Community from across the outer Cape area enjoyed an amazing week of activities under the umbrella title of “American Revival Cape Cod”. Offered by the production company headed by Wellfleet resident Kathy Fletcher and her partner, documentarian Nicholas Ma (Won’t You Be My Neighbor and Leap of Faith), the American Revival gathered local and national talent including world renown cellist Yo Yo Ma, actress Alfre Woodward, local songstress Tianna Esperanza and many others for two hours of outstanding entertainment. Local partners for the event included, WHAT, which hosted the activities all four days, the Cape Cod Commercial Fishman’s Alliance, Wellfleet Public Library, Payomet Performing Arts Center, Wellfleet Preservation Hall, Truro Castle Hill and us, the MLK Action Team of NIA.
MLK Education Task Force member and Founder and Owner of Belonging Books, Yo Yo Ma and Karen Boujoukos, MLK Action Team Chairperson enjoying the Meet the Artists party.
MLK members again, enjoying their conversation with Huma Rahimi, one of the evening’s wonderful performers.
The cultural entertainment program began with a welcome and a prayer from Wampanoag elder, Guy, Soaring Eagle, Cash.
The a capella singers of the Outer Cape Choral sang a beautiful song about the power of kindness. The lyrics fit the theme of the Festival perfectly. Nicholas Ma gave us much to think about in his eloquent sharing before introcuing actress Alfre Woodward and his father, Yo Yo Ma.
Local artist, Tianna Esperanza dazzled the crowd with several songs, one of which she wrote when only 14 years old.
Other entertainers included sitar player Huma Rahimi, accompanied by a young man playing hand drums whose hands moved so quickly I couldn’t take my eyes off them for long, and the Djekady Trio. I, unfortunately, only got video of them so I have no pictures to post here but if anyone else wants to send a photo of them to me, I will glad update this post with them.
The community dinner followed and what an amazing dinner it was. Catered by James Beard Award winner and Wampanoag chef Sherry Pocknett, 200 people sat down together for great food and the opportunity to meet and converse with friends and strangers.
Dessert was provided by community members who brought pies, cookies, cakes, brownies and more as their contribution to the affair.
The event continued the following two nights with community viewings of Mr. Ma’s documentaries, Leap of Faith which included a follow up discussion with the director and local clergy, Won’t You Be My Neighbor on Thursday and wrapped up on Friday with a Helper’s Tent. The Helper’s Tent was packed with representatives of local nonprofits and is a tribute to Mr Rodgers’ statement that in troubled times we must “look to the helpers”
