Africa Unplugged headlines the concert at Casbah on Saturday
Olivia Simpson, an eighth-grader at Duke School, has organized a two-day festival to benefit children's literacy and education programs in Sri Lanka. The All the World’s a Stage Project takes place this Saturday and Sunday, featuring live music, cultural displays from Sri Lanka and a theater adaptation of John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club.
Olivia hopes to raise $1,500 to help The Children’s Upliftment Programme of Sri Lanka (CUP) establish a “Little Library" to improve the reading habits of children living in poverty.
Olivia is joined by her mother, Jennifer; Juliet Jensen, a former teacher and event planner; Melissa Lozoff of Movie Makers; and Fergus Bradley and Steve Gardner of Casbah in crafting the events.
Beginning at 6pm on Saturday, Casbah hosts an all-ages night of live music with Pierce Freelon, music professor and vocalist with The Beast, emceeing the event.
Braima Moiwai, a cultural educator and storyteller in area schools, opens the night, followed by unique performances by Shawn Deena, Samadhi and La Bête Magique. Africa Unplugged headlines with an upbeat performance of West African music. There will also be a market where you can buy Sri Lankan and Indian crafts or get a henna tattoo. If you get hungry, local food trucks will be on the scene to take your order. DJ Yammy wraps up the evening with an All World Dance Party.
Tickets are $10, and kids under 12 are free. Click here to purchase your tickets.
On Sunday, Olivia directs a theater adaptation of the classic film The Breakfast Club, held in the Duke School Lower School's gym. There will also be a cultural presentation on Sri Lanka and a market where you can buy Sri Lankan trinkets.
A donation of $10 is suggested for the show. All proceeds from the performance benefit CUP.
