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SANKOFA JAZZ FEST RETURNS TO AFRICAN HERITAGE CULTURALARTS CENTER Written By George Fishman April 4, 2019 at 3:06 PM The annual Sankofa Jazz Fest , a multigenerational, family-oriented affair, will be presentedSaturday, April 6, at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in Liberty City. Showcasing highlyaccomplished musicians, all with local roots, this fifth edition will be headlined by charismatic,internationally touring vocalist Nicole Henry, a University of Miami grad who has received awardsin both “traditional” and “new jazz” categories. Her bookings span Russia, Japan, Italy, Jamaicaand the French Riviera, along with the best rooms in the United States. Expect seniors in the audience to mouth familiar lyrics while accompanying veteran singer CaroleAnn Taylor, whose career includes performances with Lionel Hampton and Duke Ellington.Meanwhile, the younger contingent will likely bounce to the R&B/soul of CriStyle Renae. As achild, Renae was coaxed by older siblings to mimic the popular songs of the day. Among herinfluences: the Isley Brothers, Anita Baker, Donny Hathaway, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross andWhitney Houston. Also featured is the Miami-based Zach Bartholomew Quartet (piano, bass, drums and sax). Thisyoung ensemble balances innovative originals with fresh takes on the jazz canon. They’ve playedjazz festivals around the country and toured Europe. Since its founding in 1975, the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center has consistently supportedblack diaspora artistic expression for all ages. Multidisciplinary classes, mentoring, exhibitionsand performance programming have launched careers for scores of alumni, including “Moonlight”writer Tarell Alvin McCraney and Alvin Ailey Dance Theater artistic director Robert Battle . MarshallDavis Sr. has led the center since 1983 and initiated many of its programs. On Saturday, barbecue and other good-time fare will be for sale. Blankets and folding chairs arewelcome. Last year’s high-caliber performances kept the

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