PRELUDE: events
Memphis Elvis Week August 8-16
Fans come from all over the world to celebrate the glory that was the King during a week of dancing, singing, sports and social functions. The reunion will feature “Survivor Graceland”—Elvis-themed challenges to determine the ultimate survivor—and outdoor screening parties of Elvis performances, as well as masses, memorials and candlelit vigils. www.elvis.com
Detroit African World Festival August 19-21
The Charles H Wright Museum of African American History presents the 23rd African World Festival at Philip Hart Plaza. AirTran Airways has daily flights to Bishop International Airport in nearby Flint, MI. The festival attracts up to 1.5 million visitors, who come to revel in the cultural contributions of the global Black community. Highlights include interactive programming for children, educational programs, a step show by local African American fraternities and sororities, and live entertainment from local and international musicians. And it’s all free. www.maah-detroit.org
Miami International Ballet Festival of Miami August 26-September 18
Miami lives up to its name as “Gateway to the Americas” when ballet companies from around the globe converge upon the city for the annual celebration of movement and form. Films and workshops are part of the festivities, as are evening performances that pay homage to Russian prima ballerina Maya Plisetskaya. www.miamihispanicballet.com
Kansas City Renaissance Festival September 3-October 16
There’s a “Festival of Fooles” happening in Kansas City that entails parades, juggling and tumbling tournaments, a Renaissance reality show… and that’s just the first weekend. Future weekends will include grape stomping, wooing wenches, archery contests, makeovers and barbarian battles. The festival takes place in Bonner Springs, just 15 minutes from downtown Kansas City. www.kcrenfest.com
Chicago Chicago Underground Film Festival August 18-24
The Chicago Underground Film Festival at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema showcases the work of defiantly independent filmmakers, with features, shorts and animations that transcend commercial and audience expectations. Former fests have included everything from blaxploitation retrospectives to punk documentaries and Greenwich Village-style experimentalism. www.cuff.org
Akron, Ohio World Golf Championships: NEC Invitational August 16-21
The championship, held at the Firestone Country Club, has players from the US Presidents Cup, European and US Ryder Cup Teams and winners of selected worldwide events over the past year. All compete in a 72-hole stroke-play format for prize money in the million-dollar range and the prestigious Gary Player Cup. www.worldgolfchampionships.com
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