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L.A. DIGEST: Kwanzaa Dance Production Planned
WAVE NEWSPAPERS — The program features a blend of African dance; ballet and modern dance. It uses talented youth from the Lula Washington Dance Theatre School and exceptional performers from Lula Washington’s international touring dance ensemble.

By Wave Staff Report
CRENSHAW DISTRICT — Words of wisdom from Nina Simone, Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Malcolm X, Maya Angelou and Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., set the stage for a new Kwanzaa dance production called Ma’at which the Lula Washington Dance Theatre will perform as part of its 2018 Kwanzaa Dance Festival at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28-30 at Lula Washington’s dance studio, 3773 Crenshaw Blvd.
The program features a blend of African dance; ballet and modern dance. It uses talented youth from the Lula Washington Dance Theatre School and exceptional performers from Lula Washington’s international touring dance ensemble.
Renaldo Maurice, who spent 10 years dancing with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre before moving to Los Angeles, is also choreographing dances for the suite. The title “Ma’at” refers to the Egyptian word for seeing balance. The music and dance are broken into seven sections – one for each of the specific days and principles of Kwanzaa.
Tickets are $100 for persons who wish to donate to the LWDT school and scholarship fund; $10 for children who sit in the lap of an adults. General tickets are $35 and $25 for seniors and students. Those wanting early seating and VIP free refreshments can buy tickets at $45 and $65. Purchase tickets at http://www.BrownPaperTickets.com.or by calling (800) 838-3006.
Kwanzaa Parade
to be held Dec. 26
LEIMERT PARK — The 42nd edition of the Kwanzaa Gwaride Parade will begin at 11 a.m. Dec. 26 from the corner of Adams and Crenshaw boulevards.
The parade will proceed south on Crenshaw to to Leimert Park where the annual Kwanzaa festival will be held. The festival culminates with a dusk candle-lighting ceremony. The annual agenda theme of the Gwaride and coming year is “A Helping Hand.”
Art’s Chili Dog
stand offers toy drive
SOUTH LOS ANGELES – A free community winter wonderland toy drive will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 19, at Art’s Famous Chili Dog Stand, 1410 W. Florence Ave.
Library offers free
family movie night
SOUTH LOS ANGELES — A free holiday family movie night will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Dec. 20, at the Vernon-Branch Library, 4504 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles 90011.
Underground Museum
to host block party
LOS ANGELES — The Underground Museum will host its second annual holiday block party from 6 to 11 p.m. Dec. 20 on Washington Boulevard, near the museum’s location, 3508 W. Washington Blvd.
The event will feature a performance by world-renowned choreographer Kyle Abraham and his dance company, A.I.M, all night jams courtesy of Zuri Adia and DJ Kaleem, plus food from Arlington Heights restaurants. Admission is free. Parking is limited.
For information visit: https://theunderground-museum.org/.
Inglewood club hosts
spoken word event
INGLEWOOD — Spoken Word, Art and Music, will host several poets, singers, musicians and “open mic” artists from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Cultural Social Club, 7617 S. Crenshaw Blvd.
The event also will feature a live band, food and drink.
FAME to conduct
Christmas giveaway
SOUTH LOS ANGELES — Free groceries, cold weather clothing and toys for children (who are present and accompanied by an adult) will be distributed by First AME Church of Los Angeles, 2270 S. Harvard Blvd., starting at 8 a.m. Dec. 22, during the annual Christmas giveaway.
For information, call (323) 735-1251.
Comedy Union to host
Super Star show
LOS ANGELES — “Super Star Saturdayz Comedy Show” will be held from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 at The Comedy Union, 5040 W. Pico Blvd.
The event will feature some of the biggest names that you’ve seen on Comic View, Def Comedy Jam, & Comedy Central.
Winter holiday festival
slated at EXPO Center
EXPOSITION PARK — Councilman Curren Price will host a community winter holiday festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 22, at the EXPO Center, 3980 Bill Robertson Lane.
The event will feature a day of snow, community booths, crafts, food, photos with Santa, special performances, and toy giveaways.
Money workshop
planned in January
CRENSHAW — Helena J. Conley will present “How Money Works” as it pertains to assets, income and income protection from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Crenshaw United Methodist Church, 3740 Don Felipe Drive.
RSVP by Jan. 15 with name and number to: CrenshawUMCLA@GMAIL.COM.
Compiled by Angela Parker.
L.A. Digest is designed to help promote events, activities and initiatives that are serving the interests of residents in L.A. To submit an item, send emails to newsroom@wavepublication.com.
This article originally appeared in the Wave Newspapers.