Public invited to a "Day in the Diamond"

Asian Journal — September 16, 2008

Cultural art, music, entertainment, and a world marketplace take center stage on Saturday, September 20, as three exciting, free-admission events come together to celebrate “A Day in the Diamond” in southeastern San Diego, an emerging magnet for cultural arts and entertainment. These events runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with jazz music and shopping at Market Creek Plaza - the commercial and cultural hub of the Diamond - along with gospel music and a street fair along Federal Blvd. All activities are close to the Euclid Trolley station, bus transfer station, and Highway 94.

“This will be a great day for all of San Diego to celebrate entertainment and culture in the Diamond Neighborhoods. It will change the way people see the world,” said Joseph Kinard, executive director of the Diamond Business Improvement District (Diamond BID). “We’re bringing top-quality art, entertainment, and experiences to the Diamond. This really is the place to be. There’s something here for everyone!”

First up is a new, monthly open-air market packed with international foods, handmade and imported merchandise, and live entertainment. The 3rd Saturday International Marketplace is located at Market Creek Plaza, 310 Euclid Avenue, near the Market Street intersection, and it expands the uniqueness of the Where World Meets multicultural gift store into an indoor/outdoor shopping, sharing, and learning experience that appeals to all the senses.

The marketplace is sponsored by the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation and provides new opportunities for local micro-entrepreneurs, working to expand their businesses and connect with other cultural artisans, while treating shoppers to a one-of-a-kind experience. Local artisans, artists and retailers will offer hand-made and imported merchandise from countries and cultures around the world, including art, gifts, clothing, jewelry, collectibles and accessories. Also included are traditional delicacies, spices, flowers, home and garden items, and bath products. Additionally, guests can dig into some barbecue and mix and mingle in the beer garden!

Cultural workshops and the Plaza’s unique cultural houses invite people to hands-on learning experiences with traditions, celebrations, music, and history of many cultural groups. The authenticity of the experience sets Market Creek Plaza apart from other fairs and festivals. It is expected to draw more than 5,000 people throughout the day.

Also at Market Creek Plaza on Saturday, September 20, is Jazz in P!nk. The San Diego Urban Economic Corporation, in coordination with Jazze Wonderz Entertainment, is sponsoring Jazz in P!nk, an all-star female jazz band led by Gail Jhonson, keyboardist and music director for Norman Brown. She sees the band as a way to inspire young artists. “I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity, this will be a phenomenal experience for smooth jazz fans, educators, and young musicians – especially girls that play or want to,” said Jhonson. The band includes a host of highly credentialed artists, including flautist Althea Renee, violinist Karen Briggs, vocalist Lynne Fiddmont, and San Diego’s well-known harpist Mariea Antoinette. Other musicians include Prince’s drummer Cora Coleman, bassist Robin Roundtree, keyboardist Noriko Ooling, saxophonist Cece Worrall-Rubin, and guitarist Darlene Moreno.

The non-profit San Diego Urban Economic Corporation was formed to educate, advocate, and accelerate economic parity for African-American businesses and communities in and around San Diego County. Other Jazz in P!nk sponsors include Cats Excavating, Inc., Wells Fargo, San Diego National Bank, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Washington Mutual, and WSPA.

Market Creek Plaza is the innovative commercial and cultural center in the Diamond Neighborhoods of southeastern San Diego that was planned, designed, built, leased, and is now owned and operated by teams of community residents working in partnership with the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation (JCNI). Much of the cross-cultural learning and sharing of the 3rd Saturday International Marketplace is led by members of the International Outreach Team, representing the community’s diversity, including African American, Latino, Samoan, Somalian, Laotian, Sudenese, and Filipino.

San Diego Praise Fest ‘08 takes place a walk or shuttle north, and will fill the street with gospel music and community celebration on Federal Blvd between 47th Street and Euclid Avenue. This event moved to the Diamond to showcase the many assets in the community and draws participants from all over the county and country. Praise Fest ’08 brings together a host of community churches for a fusion of inspiration, wellness, and cultural empowerment. The event features Brent Jones & the TP Mobb and 30 of San Diego’s best Christian groups with adult and youth choirs scheduled on three stages. Tying the performances together will be a food court, educational row, health pavilion, sales and resource center, kids fun zone, and give-a-ways. This event is sponsored by 4th District City Councilman Tony Young’s office, Neighborhood House Association, Mandate Records, PAZZAZ, TV One, Urban Arts Kollective, CRW Enterprises, One Fifty Productions, and 1240 AM Radio, and It is expected to draw up to 20,000 people.

To learn more about “A Day in the Diamond,” visit www.dayinthediamond.com

Coming to the Diamond on October 18, is the 2008 Arts & Culture Fest, Market Creek Plaza’s signature cultural event. For more information on the 2008 Arts & Culture Fest, visit www.shopmcp.com .

The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation is a non-profit foundation that operates on the premise that residents must own and drive the change that takes place in their community for it to be meaningful and long-lasting. JCNI explores new pathways to change through entrepreneurial relationships, hands-on training, and the creative investment of resources.