Ase: The Chicago Association of Black Storytellers’ Affiliate Report – 2015
The members of ASE began the year still riding the winds of creativity and enthusiasm generated in Chicago by everyone who attended NABS 32nd Annual in the Tradition Festival and Conference. We were so honored to have been the host city for this unparalleled showcase for Black Storytelling. With Festival adrenaline still pumping, the members of ASE focused our attention on continuing the NABS legacy of sharing our history and culture through the timeless art of storytelling. ASE’s performances and celebrations branched out to new venues this year. Also, we continued our annual performances that our loyal Chicago supporters look forward to enjoying.
Dec 15, 2014 - Kwanzaa Storytelling Celebration, King Branch Library, Chicago. ASE adult & youth tellers
Feb 14, 2015 Storytelling Concert “It’s All About Love”, Under the Gingko Tree BB, Oak Park. ASE adult tellers
Feb 21, 2015 Black History Storytelling Concert, King Branch Library, Chicago. ASE youth tellers
Feb 28, 2015 Black History Concert “BE The Change You Wish To See In The World”, COJ Family Life Center, Olympia Fields. ASE adult & youth tellers
June 5, 2015 “Stories That Unite Us All”, Black Ensemble Theater, ASE adult tellers
July 10, 2015 Annual Concert, “Living LifeThrough Our Stories” Logan Center, Chicago. ASE adult tellers
July 11, 2015Annual Youth Concert “Anansi the Trickster” Logan Center Chicagofollowed by a wonderful youth celebration at Christ the Mediator Church
Aug 16, 2015 Storytelling for a Cause Concert “A Tapestry of Stories”Christ the Mediator Church, Chicago, ASE adult & youth tellers
September 6, 2015 Fox Valley Folk Music and Storytelling Festival— ASE youth tellers
September 20, 2015 57th StreetChildren’s Book Fair, Chicago—ASE youth tellers
ASE continues to live out our mission to “Assist in keeping alive the African-rooted cultures of the world.” We have increased our membership and have entered into partnerships with other organizations to grow exposure and appreciation for this art form. ASE has inducted four new adult members and our Youth Ensemble has added new members. We continue to be in partnership with the University of Chicago’s Logan Center for the Arts, which served as the venue for ASE performances in 2015. That partnership also includes ASE membersvolunteering their professional services on Family Day at Logan Center. A new partnership has also been established with Black Ensemble Theatre, a Black owned Theatre founded by Jackie Taylor, a veteran of screen and stage. Ms. Taylor has made a commitment to collaborate withASE by promoting and showcasing the art of Black Storytelling at her theatre;ASE held a very successful concert there thisyear. On October 1, 2015 The African American Arts Alliance of Chicago announced that ASE has been nominated for a special recognition award which will be presented at their annual Gala. ASE, the Chicago Association of Black Storytellers, continues to “Light the Way” using the rich, vibrant art of Black Storytelling.