Annual FUNDA FEST: A Celebration of Black Storytelling
The dates for this event have already occurred, please check back again for new dates.
- , RI 02903
- Providence
- January 17, 2025 - January 26, 2025
Internationally acclaimed storytellers will captivate and educate audiences with tales deeply rooted in Black traditions. Marking 27 years of sharing these rich stories, FUNDA FEST 27 stands as a beacon of community impact and change. This year, we celebrate Legends and Legacies, presenting a variety of performers in programs that include Spoken Word, Hip Hop, Folklore and History. Programs will be available in person and via live broadcast.
FUNDA means to teach and learn in Zulu and KiSwahili, and for 9 days, adults and children will be able to experience some of the best cultural arts programming across Rhode Island at venues that include schools, K-12, community and cultural arts centers, libraries, and theaters. Stories and storytelling make learning and cultural experiences fun for all ages. Funda Fest is known for the Free Family FUN Day concerts and workshops where intergenerational storytellers entertain and teach others of all ages how to tell their own stories. This year also includes FUNDA ACROSS RI, with mini Family Fun Days through the State.
The festivities kick off with our Opening Party at the RIBS home at Southside Cultural Center of RI. Enter in with the Blackout Drum Squad, join us for an opening ceremony to honor some of our own Local Legends, and then, get ready to party to the music of the Slick Fantaztic. The weekend events continue with FUNDA ACROSS Rhode Island, presenting Free Family Fun Days in Newport, Westerly, Wakefield, and Pawtucket offering interactive storytelling programs and engaging activities for families to create cherished memories together. Saturday night, back at SCCRI, experience the stories of the emerging storytellers from the Legacy Academy.
Funda Fest 27 Schedule at a Glance
Friday January 17th
Kickoff Off Party/Opening Ceremonies
Location: SCCRI 393 Broad Street Providence, RI
Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
$20
Saturday - January 18th
Funda Across Rhode Island (F.A.R.)
Family Fun
Times : Between 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM All events are FREE
Locations:
Westerly - Westerly Public Library/Wilcox Park - 44 Broad St, Westerly, RI 02891
Woonsocket - Millrace - 40 South Main Street Woonsocket, RI 02895
Pawtucket - MPACT - 25 Maple Street Pawtucket, RI 02860
Newport - Newport Art Museum - 76 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840
South County - Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County - 27 North Road, Peace Dale, RI 02879
Saturday Night, January 18th
Storytelling for Grown Folks: A Celebration of the Inaugural class of the Legacy Academy
Location: Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island (SCCRI), 393 Broad St, Providence
Time: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
$20
Sunday - January 19th
Words and Music - Hosted by Outspoken PVD and Simply Sara
Location: SCCRI - 393 Broad Street Providence RI
Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
$20
Wednesday - January 22nd
Community Flavors : Bringing People together to share food and stories
Location: Oasis International 600 Broad Street, Providence RI
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
$20
Thursday - January 23rd
Urban Legends
Featuring RAS: Riders Against The Storm and EDo G
Location: SCCRI 393 Broad Street Providence, RI
Time: 8:00 PM -11:00 PM
$20
Friday - January 24th
Liar’s Contest
Location: Cape Verdean Club - 329 Grosvenor Ave, East Providence, RI 02914
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Doors @ 7:00 PM Lies Fly at 8:00 PM
$20
Saturday - January 25th
Free Family Fun Day
Location: CCRI Providence, Liston Campus - 1 Hilton Street, Providence, RI
Time: 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
FREE
Local Artists and Artisans showcasing crafts and art items and community resource tables (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM:
Workshops for All Ages:
African Drumming with Sidy Maiga, and Capoeira: Afro Brazilian Marial Arts
2:00 PM - Youth Concert
3:00 PM - Family Concert
4:00 PM - End with Soul Train style dancing ( Electric Slide history story of the Hully Gully)
Saturday - January 25th
Storytelling for Grown Folk
Location: CCRI Providence, Liston Campus - 1 Hilton Street, Providence, RI
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
$20 (CCRI ID free)
Sunday - January 26th
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church in South County - 27 North Road, Peace Dale, RI 02879
Time: 10:00 AM
Mitch “Gran’daddy Junebug” Capel
Sunday - January 26th
Sacred Tales
Location: CCRI Providence, Liston Campus - 1 Hilton Street, Providence, RI
Time: 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM
$20 (CCRI ID free)
Additional Information
- Dates: January 17, 2025 - January 26, 2025
- Recurrence: Recurring daily
- Location: Various Locations
- Address: , RI 02903
- Time: See website for events & times
- Price: Single Events $20 / $15 Student or Senior / $10 CHILD 12 AND UNDER