‘A Celebration of Rhythm’ set for Tuesday night at Jackson-Lincoln Swimming Complex

QUINCY — Join Arts Quincy at the Jackson-Lincoln Swimming Complex, 701 N. 8th, on Tuesday for a free summer arts celebration.

Quincy High School’s Marching Blue Devils Drumline will open the event with live music at 6 p.m. Blessing Health System also will serve a free dinner at 6 pm. The menu consists of barbecue pulled pork sandwiches from Big Bro’s BBQ and Catering, chips, veggies, fruit and bottled water. The first 400 guests will receive a bag filled with goodies provided by Blessing Health System.

Afriky Lolo will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. for a performance that introduces audiences to traditional African dance, drumming and cultural heritage. Afriky Lolo will perform several celebratory and ceremonial dances from the west coast of Africa, primarily Mali and the Ivory Coast. African dance styles vary across tribes and nations. They are rooted in history and ritual. Dances can represent prayer, rites of passage and more. Drumming is a critical component of African dance and is considered the heartbeat of the artform. Students can create their own djembe drum and get to know instruments the Marching Blue Devils play.

Families can visit arts organization booths to make djembe drums and learn more about arts programming for kids during the 2021-22 school year.

“We’re thrilled about these new summertime arts events that are free and accessible to the whole community,” said Laura Sievert, executive director of Arts Quincy. “We hope whole families will join us and not only participate in watching the entertainment but also learn a little more about what Quincy’s fine arts community has to offer students and families for the upcoming school year. Increasing access to quality arts and culture programming is among Arts Quincy’s most important functions.”

Blessing Health System will offer free health screenings for diabetes and blood pressure until 7 p.m. The screenings will be available to people age 18 and older.

Guests should bring chairs or blankets. Community collaboration and funding through Arts Quincy, J.W. Gardner II Foundation, Blessing Health Systems and the Illinois Arts Council make these events possible. For more information, contact Arts Quincy at office@artsquincy.org or 217-222-3432.