*** MEDIA ALERT ***
NATION’S LARGEST MUSLIM-LED FESTIVAL TO LAUNCH
Over 20,000 Expected at ‘Takin’ It to the Streets: Urban International Festival’
www.streets2010.com

(Chicago, IL 6/2/2010) Takin’ It to the Streets is the nation’s largest Muslim-led festival featuring an array of arts, music, forums and activities. The FREE festival aims to bring the arts, spirituality, and a passion for justice together to unite diverse communities and inspire social change.

Attendees will also witness the diversity of Muslims through art & culture. Hailing from places as diverse as Cambodia, Denmark, Mali and Chicago, over 100 artists will gather to reflect a renaissance in Muslim cultures.

WHAT: Takin’ It to the Streets: Urban International Festival
WHEN: Saturday, June 19, 2010 | 9am-9pm
WHERE: Marquette Park, 67th & California, Chicago, IL 60629
WHO: World renowned scholars, activists and artists from all around the world. Featuring:

* Mos Def – Hip Hop Artist & Actor
* Tinariwen – Saharan Desert Blues Group
* Kindred the Family Soul- R&B & Soul Duo
* Amjad Sabri – Pakistani Qawwali Singer
* Pockemon Crew – Internationally Recognized French Breaking Crew
* Malika Zarra – Moroccan Afro-Arab Vocalist

For the full lineup, visit http://streets2010.com/music-arts/artists

ADDITIONAL STREETS 2010 EVENTS

Salaam Film Festival | June 13-15: University of Chicago
This festival provides the opportunity to explore the intricacies and complexities of Muslim communities while promoting a culture of appreciation through feature-length films, documentaries, and short programs.

Melodies from Morocco | June 16: Old Town School of Folk Music
Orchestre Chabab Al Andalous from Rabat, Morocco will perform the musical repertoire of Andalusia from the period of the Moorish empire in Spain. Special guests Brahim Fribgane Berber Project featuring Abderahman Boutat & Ahmed Sahel will open the show.

Dandana: A Celebration of Muslim Voices | June 17: Millennium Park
Tinariwen, representing a nomadic people of Tuareg, will perform desert blues. Beginning the evening’s musical celebration is Omar Faruk Tekbilek, a Turkish virtuoso flautist.

CONTACT:
Communications Manager
Ahlam Said
Office: 773.434.4626 x. 210
Cell: 469.835.7551
Fax: 773.303.8858
ahlam@imancentral.org