Chicago’s largest outdoor cultural festival, the African Festival of the Arts, will feature an array of musical talents from around the African diaspora, along with several decidedly American acts such as Brandy. This year marks the 24th year of the Festival.

Most music fans know Grammy Award- winner Brandy as the breakout teenage songstress who played beside Whitney Houston in the televised adaptation of Cinderella. She climbed the charts with hits like “I Wanna Be Down” and “Have You Ever.” Her singing and acting career makes her a household name with mass appeal. Brandy and international vocalist, Oliver Mtukudzi will perform on the Dee Parmer Woodtor Main Stage of the Festival.

Other musical performers include Otis Clay, R&B Divas Monifah and Syleena Johnson; daughter of famed Blues legend, Syl Johnson.  A host of other local, national and international talents will be showcased. The musical portion of the Festival opens Friday, Aug. 30 with a dance party with Chicago’s own “Chosen Few” mixing house music on the main stage.

The festival will feature distinctive fashions, artwork and music and offer access to more than 300 vendors and artisans. Activities for the youngest festival goers will take place at the Bernice Gardner Children and Family Pavilion Stage, and international and inspirational sounds can be heard on the World Music Stage.

The festival, which runs through the Labor Day weekend, will be held in Washington Park, 5100 S. Cottage Grove Ave. For more details visit: http://www.africanfestivalchicago.com