CARNAVAL! Exhibition June 16, 2009

The Griot Museum of Black History (formerly known as The Blackworld History Museum) will host, “Carnaval,” an exhibit that highlights celebrations in eight communities around the world where Carnival, the pre-Lenten celebration know to most Americans As “Mardi Gras,” is the high point of the year. “Carnaval” will be on display June 16-August 11 at The Griot, 2505 St. Louis Ave. Mary Strauss, an owner of the Fabulous Fox Theater, is the exhibition’s sponsor and the St. Louis American Newspaper is the media sponsor. The Honorable Lewis Reed, President of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, will chair the opening reception on Saturday, June 20, 4-7 p.m. in conjunction with the national celebration of “Juneteenth.” Tickets are $25 per adult, $10 for children 12 and under. The reception will feature world music by Charles “Babatu” Murphy, African drumming by “The Drummer Boys,” Latin dance and demonstrations by Carmen Dence, “Steppers” from “Word of Mouth Entertainment,” arts, crafts, and international foods.
A free multicultural, family-focused community festival with food, music and dance from several of the countries featured in the exhibit will be held on Saturday, July 11, noon-6 p.m. at The Griot. The festival will feature David A.N. Jackson, Mama Lisa, Mario Pascal, Kids Mex, Youth on the Move, Nan Foule Mask Society, Glenn “Papa” Wright, Jr., puppet and mask making, storytelling, clowns, dance demonstrations, petting zoo, interactive exhibits from the Magic House, food and information booths. Booth space is available for food and merchandise vendors for $50 and includes an eight-foot table and two chairs. Booths must be reserved and paid for by June 30. The festival is free; Griot admission is $5 for adults, $4 for youth 13-17 and $2.50 for children 12 and under.
The Griot will show “Tootie’s Last Suit,” in August. The feature-length documentary explores the complex relationships, rituals, history, and music of New Orleans’ vibrant Mardi Gras Indian culture while telling the story of Allison “Tootie” Montana, former Chief of the Yellow Pocahontas Hunters. Celebrated throughout New Orleans as “the prettiest,” for the beauty and inventiveness of his elaborately beaded Mardi Gras costumes, Tootie Montana masked for 52 years, longer than any other Mardi Gras Indian. The film’s presentation is co-sponsored by the St. Louis Art Museum.
The exhibition has been made possible through NEH on the Road, a special initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is brought to St. Louis by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, The Missouri Arts Council and The Regional Arts Commission. Community Partners include Mary Strauss, an owner of the Fabulous Fox Theater, The St. Louis Art Museum, Grace Hill Neighborhood Services, Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, Community Renewal & Development, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Upsilon Omega Chapter, Pepsi Gateway, Sweetie’s To Go and The St. Louis American Newspaper
For more information, call 314-241-7057 or visit the Griot’s website, thegriotmuseum.com

Official Website: http://www.thegriotmuseum.com