Where did this year go? Can you believe it’s September already?
September is National Prostate Health Month. Men, if you’re over the age of 45, talk to your doctor about the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test. Ladies, encourage your grown sons, nephews, cousins, fathers, grandfathers, and uncles to get that exam ASAP!
September is also the month of festivals. And in this special festival issue, that is exactly what you will be reading about.
First, you know how we love jazz, especially here at the Quarry. We promote jazz events on the regular, including our jazz sets every Friday night. But you do not have to be a jazz lover like me to enjoy the Englewood Jazz Fest. This year marks the 23rd Anniversary of the Englewood Jazz Festival in Hamilton Park, and as always it is brought to the public free by Live the Spirit Residency and world-renowned jazz saxophonist, Ernest Dawkins. They have a wonderful line-up, with the grand finale featuring the one and only Kenny Garrett. Al Strong and Dee Alexander, along with other jazz greats will be on the program. And believe me, you don’t want to miss it. The Festival begins Wednesday, September 14 and culminates in an all day music-filled fun fest on Saturday, September 17. Don’t miss a minute of it.
Also, on Saturday night, Live the Spirit Residency will present awards to those who have contributed to the jazz community. Years ago, I received such an honor from the South Side Jazz Coalition and I hope we will celebrate again together at the Englewood Jazz Festival, where our work to promote South Side Jazz will be recognized by Live the Spirit Residency.
We will be there with our magazines, so I hope you will come out to enjoy the festivities.
Remember, I am accepting this award on behalf of the community I love, and that includes each of the South Side Drive’s loyal readers. You can read all the details, including a little bit about the performers, in this issue also.
Returning to Washington Park for the 33rd year, is the African Festival of the Arts. Thirty-three years ago, Patrick Woodtor, Founder, President and Executive Director of Africa International House, decided to bring a taste of Africa to Chicago’s Washington Park for four days every September. This year the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Honorable Senator Mattie Hunter will preside as Grand Baba and Grand Yeye of the Festival. Devorah Crable, Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations of Africa International House USA, Inc brings the details of the Fest to light in a delightful article about this year’s event, highlighting some of the entertainment and special vendors.
Last month, we lost a legend. Brother Harold Lucas, who many knew as the Godfather of Bronzeville, has joined the ancestors. I called him the Chief of Bronzeville because of his unfaltering entrepreneurial spirit for the community. A memorial celebration was held for Brother Lucas, whom many fondly called “Buzzy,” on Monday, August 22, at the Quarry Event Center. We asked renowned journalist and WVON Radio talk show host, Salim Muwakkil, to pen a tribute to “Buzzy” on behalf of the South Side Drive. I am sure you will enjoy reading Salim’s moving tribute.
As Real Men Charities produces both this magazine and the annual Real Men Father’s Day events, we couldn’t have a south side festival issue without a recap of our 33rd event to recognize and celebrate our dads’ – past and present – and our families.
All of the above serve as your south side guides to the good life in Chicago.
