Media Contact:
Viola T. Johnson
(504) 813-9070
violatjohnson@gmail.com

New Orleans, LA. (October 6, 2014) - Ashé Cultural Arts Center announces its October Schedule of Events. This month's calendar includes Southern Rep's delightful stage production of "Broomstick." In addition, we're empowering the community through financial seminars, showcasing businesses for the Urban League's "Small Business Saturday," and offering special meetings and fitness classes to men and women of all ages.
Quilting workshops, led by Jacquelyn Hughes Mooney, continue through November 25, and Community Cinema continues with its PBS documentaries, with this month's screening of "Makers: Women in Hollywood." And for the kids, Kuumba Institute's Saturday Session is in up and running.

The following is a synopsis of each event.

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Southern Rep presents "Broomstick"
Through November 2, 2014 | 8:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
$40
Written by John Biguenet. Directed by Amy Holtcamp. Featuring Liann Pattison
In a remote cabin deep in the woods, an old crone spins a spellbinding tale about her life, her love affairs, and her cursed reputation. Mischievously funny, dark, and just in time for Halloween, BROOMSTICK is the story of one woman who hovers in the shadowy space between good and evil, fantasy and reality, and who, some say, may be a little too hungry for justice. For more information visit http://www.southernrep.com/SEASON/broomstick.HTM.

Side by Side presents Getting Your Finances in Order
October 15, 2014 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Free and open to artists, musicians, culture bearers, members
Side by Side continues its push to get artists and the like ready to start or take their existing businesses to the next level. This month's speaker, Norman Roussell, owner of Start Smart, LLC, offers a wealth of information. His company deals with empowerment seminars on topics from business planning to cash flow. You need to be in attendance to hear his powerful message and to learn how to upgrade your business by getting your finances in order. RSVP to (504) 569-9070 and let us know you're coming.

Major Donor Development 101
October 16, 2014 | 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
$35
Asking someone for a large donation can make a huge difference for your nonprofit, and it can also be scary! This workshop covers the basics of major donor development: how to identify your donors, ways to build strong relationships with prospects, and what to say (and not say!) when asking for a big donation. Attendees will receive a certificate of participation after completing the workshop. Registration is $35 per person. Discounts are available for students, AmeriCorps and organizations registering two or more people. Email info@thefundingseed.com to inquire about discount codes or to reserve your space and pay at the door. For more information or to register online, visit www.thefundingseed.com.

Community Cinema presents Makers: Women in Hollywood
October 17, 2014 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Free and open to the public
MAKERS: Women in Hollywood showcases the women of showbiz, from the earliest pioneers to present-day power players, as they influence the creation of one of the country's biggest commodities: entertainment. Produced by Rory Kennedy with Producer/Director Linda Goldstein Knowlton. Narrated by Julia Roberts. MAKERS - Women in Hollywood is one of a six-part PBS series profiling the impact women have had over the past 50 years in six industries-comedy, politics, space, war, business, and Hollywood. Enjoy the documentary and then stay for the discussion. Guest panelists include actors Adella Gautier, Nadiyah Skyy Taylor and Carol Sutton, and costume designer Malikka Coston Scott. The panel will be facilitated by Karen Kaia Livers, a local casting director and actor. For more information, call Drena Clay at (504) 569-9070.

"Small Business Saturday" presented by the Urban League of Greater New Orleans' Women's Business Resource Center
October 18, 2014 | 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Free Admission
The Women's Business Resource Center of The Urban League of Greater New Orleans invites you to Small Business Saturday where you have the opportunity to snag great bargains while supporting some of the city's finest small businesses. Come out and shop ‘til you drop and get ready to make lasting connections. For more information, call (504) 620-9647.

Wine, Wheel & Weld
October 18, 2014 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Xavier University Art Village | 3520 Pine Street., NOLA
$35
Step into a new adventure close to home. Explore the magic of pottery making and welding at Wine, Wheel & Weld, a joint fundraiser for Ashé Cultural Arts Center and Xavier University Arts Department. The purpose of this event is to increase community awareness of art and cultural programming that is open and available to the public through both Ashé and Xavier. Guests get to taste a selection of wines, enjoy music, and try their hand at creating an original piece of pottery. When the sun sets, you'll witness an impressive metal pour by noted steel sculptor Martin Payton, assisted by XU art department chair and art professor Ron Bechet. Ashé's Diaspora Boutique will be on hand with goodies, and there will be student-created art for sale. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to purchase a ticket, call (504) 569-9070.

Workplace Wellness Luncheon presents Pearls of Wisdom
October 30, 2014 | 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Free and open to the public
Is your financial house in order? As we approach the end of the year, it is extremely important that we get our finances in order going into 2015. Let the Mass Mutual team help. This month's speakers are Beverly Guillory Andry, MBA, Ph.D.; Xavier J. Angel, ChFC, CLTC; and Zuleika Magee, of Mass Mutual Financial. Join the healthy discussion on the issues that are important to you with knowledgeable, experienced professionals. Other Pearls of Wisdom® seminars address some of these important topics: saving for retirement; taking care of those you love, even when you are no longer with them; how to best manage through different life stages such as getting married, college planning, and caring for your parents; how to protect your business by reviewing topics such as succession planning and retaining key employees; planning for the future of your family members with special needs; the unique needs of same-sex couples. After the luncheon, connect with one of the speakers to make an appointment to talk about your specific area of need. Special thanks to Mass Mutual Financial Services, this month's wellness luncheon sponsor. Please RSVP to (504) 569-9070 and let us know you're coming.

Barbershop Meetings - Men on the Move
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2014
Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Various Locations - See Below
Free and open to the public

October 1 - "Financial Literacy" with Greg Rattler Sr. LOCATION: Ashé, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
October 8 - "Rite of Passage" with Elder Taharka. LOCATION: Ashé, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
October 15 - LOCATION: JuJu Bag Cafe, 5363 Franklin Avenue, NOLA
October 22 - "Economic Development." LOCATION: Ashé, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
October 29 - Movie Night: "500 Hundred Years Later." LOCATION: Ashé, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA

Calling all men. The Barbershop Meeting focuses on issues of importance to the growth and well-being, especially of young men. So join the men who come out and learn from each other. Take in an interesting and informative seminar or film, and share your dreams and disappointments. Men of all ages are invited to join the lively discussions and to give input and support based on their life experiences. This meeting affords the opportunity for goal-setting and reflections. Come and bring a few friends. Peter Nakhid leads the discussions. For more information, call (504) 569-9070.

Blast that Fat with Sistahs
October 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, 2014
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Every Monday and Thursday
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans
Free and open to the public.
No dance experience required.

Mondays
Oct. 6, 13, 27 6:00 p.m. Zydeco with Darrell Drucker 7:00 p.m. Social Justice Film Series

Oct. 20 6:00 p.m. Zydeco with Darrell Drucker 7:00 p.m. Liturgical with Roscoe Reddix

Thursdays
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 6:00 p.m. Kickboxing with Tenell Moore 7:00 p.m. Liturgical with Roscoe Reddix

Oct. 30 6:00 p.m. Zydeco Night Out at Rock ‘n' Bowl, 3000 S. Carrollton Avenue.

CONGRATULATIONS! Sistah of the Month, Grace Williams.
We're fine tuning our bodies, recharging our social dancing skills, and getting our minds right. Get fit and toned with Sistahs Making a Change. Dance offerings change every 6-8 weeks and include African, Salsa, Haitian, Tap, Line Dance, Contemporary, Chicago-Style Stepping, Secondline, Zumba and more. So join up with the "sistahs" as you exercise and dance your way to wellness. The program is directed by Jamilah Peters-Muhammad, a registered nurse and professional dancer. The program offers dance, educational films and information, nutrition, and all aspects of health and wellness. A nutritious meal is served after each class. For more information, call (504) 569-9070, or just show up in exercise gear or comfortable clothing ready to move. Donations are appreciated.

Kuumba Institute Saturday Program
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. each Saturday
Ashé Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Kuumba Institute, Ashé's youth program for children ages 6 to 16, is up and running. Expose your youngster to a cultural, educational and entertaining Saturday program where students receive specialized training in drama, dance, poetry, photography, martial arts, drumming, visual arts and exciting field trips. A healthy breakfast, lunch and a snack are served. Tuition is only $40 a month for one child and $80 per month for a family of up to three children. Visit Ashé Cultural Arts Center to pick up and complete your application today. You can also obtain an application by visiting www.ashecac.org and scrolling down to the Kuumba Flier. The program's coordinator is Kesha McKey. For more information call (504) 569-9070.

Standing in the Shadows (no more) Workshops
Through November 25, 2014 (each Tuesday) | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Free and open to the public
"Standing in the Shadows (no more)" is in full swing, and the talented participants are producing lovely pieces, but it's not too late to join. Bring your imagination and join in the fun for a series of narrative quilting workshops led by visual poet artist Jacquelyn Hughes Mooney. These workshops will provide participants with opportunities to incorporate their own compelling personal stories as they create vibrant, jazzy, contemporary, quilted textile collages. During the workshops, an eclectic group of storytellers, poets, speakers, etc. will be engaged as part of the soul experience.

Finished quilts will be formally exhibited at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center from March 3-April 30, 2015. "Standing in the Shadows" will then embark on a national & international tour in the fall of 2015 with its 2nd "thread" in Montpellier, France. This is not "just" a quilting class. Those interested do not need any sewing experience. Just by simply being willing to Cover Your HeART so Your Soul will be warmed while discovering millenniums old tradition done in a contemporary vibe. Be sure bring a pair of fabric scissors, and if you desire, fabrics you can share at this communal event.

For more information, call Karel Sloane-Boekbinder at (504) 569-9070.