I Vendors market offers items for all tastes
CHRONICLF STAFF REPORT
Who says all the action at the
National Black Theatre Festival lakes
place on the stage?
The thousands who find refuge at
the vast International Vendors' Market
know better. The market has become an
integral part of the festival, providing
theater lovers a place to go during their
downtime. -
The International Vendors' Market
will open on Aug. 6 and operate through
the close of the festival on Aug. 9. The
market has gained a reputation as one of
the most exquisite commercial exhibi
tions to be seen anywhere. The market is
popular with vendors because the festi
val draws thousands of out-of-towners
to the city. The festival also attracts folks
who live here downtown, where the
market is located (in the Benton Con
vention Center). Vendors have had great
File Photo
2001 NBTF volunteers shop in the International Vendors Market.
success vyith festival Crowds, many of
whom wait for their favorite vendors to
return so that they can purchase special
ty items.
As the name says, vendors from all
over the world will hawk their wares.
Virtually everything will be offered,
from arts and crafts, to books and music,
to clothing and home furniture.
There also will be door prizes, a
silent auction and other special promo
tions offered throughout the market's
stay. For example. High Point-based
Atrium Furniture has donated two vaca
tion getaway packages that will be given
away on (Ik last night of the festival.
Visitors to the market will be able to reg
ister for the getaways and other prizes.
Other sponsors of the market
include: Ebert Sign Co.; A New Leaf;
Ryan WillageJ Tavern; Balloons. Bun
nies & Beans; Krispy Kreme; Catawba
Furniture Mall; and the Summit School.
Barbara Eure is coordinating the
International Vendors' Market. The mar
ket is free and open to the public.
Louis Armstrong exposed!
CHRONICLE STAFF REPORT
Louis Armstrong, or Satchmo,
as he is known to millions, is the
euphony of jazz to many fans of
the genre. Beginning in the 1920s,
Armstrong took jazz to a whole
level with his recordings. Arm
strong's big smile and distinctive
voice also graced the stages of
Broadway and the big screen.
A play being staged at this
year's NBTF will attempt to show
the Louis Armstrong that few peo
ple know. "A Tuff Shuffle: Back
stage with Louis Armstrong" is a
production of the Charlottle-based
Aniya Theatre Company. Written
by Danny Mullen, who also stars
as Armstrong, the play examines
the story behind Satchmo's great
Louis Armstrong
nusic. Told in a backstage dress
ng room before a show, the pro
luction looks at the challenges
Armstrong faced when he took
ourageous stands for civil rights.
The one-man show has already
>een produced by the Black
Repertory Group Theatre in
Jerkeley, Calif.; Hallwalls' Black
n' Blue Theatre in Buffalo; and
he Neighborhood Theatre in
Charlotte. During its Charlotte
un, the play received two theater
tominations from the publication
Creative Loafing.
Preston Lane-directs "A Tuff
Jhuffle: Backstage with Louis
Armstrong."
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National Black Theater Festival.
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