April Events at ASHE Cultural Arts Center

Amazing April Events Await You At Ash� Cultural Arts Center Dear Ty, April at Ash� just got a little hotter! This just in . . . . On Monday, April 16, help us welcome Cuba's exciting group of artists, OMNI Zona Franca. We are delighted to have them in the house. Meanwhile, in this amazing month, we celebrate DOVIA Volunteers and Ash� Members at a reception especially for them. And then, why not enjoy a film, "Hell and Back Again," learn how to raise funds for your nonprofit, and belt out a few at our community sing with Michaela Harrison. Please note, the Workplace Wellness Luncheon has been rescheduled to April 26, 2012. Read on for more about these and other exciting events.

Direct from Cuba: OMNI Zona Franca Monday, April 16, 2012, 6-8 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd Free and Open to the Public Come hang out with OMNI Zona Franca,a Cuba-based multi-disciplinary collective formed by Amaury Pacheco, Eligio P�rez and David Escalona OMNI Zona Franca presents hip hop with a message. Despite institutional rejection by the Cuban government to this movement and anything "alternative," this courageous group has been able to give voice through strong messages. Poets who have "official acceptance," as well as those who are independent, renegades, or marginalized have a stage Theycreated "The Endless Poetry Festival" which provides a space in which all artists can share their thoughts, dreams and disapointments with the world. The group offers a unique blend of performance music, poetry, spoken word, rap, visual art, graffiti, video, and public art. Ash� CAC and Sistahs Making a Change are pleased to have them in the house. For more information, call (504) 569-9070. Free. Caf� Reconcile Hosts "How to Make it Panel" April 18, 2012 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1724 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Open to Youth Only Join us as our Rising Stars discuss how they "made it" in the challenging culinary profession. Rising Stars are up-and-coming chefs and culinary professionals who represent the vanguard of contemporary American dining scene. They have strong, compelling culinary philosophies, are able to see beyond the four walls of their restaurant, and are committed to fostering a culinary community by sharing their knowledge with fellow professionals. Caf� Reconcile is a nonprofit restaurant and training ground for students who want to gain skills in the food service industry. For more information, call (504) 568-1157. To learn more about Rising Stars, visit http://www.starchefs.com/cook/events/rising-stars/2012/new-orleans. Seminar: Getting Your Board and Volunteers Excited About Fundraising Thursday, April 19, 2012 | 4:00-6:30 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. $35 The Funding Seed presents workshops and seminars of interest to nonprofit organizations, and to individuals interested in learning the ins and outs of grant writing. This very special event will give in-depth information on and the how-tos of fundraising. Who Should Attend: The non-profit organization with a vital mission and a team of dedicated individuals who are passionate about changing the world. What You Need: Funding to help enable you to reach your goals. How the Funding Seed Can Help: The Funding Seed provides practical coaching and tools, helping you to raise the funds that will allow your non-profit to reach its full potential. See the flyer below for online registration or call (504) 569-9070 for more information. Volunteer and Member Appreciation Reception Thursday, April 19, 2012 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Free Ash� Cultural Arts Center and DOVIA say "Thank You" to its volunteers and members at this annual appreciation reception. If you've volunteered at a nonprofit associated with DOVIA or are a card-carrying member of Ash� Cultural Arts Center, this is your party. Attendees will move to the sounds and excitement of Bamboula 2000 and the Bamboula dancers, and enjoy refreshments and beverages selected especially for this occasion. Again, if you are a member of Ash� or DOVIA, or a volunteer with either, come out and have fun mingling with old and new faces. Please RSVP to (504) 569-9070. Community Cinema - "Hell and Back Again" Friday, April 20, 2012 | 6:00 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Free and Open to the Public What does it mean to lead men in war? What does it mean to come home - injured physically and psychologically - and build a life anew? This story follows the U.S. Marines Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, as they launch a major assault on a Taliban stronghold in Southern Afghanistan. Within hours of being dropped deep behind enemy lines, Sergeant Nathan Harris's unit is attacked from all sides. The parallel story begins with Sergeant Harris's return home to his wife in the U.S., after he is severely injured. He's in terrible physical pain, and becomes addicted to his pain medication. But his psychological pain may be worse, as he attempts to reconcile the immense gulf between his experiences at war, and the terrifying normalcy of life at home. After the film, a talkback session will be led by clinical psychologist Dr. Denise Shervington, director of IWES; Ronald Fletcher, MSW, LCSW, director of Educators' Delight; and the New Orleans Association of Black Social Workers (NOABSW). Fletcher will give his own testimony regarding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. NOABSW will be available for on-site screenings and will also accept referrals for assistance. Call Drena S. Clay at (504) 569-9070. Theater: Angola 3 Three weekends: April 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 and May 4, 5, 6, 2012 Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. | Sundays at 3 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. General admission: $15. Sseniors and students $10. At door: $20 and $15 Experience the stage play Angola 3. Written and produced by New Orleans own Parnell Herbert. Directed by New Orleans own Chakula cha Jua. Performed by New Orleans actors. Learn the true ongoing story of three men who were allegedly framed for murders they did not commit. It is claimed that this imprisonment was done to silence their movement aimed at changing the penitentiary mentality of inmate sexual bondage, rape, brutality and murder in the United States' bloodiest and most brutal penitentiary. Two men, Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace, who still proclaim their innocence, remain incarcerated after 40 years--longer than anyone in recorded history. Experience this amazing story and hear about their strength and perseverance in the face of extreme adversity. Ronald King has been exonerated. Herbert, by way of Poetic Panther Productions, along with others continue to work hard for the release of Woodfox and Wallace. You cannot live in or say you're from New Orleans and not know this story. Come see the production, and sign the petition for their release. Tickets are available at Ash� Cultural Arts Center. Call (504) 569-9070 for more information. A Community Sing with Michaela Harrison Tuesday, April 24, 2012 | 6:00 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Free and Open to the Public Like to sing? Let loose at Ash�'s monthly community sing. Led by songbird and actress Michaela Harrison, you just never know what the theme might be--movie and television series theme songs, favorite western songs, childhood songs, etc. No singing experience necessary. Bring your friends and family and come prepared to sing. For more information, call (504) 569-9070. Workplace Wellness Luncheon Thursday, April 26, 2012 | noon-1:30 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Free and Open to the Public Bristol M. Williams, DDS, will address the topic: "Your Dental Health" Dr. Williams practices periodontics in Georgia. Join us as we explore and learn about the benefits and pitfalls connected to proper or improper care of your teeth and gums. RSVP to (504) 569-9070.

Registration open for The Funding Seed's April Workshop: Getting Your Board & Volunteers Excited to Fundraise! Click to register! Is your board of directors expected to raise money for your nonprofit? Are they performing the way you need them to? Do your most dedicated volunteers help grow the funds for your organization? This workshop will provide you with simple tools to help your board members and volunteers become engaged, excited and successful in fundraising. Details & registration here. Getting Your Board & Volunteers Excited to Fundraise! Thursday, April 19, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Ashe Cultural Arts Center 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans Registration $35; discounts available for students and organizations registering two or more people. Attendees will receive a Certificate of Participation for completing the workshop. For questions, to inquire about discount codes, or to reserve your space and pay at the door, emailinfo@thefundingseed.com. Register at www.thefundingseed.com. While it is not required, we recommend that both a staff member and aboardmember from your organization attend this workshop for maximum effectiveness.