WorldBeat Center Official Website

Kwanzaa 5K
2021-12-26 07:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
Yep, it’s time to celebrate Kwanzaa!
Hello Hello everyone! Meet-up with FBE, BGR, BMR, and Sirius Fitness!
Our official Kwanzaa 5K may have been canceled this year, but we are still celebrating together. This means this is a no frills 5k. It’s FREE, no pacers, no street closures, no water stations, no bib, and post run giveaways.
Start time: 7:30AM
Location: WorldBeat Cultural Center
2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Coffee and bagels will be provided

41st Annual Kwanzaa Celebration - Umoja
2021-12-26 13:30 - 16:30
WorldBeat Cultural Center Presents
41st Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
A Reunion and Healing For Our Community
WorldBeat Cultural Center will be celebrating its 39th Annual Celebration with 4 of the 7 days of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African American Holiday celebrated from the 26th of December to the 1st of January. This year, December 26th, marks the 53rd anniversary of the Kwanzaa holiday (1966-2016) created by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate and reaffirm family, community, and culture.
Stay tuned for more information on our special guests and planned activities.
In addition, each day will feature Ceremonial candle lighting and libation with live Drumming Kwanzaa, Poetry reading by Johnnierenee Nia Nelson, Karamu – the traditional feast ( FREE vegetarian African American soul food).
*We’re asking everyone to please wear their masks
Schedule
1:30pm – Doors open (Kwanzaa Gallery opening tour)
2:00pm – Drum Call
2:15pm – Introduction / Libations
2:30pm – Mariea Antoinette
3:00pm – Kwanzaa Poems by Johnnierenee
3:10pm – Junkyard Dance Crew
3:40pm – Children’s Wiz Performance
4:25pm – Candle Lighting Ceremony (Children)
4:40pm – Harambe (All together!)

Kwanzaa Camp - cancelled
2021-12-27 09:00 - 2021-12-30 16:00
***CANCELLED**** See you next year

KWANZAA CAMP 2021
Monday, December 27 – Thursday, December 30

Each camp session is (4) days, 9am-4pm daily.
Each camp will feature music, art, dance, theater, garden/outdoor classroom, science, technology, yoga, and more!

Kwanzaa Camp will dedicate each day to one of the KwanzaaPrinciples (Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia). All activities that day will reflect that principle. African studies scholars will share history and storytelling of ‘SANKOFA’, days gone by and what is to come!

Guest artists, poets, musicians, dancers, and teachers will bring an abundance of enrichment activities to the children during each week that will last during camp and beyond.

Specialty activities will include drum class, African dance class, Balboa Park trip, and the family favorite, “The Camper Mini Show”!

Monday and Wednesday – Music, Art, Dance, Theater
Tuesday and Thursday – Garden, Yoga, Dance, Theater
Tuesday Specialty Activity: Drum Class
Thursday Specialty Activity: African Dance Class
Kwanzaa Performance: Sunday, December 26th!

$150 per camper, *plus* the $20 Activity Fee

REGISTER HERE

41st Annual Kwanzaa Celebration - Kujichagulia
2021-12-27 18:00 - 21:00
WorldBeat Cultural Center Presents
41st Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
A Reunion and Healing For Our Community
WorldBeat Cultural Center will be celebrating its 41st Annual Celebration with 4 of the 7 days of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African American Holiday celebrated from the 26th of December to the 1st of January. This year, December 26th, marks the 53rd anniversary of the Kwanzaa holiday (1966-2016) created by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate and reaffirm family, community, and culture.
Tribute to Mama Salimu featuring live performance by Mariea Antoinette and much more!
In addition, each day will feature Ceremonial candle lighting and libation with live Drumming Kwanzaa, Poetry reading by Johnnierenee Nia Nelson, Karamu – the traditional feast ( FREE vegetarian African American soul food).
*Indoor event, all guests must wear masks.

41st Annual Kwanzaa Celebration - Ujima
2021-12-28 18:00 - 21:00
WorldBeat Cultural Center Presents
41st Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
A Reunion and Healing For Our Community
WorldBeat Cultural Center will be celebrating its 41st Annual Celebration with 4 of the 7 days of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African American Holiday celebrated from the 26th of December to the 1st of January. This year, December 26th, marks the 55th anniversary of the Kwanzaa holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate and reaffirm family, community, and culture.
Each night will feature Special guest speakers or performers, Ceremonial candle lighting and libation with drumming, poetry readings, free heirloom seeds for families, and Karamu, the traditional feast
FEATURING
Featuring film screening of the documentary “the Black Candle”

In addition, each day will feature Ceremonial candle lighting and libation with live Drumming Kwanzaa, Poetry reading by Johnnierenee Nia Nelson, Karamu – the traditional feast ( FREE vegetarian African American soul food).

Kwanzaa Celebration: Nia, Purpose
2021-12-30 19:00 - 21:30
A Reunion and Healing For Our Community
WorldBeat Cultural Center will be celebrating its 42nd Annual Celebration with 4 of the 7 days of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African American Holiday celebrated from the 26th of December to the 1st of January. Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate and reaffirm family, community, and culture.
Featured Guests TBA
In addition, each day will feature Ceremonial candle lighting and libation with live Drumming Kwanzaa, Poetry reading by Johnnierenee Nia Nelson, Karamu – the traditional feast ( FREE vegetarian African American soul food).
*Indoor event, all guests must wear masks.

Alternative New Year’s Eve Ascension 2022
2021-12-31 19:30 - 23:55
WorldBeat Cultural Center presents
Alternative New Year’s Eve Ascension 2022

WorldBeat Center will be welcoming the New Year with its annual Alternative New Year’s celebration. Join us for a sober curious event with alcohol-free drinks, kombucha on tap, and a vegan international buffet.
New Year’s Eve Ascension Schedule
*Doors 7:30pm
*7:30pm Vegan Intl Buffet Dinner
*7:45pm- 8:25pm Yoga w/ Nora Muñoz (bring your mat or blanket)
*8:30pm- 9:10pm Aztec Dance
*9:20pm-9:50pm Junkyard Dance Crew
*10:00pm-10:30pm Tebe Zalango
*10:40pm-11:15pm Raiin
*11:15PM-11:40 Dance
*11:45pm-12:15am New Year African Drum Circle w/ Abdul Sow
*Line-up subject to change
Admission $25, Dinner Included
**In response to COVID-19 capacity will be limited, all attendees must RSVP. If you need help, please call to RSVP over the phone. Masks will be required while indoors.

Crystal Hologram Activation and Sound Healing
2022-01-14 17:30 - 19:00
Join us in aligning your soul for 2022 with a Crystal Hologram Activation and Sound Healing with Crystal Shaman and Licensed Acupuncturist, Najah A. Salaam and, Reiki Practitioner and Sound Healer Lindsey Roach.
Come and experience the healing vibration of sound paired with crystals and gemstones that are used to unlock deep parts of our souls that need healing. You will experience the healing power of the gemstones and crystals on the body, on specific points of a group our acupuncture meridians called the Extraordinary Meridians, that directly access the deeper parts of the soul. When paired with the healing vibrations of sound healing instruments (gongs, crystal singing bowls, and more) the vibrations of the crystals increase, which facilitates deep healing.
About Najah A. Salaam, Crystal Shaman
Najah has been practicing the healing arts since 2013, as a licensed acupuncturist in San Diego. She has always had an affinity to crystals, making healing jewelry for her patients for various issues. Her crystal knowledge became solidified after finding her teacher, and being initiated into the Jade Purity Lineage of Stone Medicine – which is an oral Daoist tradition, passed down 88 generations. She is now the proud bearer of this knowledge and offers crystal healing sessions in person, and from a distance. Her hope in this life is to spread the healing power of crystals to all people, so they can begin to incorporate the crystals and stones in their lives as the healing beings that they are.
About Lindsey Roach, Sound Healer
Lindsey Roach is a certified sound healing and reiki practitioner who loves holding space for others to tap into their own vibrant inner light and heart song. She is passionate about creating cosmic sound experiences that journey deep and nurture awakening; trusting that all feelings and sensations surface and unfold exactly as intended for each listener. She joyfully guides others in quieting their mind and relaxing into their bodies, allowing them to shift into the expansiveness of the present moment through the power of vibration. She’s profoundly connected to her gongs and uses a wide variety of other instruments and sound tools to form a diverse and all-encompassing blanket of sound.

33rd Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration
2022-01-17 13:00 - 16:30
WorldBeat Cultural Center presents
The 33rd Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration
CELEBRATING UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY
Martin Luther King Jr is one of the most respected African-American leaders in history, this celebration is to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Even today his messages keep being relevant in the United States of America and all around the world.
Worldbeat Cultural Center, located in Balboa Park, is celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr with a family event with live music, guest speaker, vendors, and more.
FEATURING
Pato Banton and The Now Generation
Antoinette Rootsdawtah
I-One Angeles
Empress Akua
Nichelle Monroe
Haitian Dance
Junkyard Dance Crew
and guest speaker Rev. Shane Harris!
This is a family event for everyone! Those who have grown up with Martin Luther King’s ideas and youth who keep conveying his spirit of unity through the years, join us to keep his dream alive.
Event will be outdoors, please bring and wear a mask for everyone’s safety. If you are feeling ill, please stay home.
*Subject to cancellation according to City and State mandates. If the event is canceled, the event will be virtual.
**In the spirit of Dr. King’s message of helping the disadvantaged, the event is also a drive for Haitian refugees in Tijuana. To participate bring clean or new blankets, jackets, sweaters, socks, toiletries, diapers for toddlers (size 4 and larger), and rice and beans (preferably large bags for shelter kitchens).

RSVP on Eventbrite Here (click)

Trap Chi San Diego
2022-01-22 17:00 - 21:00
Mohini Gima, a divine empress of expression who will leave you feeling in tune with your own divine essence. Make sure you experience her tantric breathwork activation session at Trap Chi San Diego, coming up this Saturday 1/22/22.
☯️
Secure your tickets now, this event will sell out !
Visit www.sunrisethedivine.com

AND MORE!

Bob Marley Sip and Paint Fundraiser
2022-02-05 18:00 - 21:00
Join us Saturday, February 5th from 6 to 9 PM for a paint party fundraiser to support the WorldBeat Cultural Center hosted by Cynthia’s Artistic Expressions with resident artist W. B. Come celebrate Bob Marley’s Birthday!
For $50 per person, you get a pre-sketched canvas, paint, paint brushes, palette and apron. You will also have a complimentary drink and Jamaican appetizers. You will receive step-by-step instructions and 50% of the proceeds will go to the WorldBeat Cultural Center! Additional food and refreshments are available for purchase.
Please call 619-230-1190 for more details.
RSVP ON EVENTBRITE HERE

Vegan and Holistic Pop-up 7.0
2022-02-11 16:00 - 21:00
The San Diego Vegan and Holistic Pop-Up IS BACK for the NEW YEAR 7.0 on 2/11/22 4-9 PM MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Pre-sale tickets $7 online $10 at door
Tickets purchased at:
https://sdveganandholistic.com/shop
Follow the event on IG @SDVEGANANDHOLISTIC to stay UPDATED and win free entries!
Gemivision presents:
A celebration to one of the biggest end of year event at this cultural venue to support our Vegan & Holistic community and local businesses!!!
Over 40+ artists and vendors will be joining us!
Come enjoy Vegan Food, performances, amazing DJs/music, local vendors, holistic businesses, and more!
Come stop by the WorldBeat Center in Balboa Park!
For vending information and additional questions, please contact info@gemivision.com

The Wiz, A Children's Theatre Production
2022-02-12 19:00 - 21:00
Come support our children’s theatre group led by Diva Works Entertainment Saturday, February 12th for their contemporary reproduction of “the Wiz”. An adaptation of the groundbreaking Broadway musical — itself a retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 children’s fantasy “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. This is a multigeneration community production led by Miss Monie that is sure to be a spectacular production.

About “The Wiz”
Over forty years after its original release, no film has uniquely defined black culture and shaped the framework of a musical genre quite like “The Wiz.”
For a generation of black Americans, this was the first time they saw people who spoke, and moved the way they did in a Broadway production and, later, a big-screen musical, and it has become a kind of rite of passage for the black community.
“The Wiz,” weaved together gospel, blues, soul and R&B — genres that are unequivocally black creations — and were narratives of the black experience.

RESERVE TICKETS HERE

Black Comix Day
2022-02-19 10:00 - 18:00
BLACK COM!X DAY RETURNS!
BCD returns to World Beat Center, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA on February 19-20 (Sat-Sun)! This event is FREEto the public and open between 10am-6pm. Come and meet professional Black Artists & Writers in the comic book industry including creators from Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics and a host of Black Owned Independent Publishers! There will also be Interactive Games and Activities in our Kids Zone. Outside of the main exhibitors floor there will be two featured panels: Sat. Feb. 19th, 1pm will be a discussion on the challenges of doing “Black Business Today”. Sun. Feb. 20th, 1pm will be a discussion with “Black Women In Comics”, concerning their challenges and triumphs in todays climate. Don’t miss this FANTASTIC family friendly event, celebrating Black Culture in the world of Comic Books!

2nd Annual BLK LUV 5K Virtual Run - 2/1/22 - 5/19/22
2022-02-26 07:30 - 22:00
Celebrate Black History Month and all there is to love about Black communities across the Diaspora with 2nd Annual BLK LUV 5K Virtual Run.
You can run, walk, or use a treadmill anytime and anywhere. Complete your 3.1 miles anytime between Feb. 1st and Feb. 28th of 2022.
Register TODAY!
What do you receive with registration?
Finisher’s Medal
Race Bib
Wrist-Band
So grab your friends and family and let’s celebrate! If you have a meet-up in your town, let us know! Tag! #blkluv5k

BIPOC Community Circle
2022-02-26 11:00 - 13:00
The last couple of years of living with the pandemic and navigating our “new normal” has undoubtedly had an impact on our community. We have missed out on many opportunities to get together, break bread and listen to each other’s stories. In attempt to begin to rebuild our connection, we invite you to come together, bear witness to our experiences and discuss what is needed for us to create a healthy community of support.
Please join us for a facilitated community dialogue, an opportunity to connect deeply with others, share what’s on your mind and in your heart and create a collective vision for the future.
This month’s theme is:
Proud to be Ourselves- Celebrating our Creativity, Resilience and Joy
FREE and open to all BIPOC identified folks
Pre-registration encouraged, but not required.

Virtual Tribute to the Reggae Legends - Day 1
2022-02-26 19:30 - 23:55
Day 1 featuring Leroy Sibbles, Rob Symeonn and Michael Palmer
Day 2 featuring Legends Vault Archive

Introducing Proyecto Kokobale: Puerto Rican Stick Fighting Workshop
2022-04-30 13:00 - 15:00
We are looking forward to presenting:

So-Cal’sTour of 2022: PROYECTO KOKOBALE on Saturday, April 30th, 2022 from 1:00p-3:00p
You’re invited to bring your family to join in on this Children & Adult workshop, where you can gain your cultural puerto rican experience through dance, music, puerto rican stick fighting and more!
Hosting this Puerto Rican Stick Fighting Family Workshop is the incredibly experienced Maestro Carlos “Xiorro” Padilla, with 15 years of experience. Can you believe this talented musician, singer and percussionists is visiting us all the way from Puerto Rico!
Welcome to the End of month most rare and exciting Martial Arts Family Workshop at the WorldBeat Center. Let’s come together have fun and show your support your new cultural experiences!
Ticket price:
Children $7
Adults $15

Dezarie Live
2022-05-22 20:00 - 23:55
Roots empress Dezarie has blessed the reggae community with her return to San Diego after several years with a VI stylee headlining set.
Gracious Mama Africa transports the incredible voice of Dezarie to a whole new level – the highest heights. Her foundation is firmly established in songs such as “Travelers” and the title track. The brilliance and clarity of Dezarie’s voice is reverently unveiled on “Exhalt”. Gracious Mama Africa abounds with pleas for social justice and racial equality with selections like “Poverty”, “Strengthen Your Mind” and “Justice”.
But to this listener, the strength and power of Dezarie is most strikingly displayed in her condemnation of so-called civilization. “Gone Down”, “Not One Penny”, “Law Fe De Outlaw”, “Slew Dem An Done” and “Judgment Come” all deliver conscious punches that penetrate the soul.
“Do what you want, wheresoever you please. Bombing Vieques, yes your bombing the seas. Lock up anyone that was opposing. Speaking against the nonsense that you were doing. But babylon you gone down, you gone down. Babylon funeral, you gone down.” – Dezarie
After receiving Atlanta’s “Best New Female Reggae Artist” award in 2001, Dezarie returned to her native island of St. Croix. Since that time, she has been working closely with Midnite, the players of instruments for “Gracious Mama Africa”. Midnite’s trademark sound is fully displayed on this album. Momentous bass lines from Phillip Merchant, classic one-drop from Dion Hopkins and the bubbling of Ron Benjamin on keyboards prevail throughout, accentuated by Abijah’s charismatic guitar playing.
From the excellent overdubs of Dezarie’s voice to the flying symbols on “Slew Dem” it is evident that Ron Benjamin worked tirelessly in the production and mixing of this album. The fruits of this labour are eloquently displayed on Gracious Mama Africa which is sure to be one of the best roots albums of 2003.

Native American Month Celebration
2022-11-23 19:00 - 23:00
Come celebrate Native American Month with a blessing and drum circle by Tim Red Bird and the Red Warriors
Also with us King Yellowman and Alika (with DJ Mykol Orthodox)
About King Yellowman
King Yellowman has an incredible history in Reggae music. His upbringing at the Maxfield Home orphanage in Kingston and being albino in Jamaica were two obstacles he overcame and went on to be (at one time) the biggest reggae artist since Bob Marley. After winning a talent contest at Tastee Patties in Kingston, Yellow went on to excite reggae crowds all over Jamaica and the rest of the world with his boastful and sometimes bodacious lyrics. His ability to ride rhythm and excite a crowd made Yellow an instant hit in Jamaica. After surgery an extended leave of absence from the record industry, Yellowman began his comeback with the song “Blueberry Hill”, and his career was re-launched. His first album for RAS came from producer Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell and was called “Yellow Like Cheese”. Coincidentally this was the start of a long and fruitful relationship with RAS and Yellowman and also RAS and ‘Fatis’ and his exterminator production. Yellowman has always been very professional to work with and always a respectful and reliable human being. He has managed to outlive his predicted fate of death and his performances are incredibly lively as he seems to have an unlimited amount of stage energy. We can only hope for the best for Yellowman. He has continued his hard work and his devotion to his family is to be complimented.
About Alika
Alika (born Alicia Dal Monte Campuzano in Montevideo, Uruguay and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina) is one of the most important artists in South America right now garnering millions of hits on Youtube…Alika’s latest album, Mi Palabra, Mi Alma (My Word, My Soul), is just that: Reggae drums and Hip-Hop beats that help her bare her soul in rhymes and music. “El Don,” a cumbia-infused Hip-Hop track featuring Argentine rapper La Liga made its worldwide debut last year as part of the soundtrack to the popular video game “Grand Theft Auto V”.

42nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration - Umoja, Unity
2022-12-26 18:30 - 21:00
42nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
“Tribute to the Ancestors”
WorldBeat Cultural Center will be celebrating its 42nd Annual Celebration with 4 of the 7 days of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African American Holiday celebrated from the 26th of December to the 1st of January. The annual Kwanzaa holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate and reaffirm family, community, and culture.
Kwanzaa was a celebration that was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage by uniting in meditation and study of African traditions and Nguzu Saba, the “seven principles of African Heritage” which Karenga said “is a communitarian African philosophy”.

Each night will feature Special guest speakers or performers, Ceremonial candle lighting and libation with drumming, poetry readings by Johnnierenee Nia Nelson, free heirloom seeds for families, and Karamu (the traditional feast and family get down).
Day 1: Monday, December 26th: Umoja, Unity
Will feature a live hip-hop performance by Junkyard Dance Crew, Master of Ceremonies Alyce Cooper and speaker Enoch Hankerson

42nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration - Kujichagulia, Self-Determination
2022-12-27 18:00 - 21:00
42nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
“Tribute to the Ancestors”
WorldBeat Cultural Center will be celebrating its 42nd Annual Celebration with 4 of the 7 days of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African American Holiday celebrated from the 26th of December to the 1st of January. The annual Kwanzaa holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate and reaffirm family, community, and culture.

Each night will feature Special guest speakers or performers, Ceremonial candle lighting and libation with drumming, poetry readings, free heirloom seeds for families, and Karamu (the traditional feast and family get down).
Day 2: Tuesday, December 27th: Kujichagulia- Self-Determination
Featuring African Drum and Dance, Mistress of Ceremonies and keynote will be professor Starla Lewis and keynote guest TBA

42nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration - Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility
2022-12-28 18:00 - 21:00
42nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
“Tribute to the Ancestors”
WorldBeat Cultural Center will be celebrating its 42nd Annual Celebration with 4 of the 7 days of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African American Holiday celebrated from the 26th of December to the 1st of January. The annual Kwanzaa holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate and reaffirm family, community, and culture.

Each night will feature Special guest speakers or performers, Ceremonial candle lighting and libation with drumming, poetry readings, free heirloom seeds for families, and Karamu (the traditional feast and family get down).
Day 3: Wednesday, December 28th: Ujima, Collective Work & Responsibility
Will feature a virtual presentation from Dr. Maulana Karenga and a live performance by harpist Mariea Antoinette

42nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration - Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics
2022-12-29 18:00 - 21:00
42nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
“Tribute to the Ancestors”
WorldBeat Cultural Center will be celebrating its 42nd Annual Celebration with 4 of the 7 days of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African American Holiday celebrated from the 26th of December to the 1st of January. The annual Kwanzaa holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate and reaffirm family, community, and culture.

Each night will feature Special guest speakers or performers, Ceremonial candle lighting and libation with drumming, poetry readings, free heirloom seeds for families, and Karamu (the traditional feast and family get down).
Day 4: Thursday, December 29th: Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics
Will feature a youth theater performance of “The Kola Nutcracker” by Diva Works Dance

Alternative New Year’s Eve Ascension 2023
2022-12-31 19:00 - 23:59
WorldBeat Cultural Center presents
Alternative New Year’s Eve Ascension 2022

Bring up your frequency in 2023 with kind friends, high conscious food and sound and dance frequencies that will transform the world. Ubuntu, we are here because of each other.
Event Schedule
7:00pm Doors Open and Dinner Served
7:30pm Crystal Hologram and Sound Healing
8:20pm Aztec Dance by Danza Colibri
9:00pm Emei Wuji Gong by David
9:35pm Yoga and Sound Bath by John Victorius and Titus
10:25pm Afro-Beat Dance by AfroBeats with Stephanie
11:00pm African Drum Performance by Dramane Kone
11:50pm Drum Circle into the New Year
*We encourage you to bring your blanket and yoga mat. Drums will be provided for the drum session.
Tickets: Members $25 | Non-Members $30
Dinner Included
Interested in becoming a WorldBeat Member? Join the newly launched membership program and save on our paid events, the Cafe and more! Click the link for more details

34th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration
2023-01-16 12:00 - 18:00
JOIN US FOR the 34TH ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY CELEBRATION Hosted by Worldbeat Center And Stand Up For Justice
CELEBRATING UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY
Martin Luther King Jr is one of the most respected African-American leaders in history, this celebration is to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Even today his messages keep being relevant in the United States of America and all around the world.
Worldbeat Cultural Center, located in Balboa Park, is celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr with a family event with live music, guest speaker, vendors, and more.
FEATURING
Native American Drumming
Natty Prophets
Ione Angels
Kooi Boy Hoodbotic Puppets
Antoinette Rootsdawtah, Nichelle Monroe
Pato Panton & the Now Generation
AfroBeats Dance
Middle Eastern Belly Dance
Sankoh and the Rockaway Kings
Guest Speakers
Craft Vendors
We will also be having a food and hygiene products drive for our Haitian brothers and sisters in Tijuana, Mexico. We will be accepting new blankets, socks, toiletries, diapers for toddlers (size 4 and larger), and rice and beans (preferably large bags for shelter kitchens).
This is a family event for everyone! Those who have grown up with Martin Luther King’s ideas and youth who keep conveying his spirit of unity through the years, join us to keep his dream alive.
**RAIN OR SHINE INDOOR EVENT**

CRAFT VENDORS SPACE ARE FULL

Tribute to the Reggae Legends Pre-Party: The Gladiators and the Meditations
2023-01-29 19:00 - 23:00
Both legendary roots reggae groups from Jamaica: the Meditations and the Gladiators. You don’t get to see these roots groups that often. Don’t miss this, two foundation groups, from the home of Reggae Jamaica.
The Meditations are among the most beloved and respected harmony trios to emerge from the roots era of reggae during the 1970s. In 1999, they returned better than ever with Ghetto Knowledge, their first album together since 1992 and their only full-length release with Easy Star. After a successful career in Jamaica in the 70s, including recording timeless hits like “Woman Is Like A Shadow,” “Miracles,” “Fly Natty Dread,” and “Having Fun,” the group recorded “Jah Music” for Easy Star Records’ debut compilation. The song was a favorite on reggae radio and the collaboration with Easy Star led to the release of Ghetto Knowledge in 1999. Ghetto Knowledge bears all of the trademarks of a classic Meditations record: gorgeous harmonies, beautifully written songs and cultural lyrics. Many of the tracks had been written in the 1970s and 1980s but had never been recorded for release before. This disc established The Meditations once and for all as one of the premier vocal groups in Jamaican history.
The Gladiators have been masters of the reggae arena for the past 30 years. After the rise and fall of many reggae artists and bands, they remain one of the most influential reggae groups to date. The group’s original leader, Albert Griffiths, formed the legendary band – whose name was suggested to him on a bus by a fellow traveler who had just seen the movie “Ben Hur.” The concept of men who fought for their liberty against Babylon immediately struck a chord with Albert and remains a testament today of the difficult life and struggle of Jamaica. The Gladiators have proven on stage and in the studio that they are without a doubt one of the best and most enduring original real roots, rock reggae bands.
In 2005 The Gladiators continue with the fresh new “Father and Sons” album recorded in Jamaica still faithful to their roots compositions delivering reggae music full of heart, force and courage. Featuring Albert Griffiths’ two sons, Anthony on drums and Al sharing lead vocals, “Father and Sons” is a gripping reflection on life, love and faith.
Currently Albert is in the process of turning The Gladiators over to his two sons he knows are capable of carrying on this musical heritage. With Anthony on drums setting the pace for the band and Al’s voice, which is virtually indistinguishable from his father’s, these two young reggae warriors have proven both live and in the studio that they are fully competent and are infusing a new, youthful energy and substance to carry The Gladiators’ legacy into the future. The “New” Gladiators have already garnered tremendous response touring throughout Europe, Brazil, the South Pacific and Australia to as many as 70,000 fans in mostly sold-out shows. They are poised and ready to spread their message to the rest of the world!

Members $20 | Non-Members $25
Interested in becoming a WorldBeat Member? Join the newly launched membership program and save on our paid events, the Cafe and more! Click the link for more details
Looking for Member tickets? Login to the members portal

43rd Annual Marcus Garvey Day Celebration
2023-08-20 19:30 - 23:30
Marcus Garvey Day is going virtual!

Marcus said, “…look for me in a whirlwind” and he is coming our way so we’re canceling Sunday’s event in person to keep you and our bands safe. Rob Symeonn and Michael Palmer are already here and they will be performing with Good Over Evil Sound and will be streaming to your home.

Online event will feature words by the honorable Marcus Garvey, live performance by Michael Palmer, Rob Symeonn, Link N Chain plus words by a special guest!

About Marcus

Marcus Mosiah Garvey was born Aug. 17, 1887, in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, and established the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL) in 1914 in his home country before moving the headquarters to New York.
In 1923, Garvey was convicted of mail fraud in connection to the Black Star Line program he established as a pathway to economic equality for Black people. Garvey was imprisoned and later deported, and his surging movement in America was stalled as he never again returned to the states. The Garvey family maintains that the charges against the leader were trumped up in order to halt any momentum that Garvey gained in the fight for civil rights.
CLICK BELOW TO WATCH TONIGHT AT 7:45PM

Plant Spirit Meditations & Tea Tastings
2023-09-14 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-10-15 10:00 - 11:00
The purpose of these meditations is to connect deeply to the self, the earth and the green kingdom.
To feel the universal energy that flows through all beings – humans, animals, plants & trees and the elements of earth, water, fire and air. This connection, this belonging to ourselves and to the earth is our birth right and lineage.
Our modern culture has lost this connection at the deepest level. Yet, the connection remains. The way forward is by re-connecting and remembering who we are in the circle of life.
You will learn how to taste tea like an herbalist.
The tea tasting is a way of waking up to the inner knowing, the thinking and intelligence within our bodies. This knowledge allows us to connect to the plants, to hear the plants, to know the plants.
The plants remain our greatest teachers, our direct connection to the teachings of the earth. These are ancient traditions that I am grateful to share, as they were shared and taught to me.
I hope you will join me in the circle of beloved belonging.
What to bring
A cushion, blanket or towel to sit on. A blanket if you might get cold.
A cup for tasting herbal tea.
A journal or something to write in.
Wear comfortable clothes.
Your beautiful self to feel the love of the earth.
Tips
Please arrive a few minutes early to park, enter the garden and to get settled on your blanket or cushion.
Dress for the outside, layers are usually best.
Parking: You can park along Park Blvd, or directly across the street from World Beat Center is a free public parking lot.
