Artist Lineups Announced for Afrika Nyaga Festival and Stargazing at PVDFest
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Brett P. Smiley, FirstWorks Executive Director Kathleen Pletcher and Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism Director Joe Wilson Jr. today announced that the Providence-based creative organizers stay silent will bring the inaugural SPREAD LOVE FUNCTION to PVDFest on Friday, September 6 and host the City Wide Electric Slide on Saturday, September 7. Additionally, artist lineups were announced today for Sidy Maiga’s Afrika Nyaga Drum & Dance Festival and Chip Douglas and Friends’ Stargazing at PVDFest.
Providence’s signature arts festival returns Downtown this September with an exciting lineup of main stage performers and an array of highlights that promise to captivate attendees. This year’s festival, set to take place on September 6 and 7, with a rain date of September 8, will transform Downtown Providence into a dynamic hub of creativity, community and celebration. Today’s announcements offer a sneak peek of all that is planned for this year, with additional artist and programming announcements slated throughout the summer.
“I’m thrilled to welcome stay silent and the inaugural SPREAD LOVE FUNCTION to PVDFest this year,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “As event and festival producers, stay silent brings world class programming such as DAY TRILL to Providence, curating top tier talent year after year. SPREAD LOVE FUNCTION at PVDFest promises to be a great event for all ages on Friday, September 6, and we look forward to having them return the following afternoon to lead the City Wide Electric Slide on Saturday, September 7.”
- Programming announcement: stay silent presents SPREAD LOVE FUNCTION at PVDFest’s Burnside Park Stage
SPREAD LOVE FUNCTION will take place at the Burnside Park Stage on Friday, September 6 from 5:15 – 8:30 pm with exciting live music performances, DJs, and dancing. A full bar will be available, and food trucks will be in Kennedy Plaza serving a variety of exciting international and local cuisine. Attendees of all ages are welcome and encouraged to bring a chair or blanket for hours of fun at PVDFest on Friday evening.
“We’re excited to be bringing SPREAD LOVE FUNCTION to PVDFest for the first time on Friday, September 6th and continuing our City Wide Electric Slide tradition downtown with y’all on Saturday, September 7th” said stay silent. “Bring a blanket, bring your friends and family, and meet us downtown all weekend for DJ performances and dancing in the heart of our city.”
- Lineup announcement: Chip Douglas and Friends, Stargazing at PVDFest
On PVDFest’s Main Stage on Friday evening from 5:30-7:00 pm, Chip Douglas and Friends will host Stargazing at PVDFest, a dynamic show blending hip-hop, R&B and dance, and a live muralist event. The 2024 lineup includes numerous performers and myriad talent, including performances by Scribe, Carine, Ninie 330, Anthony Sosa, Trav Black, Cassius, Mary Gipson, Nvno, Sarya, KAE, Tye Cooper, Trxck, P. Lowe, Jackie Medina, AS220 Youth Ensemble, Ivan Brooks, Devonish, Riel Santana, DJ Nyce and more.
- Programming announcement: City Wide Electric Slide at the City Hall Main Stage
On Saturday, September 7, stay silent will return to PVDFest to host the City Wide Electric Slide at the Main Stage in Kennedy Plaza. Now in its fourth year, the City Wide Electric Slide has become a beloved tradition for festival-goers of all ages.
- Lineup announcement: Sidy Maiga’s 12th Annual Afrika Nyaga Drum & Dance Festival
Following the Citywide Electric Slide on Saturday afternoon, Sidy Maiga returns to PVDFest with the 12th annual Afrika Nyaga Drum & Dance Festival, a ground-shaking celebration of West African music and dance and its influence on the African diaspora. This year’s Afrika Nyaga performers include Denis Graca; Manolo Mairena & La Pura Vida; Haus of Glitter; Providence Drum Troupe; Sidy Maiga & The Bridge Where We Meet; and Valerie Tutson from the Rhode Island Black Storytellers.
“Don’t miss Afrika Nyaga, which brings together African traditions and Rhode Island’s diverse communities in an exhilarating celebration,” said Sidy Maiga. “Experience an unforgettable fusion of local and world-class artists creating a pulsating rhythm that will leave you dancing and inspired at PVDFest on Saturday, September 7.”
PVDFest 2024 is set to captivate attendees with a diverse array of cultural and artistic highlights. Visit pvdfest.com in the coming weeks and months for more updates and ways to get involved. View all previous 2024 PVDFest programming announcements at pvdfest.com/news.
Sponsors:
PVDFest is made possible in large part by generous sponsors who continue to support Providence’s creative culture year-round, including Providence Tourism Council, WM, ProvPort, Waterson Terminal Services LLC, WPRI Media Group, North American Crane & Rigging LLC, iHeart Media, Rhode Island Energy, General Dynamics Electric Boat/Buildsubmarines.com, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Dimeo Contruction Company, America News, Amica Insurance, COX, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, First Bristol Corporation/Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites, Floor & Decor, Johnson & Wales University, SURV, The Foundry, Withum, Half Street Group, Matunuck Oyster Bar, Santander, The Public’s Radio, Hey Rhody Media Co., and Rhode Island Monthly. Sponsorship opportunities are available at pvdfest.com/sponsors.