonder how you did
it,” Dixon noted.
Other events planned for Spring Arts Festival in
April are a jazz concert with Gil Scott-Heron, a
lecture with Susan Taylor, editor of Essence mag
azine and a poetry reading with Nikki Giovanni.
For details on upcoming events call CAU’s
Office of Special Events at 880-6052.
Encouragement is a
great part of the
Festival. Artists show
students, "Yes, I can
do this." It shows
them their goals are
attainable. ,,
-Vivian Dixon
director of Special Events,
CAU
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ENTERTAINMENT
backstage
DA QC by
/\wV^ Nikki Roberts
(Photo by Nikki Roberts)
Outkast was among the host of entertainers who were
on hand for "Roofer Records' Picnik Fest" held recently
in Piedmont Park.
Celebrity Picnic Brings Signature
Rap Artists To Atlanta
In the immortal words of Biz Markie: “It's Spring Again. ”
From cropped tops to pollen drops, the long-awaited “sneezin’
season” has swirled through the humid streets of Atlanta, leaving
cook-outs, smoke-outs and animalistic behavior in its stead. (And,
oh what a party!)
Thursday, March 30, Piedmont Park came alive with Roofer
Records’ Picnik Fest. Sponsored by local radio stations. Publix
Supermarkets and 2 Black Gize, a newly organized production
group out of Philadelphia, the celebrity picnic was suffused with
the excitement and anticipation that seems to typify Atlanta in
April.
Enjoying the secured park were entertainers Queen Latifah,
Treach (Naughty By Nature), Kut Klose, Outkast, Da Brat, Lisa
“Left Eye’’ Lopes, and Keith Murray to say a few. Though these
performers are outstanding on stage, they are twice as entertaining
in a social environment.
“Everyone can’t wear daisy dukes. She was wrong for that,”
laughed Queen Latifah, pointing in the direction of a young lady
whose (guestimated) 1751b frame was stuffed in a size 7 shorts-
set. ♦
“Mmm Hmm, but you didn’t see oT girl with the purple braids.
They think that’s the bomb down here,” added New York native
Keisha Harris of Kut Klose.
Sunshine melted in the catered barbecue as Vernon Dixon, a 23-
year-old partner in Black Gize, announced the latest project on
Roofer Records is “a socially conscious brother from the mother
land who can out-rap anyone in the world. His name is Khalil X.”
Latest project? When was the first? Out-rap anyone in the
world? This was too much. Dixon then spiraled himself deeper in
shame.
“And for the promotional fee of $8, you can have a T-shirt,
showcasing the picture and title track ‘Don’t Make Me Wait’ of
this destined-to-be-platinum aritst. Y’all are big-timers anyway.
Come on and help a brother out.”
Da Brat smirked. Keith Murray whispered something to Treach
and they both chuckled. Left Eye returned to the grill for more
barbecue (or to watch the flames). And Dre (of Outkast) simply
voiced everyone’s thoughts: “Man, how they gonna try to sell us a
shirt at a promotional gig? Talkin’ ‘bout help a brother out.”
Needless to say, Dixon ended up tossing the shirts into the crowd.
The DJ (Kevin “The Wonder” Saveli) saved the day with old
school favorites like “Loddie Doddie” and “Candy Girl.” While
some performers danced and mingled, others disappeared behind a
large tree (which was mysteriously surrounded with smoke).
Day did evening. Celebrities disappeared in low-riders, limos
and Jeeps as caterers poured water on the grills and equipment was
quickly packed away in blue vans.
Gathering the promotional items, I waved goodbye to the park,
performers and yet another passing memory.