Free online fundraiser puts local entertainers and African culture in the spotlight.
St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care will host its 2nd Annual Indaba African Ball on Saturday, February 6. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the ball will be held virtually, and participation is free.
The ball is a fundraiser for the Indaba Band Shell, an entertainment venue located on the grounds of St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus at 2450 W. North Ave.
“Now more than ever, people need family-friendly places to spend time outdoors,” said Gloria Miller, St. Ann Center’s Special Events Director. “Funds raised at the Indaba African Ball will be used to bring exciting local talent to our stage this summer.”
The ball will be available to view, free of charge, on St. Ann Center’s website–stanncenter.org/indabaBall. Viewers can donate before, during and after the event.
A kick-off to Black History Month, the online event begins at 7 p.m. with performances by Chris Pipkins, Milwaukee’s premier saxophonist from Christopher’s Project, and the Night & Day Band, a Motown and jazz band featuring Bobby Jiles and Julie Thompson. Also featured are the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Steel Pan Drum Ensemble and the Milwaukee Ballet’s Ballet Beat performers.
The program includes a delicious African recipe demonstration, a salute to Black community leaders, an African fashion show and heartwarming stories of how the arts come alive on Milwaukee’s north side, thanks to band shell supporters.
The ball has a fundraising goal of $10,000 to support Indaba Nights, a 13-week outdoor concert series set to begin in June. The Swahili word “Indaba” refers to a gathering space to discuss issues affecting the village.
“The Indaba Band Shell has the potential to become a mecca for the arts and entertainment on Milwaukee’s North Side,” said Sr. Edna Lonergan, St. Ann Center president and founder.
Community sponsors who support the Indaba African Ball include Advocate Aurora, All of Us Research Program, Parklawn Assembly of God Church, St. John’s on the Lake Senior Living Community and Grandma Book’s World.
Register for the free ball at stanncenter.org/indabaBall. All registrants will be eligible to win a giveaway basket. For more information about the ball or the band shell, contact Gloria Miller at 414-210-2428; or email gmiller@stanncenter.org.
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