The spotlight will be on African-inspired attire, hors d’oeuvres, and decor at the first Indaba African Ball on Saturday, February 1, at St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Ave.
Kicking off Black History Month, the event runs from 5:30-9 p.m. Guests will first gather in the atrium, showcasing African-inspired paintings and décor, and are encouraged to wear African or Afrocentric attire. The evening will include an informal fashion show, starring the guests, and a photo booth to capture the memories. A local vendor will sell African clothing, jewelry and more for those interested.
Upstairs, attendees can explore a Hall of History Makers, featuring 12 outstanding community leaders of the past and present.
Among the evening’s entertainers: Chris Pipkins of Christopher’s Project, a three-peat winner at Showtime at the Apollo, a prestigious theater in New York City showcasing the best of up-and-coming talent. The event features African and Caribbean-flavored hors d’oeuvres by Events by Day.
“We are planning an exciting season of family-friendly entertainment at the band shell this summer,” said Gloria Miller, St. Ann Center’s Special Events Director. “Funds raised at the ball will be used to bring an outstanding line-up of local talent to our stage.”
The Indaba Band Shell’s free summer concert series, now in the planning, will begin in June. The Swahili word “Indaba” refers to a gathering space to discuss issues affecting the village; St. Ann Center’s president and founder, Sr. Edna Lonergan, says the band shell could become a mecca for arts and entertainment on Milwaukee’s north side.
Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased at stanncenter.org/IndabaBall. For questions, contact Gloria at 414-210-2428 or email gmiller@stanncenter.org.
St. Ann Center’s world-renowned day care program has served Milwaukee-area children, older adults and people with disabilities since 1999, all in the same home-like setting, and its Bucyrus Campus opened in 2015.