VIRTUAL Events

We can't wait to share our VIRTUAL stories with you!
Join us ONLINE from the comfort and safety of your home












Saturday Jan. 22nd 2Pm & 8pm
International Family Storytelling Concert 2-4pm
MC: Len
Travel with RIBS friends to the Caribbean and South America! These incredible storytellers from the Bahamas, Brazil, Trinidad and Tabago will share stories and songs you won’t forget! Hosted by RIBS’ own Len Cabral.
- Derek Burrows–Bahamas
- Rita Cox–Trinidad
- Paul Keens Douglass–Trinidad
- Antonio Rocha–Brazil
- Amina Blackwood-Meeks–Jamaica
Evening Storytelling Concert 8-10pm
MC: Raffini
Join RIBS invited guests for an unforgettable evening with a mix of seasoned Master storytellers, and new voices, all who present the diversity of Black storytelling in their own unique way.
- Kala Jojo
- Nothando Zulu
- Josh Gillespie
- Kufa Castro: Dominican Republic
- Chachi Carvahlo
SUNDAY Jan. 23RD 3-5pm
Words and Music
MCs: Sussy Santana & Marlon Carey
Join hosts Marlon Carey and Sussy Santana for this event LIVE STREAMED FROM Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island. A favorite festival event, this year’s program presents top Rhode Island artists who are committed to sharing their stories with words and music. Don’t miss out on the incredible storytelling poets, Rudy Cabrera, Sussy Santana and Marlon Carey. Not to mention classical musicians and story performers Ashley Frith and Big Lux. And, the program is rounded out with the musical group, REIGN.
- Rudy Cabrera
- Big Lux
- Ashley Firth
- Reign
- Magnolia Perez
- Kim Trusty
THursday Jan. 27th 6-8pm
Community Flavors:
Virtual Potluck: Sharing Food and Stories
Here is a chance for us to gather in (virtual) community.
Join us for a virtual potluck: Bring your own meal or order from our local featured food provider (if in RI). We’ll enjoy zoom performances, followed by Table Talk and Story Sharing in Breakout Rooms. And, we will finish up with a dance party, led once again by Haus of Glitter.
- Table Hosts: Haus of Glitter
- Storytelling by Gwendolyn J. Napier
FRIDAY Jan. 28th 7-9pm EST
LIAR’s Contest
MC: April Brown and Teju Ologboni
This Liar’s Contest is a highlight of the FUNDA FEST! Contestants have 4 minutes to tell their biggest lie before a panel of judges for Cash Prizes and Bragging Rights. How creative, outrageous and believable can you be?? This year, submit a video, or reserve a spot to tell LIVE on Zoom. READ THE RULES HERE.
Saturday Jan. 29th 10am -10PM EST
Dance Workshop 10-11:15AM EST
Artist: Maria Broom
Theme: Family Dance Medicine
MC: Ramona Bass Kolobe
Come get a dose of Family Dance Medicine with Miss Maria! We begin with a restful meditation, followed by some gentle stretching, and easy fun dance moves to your favorite Michael Jackson music.
Youth Concert 11:30-12:30PM EST
MC: V. Raffini & Zion
Tellers (Raffini’s Youth from SCLT representing Violet’s Village)
- Constance Selamani
- Appoline
- Leonte Michado
- Mauwa
- Emilio Pichardo
- Logan
- Fausto
Family Storytelling 2PM-3:30PM EST
MC: Linda and Sumner
- Eshu Bumpus
- Mama Koku
- Lebohang Masango
- Rachel Briggs
Stories For Grown Folks 8PM-10PM EST
MC: Sylvia Ann Soares
- Chetter Galloway
- Lyn Ford
- Teju Ologboni
- Shanta Nurulla
- Janice Curtis Greene
SUNDAY Jan. 30th 3PM-5PM EST
Sacred Storytelling: Ceremonial Stories to Nourish us as we wrap up this year’s Funda Festival
MC: Valerie Tutson
- Maria Broom
- Masankho Banda
- Gcina Mhlophe
- ShaZah (Shanta Nurullah & Zahra Baker)
- Dylan Pritchett
FUNDA PASS
-
ALL Youth, Family &
Evening Storytelling Concerts - Words and Music
- Community Flavors - Virtual Potluck
- Liar's Contest
- All Workshop
- Grown Folks
- Sacred Storytelling
A peek at what you can expect:
WATCH LAST YEAR'S FAMILY STORYTELLING:
WATCH LAST YEAR'S Words and music:



OVER 25 PERFORMERS!
…Bringing us their talents from the African diaspora.
