ASCEND TO KEMET FESTIVAL
Immerse yourself in a diverse array of captivating workshops at our festival, delving into Kemetic Yoga, poetry, and artistic expression. Ranging from 20 to 40 minutes, these sessions will be centered on holistic thinking, familial values, and knowledge of self – the core tenets of this vibrant culture. Beyond the creative endeavors, our festival strongly emphasizes environmental consciousness, underscoring the significance of climate, nature, and overall well-being through the lens of our ancestors. This profound connection to our heritage inspires our expert-led sessions, featuring a seasoned Kemetic Yoga teacher and healer, talented poets/performers, and skilled artists.
As recent recipients of the Commission of Arts and Culture grant, we are excited to invite you to participate in our ASCEND to Kemet Festival at the Gliderport and on Black’s Beach on the 20th of April, 2024. This event is set to be an extraordinary celebration that not only honors the insights of our forebears but also pays tribute to the cultural richness and warm hospitality of San Diego. Supported by your commitment, the festival aims to bring together vendors of “Black Consciousllence” from across California, uniting in the shared goal of advancing Kemetic wisdom and preserving ancestral knowledge to help us elevate and return safely.
Set against the backdrop of the highly melanated black sandy beaches at Black’s Beach, this celebration promises to be a visual and sensory feast, highlighting the natural beauty of the surroundings. Your support is integral to the success of this event, and we look forward to welcoming you on the 20th of April for an unforgettable day of celebration, enlightenment, and community building.
Performers/Entertainment
Immerse yourself in a diverse array of captivating workshops at our festival, delving into Kemetic Yoga, poetry, and artistic expression. Ranging from 20 to 40 minutes, these sessions will be centered around holistic thinking, familial values, and knowledge of self – the core tenets of this vibrant culture. Beyond the creative endeavors, our festival strongly emphasizes environmental consciousness, underscoring the significance of climate, nature, and overall well-being through the lens of our ancestors. This profound connection to our heritage inspires our expert-led sessions, featuring a seasoned Kemetic Yoga teacher and healer, a talented poet/performer, and skilled artists.
As recent recipients of the Commission of Arts and Culture grant, we are excited to invite you to participate in our ASCEND to Kemet Festival at Black’s Beach on the 20th of April, 2024. This event is set to be an extraordinary celebration that not only honors the insights of our forebears but also pays tribute to the cultural richness and warm hospitality of San Diego. Supported by your commitment, the festival aims to bring together “Black Consciousness” vendors from across California, uniting in the shared goal of advancing Kemetic wisdom and preserving ancestral knowledge.
Performer: Rameses “r3sh” setekh
In 2020 we found our calling to use our voice and the immaculate power of words, through Hosting and Creatively Engineering the podcast “Free Thought Revolution”. There we create a widely diverse and inclusive community through holding difficult conversations, with intentional empathy; while building bridges of humanity across divides.
We directed two live charity podcasts, all proceeds going to female-owned local nonprofits.
In 2022 we began diversity speaking and performative orations: Kiwanis of Oceanside, Palomar Empowered Women’s Group, Palomar’s Black Faculty & Students, Black Nerd’s Expo, Black & Brown Nerd’s Expo, & Deliciously Queer at the Centro Cultural de La Raza. We were blessed with the privilege to host Afro-con and Afro-futurism while beginning our journey of playwriting and attached musical composition. We successfully opened our first play, “The Bus Ride Home” at Brooks Theater. We culminated the year getting another opportunity to assist in production/directing, writing the script, and hosting the production “BlackRootedness; A Poetry Reading”. The year 2023 was a deep immersion in physical, mental; and spiritual health. As 2024 begins we look forward to resuming “Free Thought Revolution”, hosting & directing Black Rootedness “Lake Walking, Revolutionary Talking: A Choreopoem, hosting Afro-con and Afrofuturism, and completing our second play “Mirrors of the Black Card”.
Performer: Baba Nana
Nana Obrafo Yaw Asiedu is the Founder and Director of the Ile Ayan Cultural Institution of Higher Learning, which uses drumming to uplift the human spirit and promote cultural values. For thirty years, he has taught African drumming to all ages at the World Beat Center in San Diego. Nana has also worked extensively in schools, juvenile halls, and alternative school settings, helping children become more disciplined and focused through drumming. He has performed with renowned artists like Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder, appeared in movies like “The Color Purple,” and directed musical productions at Disneyland. Nana is deeply rooted in his Ghanaian heritage and has co-founded the Izinde African fusion band.
Esi serves as Nana’s Agent/Manager for all bookings.
Performer: Titus Baker
I am Titus the “Happy Helping Healer” with my will to Inspire, Motivate & Create spaces for Higher Frequencies of Compassion, Balance, and Peace.
I use my many talents learned from Healing Hands School of Massage and Holistic Health in Kearny Mesa Ca., Class of 2021, and Dharma Sound Mantra Meditation, Hatha & Kundalini Yoga 2012.2018. Hatha Yoga from Aura Wellness Center CA. 2021.2022.
With these and many more skills learned in the abundance of life, I can expand while complementing the needs of the changing times. I love using my Voice, Hands, Health, & Head in Heart, to manifest changes for the whole of all sentient beings.
I perform the Art of Spoken Word, Sound healing, Yoga and Massage Therapy, and various practices of Bodywork. I perform Kirtan (the songs of call and response), drumming, crystal bowls, and the giant gong, among other instruments. I am always a student, a teacher, a brother, a companion.
For this, my purpose is to make friends and connect with partners, as we open hearts and create peaceful opportunities in our communities, and globally.
ASCEND to Kemet Festival Participation Form for Sponsors:
Sponsorship Tiers:
Bronze Sponsor ($100):
Benefits:
- Inclusion of your name or logo on a promotional sign at the event.
- Complimentary booth.
Silver Sponsor ($300):
Benefits:
- Inclusion of your name or logo on a promotional sign at the event.
- Mention on our official festival flyer.
- Social Media: Mention in our story.
- Complimentary booth.
Gold Sponsor ($500):
Benefits:
- Inclusion of your name or logo on a promotional sign at the event.
- Mention on our official festival flyer.
- Mention in our story and post that goes out widely on social media.
- Two complimentary booths.
- One-month free membership.
ASCEND to Kemet Festival Participation Form for Vendors:
Food:
Indulge in a diverse array of delectable cuisines.
Music:
Immerse yourself in captivating live performances and musical talents.
Art:
Uncover extraordinary artworks and innovative creative expressions.
ASCEND to Kemet Festival Participation Form for Volunteers:
Event Support:
Assist our experts in ensuring the smooth execution of the festival. Work closely with the team, volunteers will contribute to creating a memorable and enriching experience for attendees.
Event Setup and Breakdown:
Assist in setting up and dismantling event infrastructure. Can include unloading tables and chairs. Assisting vendors with tent setup and cleanup.
Event Tabler:
Assist with setting up chairs, tables, linens, and equipment. Help servers complete their tasks.
Registration Assistance:
Help guests with event registration and check-in processes. Hand out brochures and be able to provide attendees with guidance.
Information Booth:
Provide information and assistance to event attendees. Be able to answer questions, provide directions, and information about booths and vendors.
Ticketing Assistance for Guests:
Assist guests with ticketing, entry procedures, and raffle tickets.
Environmental Stewardship:
Assist in maintaining a clean and environmentally friendly event space. Can include picking up fallen debris around festival grounds.
Lost & Found:
Manage lost and found items during the event. Responsible for retrieving, documenting, and helping attendees reclaim lost items.
Volunteer Coordination:
Coordinate volunteer activities and schedules. Manage volunteers and assign tasks.
Social Media Management:
Manage social media accounts and engage with online audiences. Creating content and promoting festival across platforms to help audience stay up to date.
Pay here:
Buy Tickkets Here:
Thank you and I hope you enjoy the festival! We truly appreciate your presence.
Sponsorship Donation:
Thank you for your generous donation! We truly appreciate your contribution.
Vendors Booking:
The booth fee is $15 due at registration, which is a deposit. On the event day, vendors must pay a minimum of $30 or 8% of sales, whichever is greater. The $15 deposit will be deducted from the total payment.
Schedule a time to chat with our team here!
Meet with our team to schedule time to discuss the details of the event! We are excited to work with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Vendor Information
What are the dimensions of the booth?
Booths are limited to a size of 10x10 feet.
How can vendors secure a spot?
Vendors are required to complete a form and submit an initial deposit of $15 through a provided link.
What is the cost for vendors?
Vendors must pay an initial deposit of $15 upon registration. On the event day, vendors will be charged a minimum of $30 or 8% of their sales, whichever is higher. The initial deposit will be deducted from the final payment.
How will the 8% sales fee be calculated for vendors?
A specific booth will be designated to collect sales receipts.
Where is the precise location for vendor setup?
Vendors will set up their booths at Gliderport near the Cliffhanger Cafe, overlooking the cliff.
What arrangements are made for electricity?
Vendors are advised to bring their own generators if electricity is required.
Event Logistics
Where will the performances take place?
The stage will be positioned at the Gliderport, while healing sessions will occur at the beach.
What are the dimensions of the stage?
The stage measures 20x20 feet.
Where can I locate the event map?
The event map is accessible on the festival page of our website.
Is there a limit to the number of vendors per booth?
There is no restriction on the number of vendors per booth.
When can vendors access the venue for setup?
Vendors may enter the venue at 9:00 a.m. on the event day.
Will there be designated waste disposal areas?
Yes, designated stations will be available throughout the event, including during setup and breakdown.
Attendee Information
Can I bring outside food and drinks?
No outside food or drinks are permitted.
At what time do the festival gates open?
Gates open promptly at 11:00 a.m.
Is there a lost and found service?
A lost and found section will be established at the ASCENDtials’ organizers’ booth. Refer to the festival map on the website for details.
What is the policy on pets?
Pets are not permitted during healing sessions to avoid disruption to guests.
How many guests are expected?
Anticipated attendance ranges from 800 to 1000 guests.
Where should I park my vehicle?
Free parking is available at the Gliderport, with additional street parking near the cafe.
Are tickets refundable?
No, tickets are non-refundable.
Can I purchase tickets at the event entrance?
Yes, tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
Who should I contact for event details?
For event inquiries, reach out to Rumaisha Chowdhury at rumaisha.c@ascendtials.org or schedule a meeting via the provided Calendly link on the website.
Sponsors:
