Teens With a Purpose is partnering with an all-star team of organizations to bring an exceptional event to the outdoor space at 801 Church St this weekend. Saturday from 3 to 9 pm, the 8th Annual Fuse Fest will be filling Purpose Park with music, art, culture, and interactive zones. The goal is more than just fun in the sun, as TWP aims to dismantle negative attitudes, beliefs, and unhealthy practices held by and about the community. Through music, food, and activities, they hope to elevate spirits and foster stronger bonds between every segment of our community to help increase peace, harmony, and health.
The festival kicks off with traditional African drummers and dancers parading in from MLK Plaza. Then things start cooking: TWP has named ten different ‘zones’ including joy, create, village, wisdom, hope, future, energy, grow, heal, and see that will each celebrate a piece of urban life in Norfolk. Inside these zones, you’ll find yoga, dancing, comedy, a marketplace of local arts and crafts, an interactive outdoor art exhibit, and much more.
Around 5 pm, you had better head over to the MC Olympics, where young rappers will battle for the crown of positive rap queen or king.
National performing artists and NSU alumnus Kristen Webster and Desire Gaston will be performing a preview of their Musical Tribute to Aretha and Whitney before their VA Arts Festival Concert.
Of course, you can’t end the night without a movie. TWP has a full outdoor showing lined up for you. They’ll show “Ain’t Your Mama’s Heatwave,” which addresses environmental justice using comedy. Of course, don’t miss the essential feature stars, the Teens With A Purpose themselves.
There’s still a ton more happening this Saturday at Purpose Park, but I’ve got to leave in at least a few surprises for you. Needless to say, though, this will be an incredible community that is deeply intentional. You absolutely should show up, even if it’s to support the effort.
Bring the whole family and your neighbors too. 801 Church Street. 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm. This Saturday, May 22nd.
In case you were wondering, this isn’t the end of Purpose Park. TWP is leading the charge to keep this an active space throughout the summer with whole-hearted and engaging events.
Paul Stetson Rice
Chelsea, NFK
Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery. Go Hokies!
