St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care will host its Third Annual Indaba African Ball on Saturday, Feb. 5, at its Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Ave. The ball is a fundraiser for the Indaba Band Shell, a popular entertainment venue located on the Bucyrus Campus grounds.
“We’re committed to providing free, quality entertainment that’s easily accessible to families in our community,” said Gloria Miller, St. Ann Center’s special events director. “Money raised at the ball will fund stipends for local artists during our 2022 summer series.”
Kicking off Black History Month, the ball begins at 5:30 p.m. when guests gather in St. Ann Center’s beautiful two-story atrium, showcasing African-inspired décor. Featured entertainers include Christopher’s Project, led by saxophonist Chris Pipkins, a three-peat winner at New York’s Showtime at the Apollo. The group has opened for legendary national acts as diverse as the Temptations, George Benson and The Supremes. The Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Steel Pan Ensemble will also perform the rhythms of calypso.
The evening’s menu includes African and Caribbean-flavored hors d’oeuvres by Events by Day. Guests are encouraged to wear African or Afrocentric attire and to participate in an impromptu fashion show and photo booth. Also featured will be jewelry creations by Sr. Edna Lonergan, St. Ann Center president, and a marketplace vendor selling African clothing and decorative items. In addition, outstanding community leaders will be honored in the Hall of History Makers.
The Indaba Band Shell, which seats 250, is planning a 14-week concert series, running every Wednesday evening from June through August. The Swahili word “Indaba” refers to a gathering space to discuss issues affecting the village. “This neighborhood is filled with talented people, and we are thrilled to provide them a stage,” said Lonergan. “It’s also a magnet, attracting Milwaukeeans looking for family-friendly entertainment.”
St. Ann Center’s world-renowned day care program serves children, frail elders and people with disabilities all in the same home-like setting. The Bucyrus Campus, opened in 2105, is a replication of the original St. Ann Center located on Milwaukee’s south side.
Tickets for the Indaba African Ball are $65 per person and can be purchased at StAnnCenter.org/IndabaBall. For more information, contact Gloria, at 414-210-2428 or email [email protected].
Leave a Reply