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This year's event mixes it up: Black Expo

The Post and Courier

This year, the Black Pages expects as many as 25,000 people to turn out 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center for the 2008 Black Expo.

The event's menu is crowded with local talent, information sessions, a concert and appearances from famous guests.

Darrell Givens, expo coordinator, said the event will be something to see.

"This year we are doing a lot of unique and fun things everyone can enjoy," he said.

If you go Saturday, you will get a chance to chill with the stars. Actor Idris Elba, who you may recognize from Tyler Perry's "Daddy's Little Girls" and has four movies coming out this year, will sign autographs and shake hands 3:30-5 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., New Jersey-based gospel sensation Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing will perform live and bring nothing but the Word.

As in the past, the Black Expo will showcase home-grown performers. Familiar and new youth talent will share the stage with local gospel singer Ike Thompson and R&B vocalist Bridget Kelley.

No stranger to the spotlight, Daniel Davis, a jazz violinist who graduated from the Charleston County School of the Arts in 2007 has performed at the Black Expo for the last two years.

"I'm very excited. It never gets old," the 19-year-old said of performing at the Black Expo. "Every year there are new people, so it's always fun and awesome to play for them."

On Saturday, he says, he will hold nothing back when he gets on stage at 12:30 p.m. for a solo performance. "I'm planning to play originals and some cover tunes, from hip-hop gospel to jazz, R&B and some classical mixed in."

At 3:15 that afternoon, the Charleston Development Academy youth choir takes the stage. Director Sandra Barnhardt has been in charge of fine-tuning the choir for the past 18 months, and she, like her little vo-calists, is excited to put on a memorable show.

"We have been rehearsing and rehearsing for this performance. It's such an honor to be able to perform in the same production as Tye Tribbett. He's one of the leading gospel singers of today," said Barnhardt. "When you're going to an appearance like this, you have to be professional. So at practice that's been our big word for the last few weeks: professional."

Indeed, these songsters are budding professionals, having already performed at the rededication of City Hall and other events. In fact, they are scheduled to render selections at the regional conference of the Continental Society on Saturday morning.

Made up of 22 third-, fourth- and fifth-graders, the choir will sing a range of styles.

"Since it's going to be right after Black History Month, we are going to include two spirituals, one blues/jazz song from Duke Ellington and we'll probably do at least one contemporary gospel; we're doing the whole gamut," said Barnhardt.

Other locals listed to perform are Sandra's Dance Production, Tony & Company, and Bill Brandon.

Ronald McDonald will step into the limelight on the local entertainment stage to perform for the kids. "He is a special guest we have this year," said Givens. "In addition to the show, he will be interacting with the kids, and they can have their picture taken with him, too."

Visitors also can check out information on how to maintain their well-being at the Black Expo Health Village. "In addition to the comprehensive health and wellness fair, the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center will provide mammograms so women with or without health insurance can receive a mammogram on-site," said Givens.

One of the main reasons for having the Black Expo is not only to have fun with friends in the community, but also to address issues and highlight black businesses in the Lowcountry.

On Saturday, there will be a town hall meeting featuring numerous elected officials.

"We will have a panel discussion addressing many of the issues impacting the Lowcountry," explained Givens. "That includes education, crime, economic development, and jobs, health care, and a series of seminars on that day dealing with the mortgage foreclosing crisis, domestic violence and more."

To this end, Dr. Earl Graves will speak 2-3 p.m., with a book signing following at the main event. "He will be addressing economic issues that face the black community," said Givens, "with advice on ways to establish and expand businesses."

But business is not exclusively for adults. This year, the Junior Entrepreneur Pavilion sponsored by the Charleston Police Department will be expanded.

"There will be kids from all over the Lowcountry selling their wares and goods, getting firsthand experience being an entrepreneur and dealing with the public," said Givens.

In addition to Saturday's main event, there will be several events during the week leading up to the culmination at the performing arts center.

The Charity Golf Tournament runs 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday at the Golf Club at Wescott Plantation. This is the fourth year it is being held. Last year, more than 120 golfers participated and some $3,600 was donated to the Cannon Street YMCA. This year's proceeds will benefit the Lowcountry Food Bank. Register in advance to make team assignments. To get a registration form sent via e-mail or fax, call the Black Pages office.

The Old School Hip-Hop concert is 8-11 p.m. Friday at the Gaillard Auditorium. "Folks who like old school hip-hop are encouraged to come out," Givens said.

Performers will include Whodini, Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, and Big Daddy Kane.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com, at the Black Pages office, from the Gaillard box office or by calling 577-7400. For more information, visit www.blackexpousa.com.

Black Expo Calendar

For tickets and information on The Black Expo and events related to this weekend's programming, go online to www.blackexpousa.com, or call 800-419-2417 or 747-1442.

Today

6:30-8:30 P.M.: Sponsors' Kick-Off Reception and unveiling of the 16th edition of the Charleston Black Pages Harlem Renaissance. By invitation only. Harlem Renaissance attire is suggested. Call 800-419-2417 or 747-1442.

Friday

8 a.m.-3 p.m.: Black Expo Charity Golf Tournament. The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation, 5000 Wescott Club Dr., Summerville. $125 per player, $500 per team. Captain's Choice. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Lowcountry Food Bank.

8-11 p.m.: Black Expo Old School Hip-Hop Concert. Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St., downtown Charleston. The concert will feature Doug E. Fresh, Whodini, Big Daddy Kane and MC Lyte. Tickets are $30 and $40, and VIP tickets ,which include Crown Royal and hors d'oeuvres, are $65. Tickets can be purchased at Gaillard Auditorium, any Ticketmaster location, at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 577-7400.

Saturday

11 a.m.-7 p.m.: 9th annual Charleston Black Expo. North Charleston Convention Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. The Expo will feature a Junior Entrepreneurial Area, the Kids' Jump Castle, the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Mobile Mammogram Van and other events.

8 a.m.: Registration.

11 a.m.: Black Expo Health Village.

11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M.: "Preventing Mortgage Foreclosure" seminar. Meeting Room 1.

11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M.: "Countdown to the Digital Divide" seminar. Meeting Room 3.

Noon-12:15 P.M.: Sandra's Dance Production of youth dance and theatre.

12:30-1 P.M.: Daniel Davis, jazz violinist.

12:45-1:45 P.M.: "Preserving Heirs Property" seminar. Meeting Room 1.

12:45-1:45 P.M.: "Sisters Speak: A Discussion on Women's Health Issues, Focusing on Domestic Violence." Meeting Room 3.

1-2 p.m.: Community Forum Panel Discussion.

2-3 p.m.: Earl G. Graves speaks.

2-3 p.m.: Ronald McDonald show.

3-4 p.m.: Earl G. Graves book signing.

3:15-3:30 P.M.: Charleston Development Academy youth choir.

3:30-3:45 P.M.: Ike Thompson, gospel artist.

3:30-5 P.M.: Appearance by actor Idris Elba.

3:45-4:15 P.M.: Bridget Kelley, R&B artist.

4-4:45 P.M.: Tony and Company gospel group.

4:45-5 P.M.: Bill Brandon, R&B and hip-hop artist.

5:30-6:30 P.M.: Tye Tribbett and G.A. gospel performance.

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