WASHINGTON — Howard University presents the 2019 Alumni Jazz Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Marriott Marquis, located at 901 Massachusetts Ave, NW. Back by popular demand, the brunch will feature an encore performance by Step Afrika!, Washington’s largest African American arts organization. WHUR-FM radio hosts Allison Seymour & Marc Clarke will emcee the event.  Tickets are available for purchase here.

“We know Homecoming is a special time for the entire Howard community and we invite all Howard alumni to join us for an afternoon of entertainment and fellowship,” says Sharon Strange Lewis, director of alumni relations. “The Office of University Events and Protocol has planned an exciting program with great food and live performances. All of our alumni are encouraged to purchase single tickets or organize a table for their group.”

The event opens with a reception at 12 p.m., followed by the brunch at 1 p.m. One of the highlights of is the showcase of artists and performances. This year’s Alumni Jazz Brunch features performances by professional cellist and composer, Benjamin Gates; saxophonist Antonio Parker; and acapella jazz quartet, Afro Blue Soul Sistas. One of the Top 10 African American Dance Companies in the U.S., Step Afrika! returns to the Jazz Brunch for an encore performance as they celebrate their 25^th anniversary.

“I am greatly looking forward to this year’s Homecoming Alumni Brunch.  Last year, Step Afrika! had just returned from its successful debut Off-Broadway and it was incredible to share our performance with HU Alumni,” said C. Brian Williams, company founder and Howard alumnus.  “This year, the company will have just returned from an historic three-week tour of Angola, Zambia, and South Africa.  While on the continent, Step Afrika! will perform and exchange with African artists on a daily basis.  Our performance at this year’s brunch will draw heavily from our travels to Africa along with an excerpt from our newest production, Drumfolk.”

Howard University First Lady Simone Frederick returns as the honorary chair for the Jazz Brunch. The Office of Development and Alumni Relations invites Howard alumni and friends to the annual fundraising event, which concludes Howard University’s 2019 Homecoming events. Single tickets are available for purchase at $125 or a table can be purchased for $1,250. For more information, visit https://alum.howard.edu/homecomingjazzbrunch.

Left Photo: Howard University 2019 Alumni Jazz Brunch Flier

Right Photo: Group photo of Step Afrika! dancers courtesy of Step Afrika!

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

Media Contact: Misha Cornelius, misha.cornelius@howard.edu