Funda is a Zulu word, spoken by the people in South Africa. Long before there were books, the elders and griots and jaliyas-the storytellers- were the keepers of the culture. They passed on stories and songs so the community would learn its history, values, and traditions, in the oral tradition. That's what we offer here: a place to learn. Not only that, it looks like FUN!

Schedule of Events:

January 17, 2025

7:00pm - 11:00 pm: Opening Party

Join RIBS and our supporters to a ritual around the fire to kindle our Funda Fest experience.  Following a gathering of stories, drums, music and acknowledgements, join us for a party, with food and music, to celebrate our 27th annual Funda Fest.

Location: Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907

January 18, 2025

07:30 pm - 10:00 pm: Storytelling for Grown Folk

Hosts: BMor and Chris and Featuring our Legacy Academy!

Location: Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907

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January 19, 2025

04:00 pm - 07:00 pm: Words and Music - Spoken Word Event

Join Funda Fest for an evening of poetry and spoken word. MC'd by Simply Sara. In addition to the featured artists, come sign up for the open mic. Vendors and a live DJ make this a great party!

Location: Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907

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January 22, 2025

06:00 pm - 08:30 pm: Community Flavors

Join RIBS to share food and stories around the table.

Location: Oasis International, 600 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907

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January 23, 2025

08:00 pm - 11:00 pm: Urban Legends (The Art of Storytelling in Hip Hop)

Join us as we explore the relationship between storytelling and hip hop. This will be an exciting evening of performance, conversation, and artistic collaboration you won't want to miss!

Location: Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907

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January 25, 2025

10:00 AM - 04:00 pm: Free Family Fun Day

Join RIBS and invited guest storytellers for an interactive, family oriented storytelling program, and craft activities that relate to the storytelling.

Location: Community College of Rhode Island, 1 Hilton St, Providence, RI 02905

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07:30 pm - 10:30 pm: Evening Concert for Grown Folk

Featuring Muriel Johnson, Nester, Mitch and Teju

Location: Community College of Rhode Island, 1 Hilton St, Providence, RI 02905

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January 26, 2025

04:00 pm - 06:00 pm: Sacred Storytelling

RIBS tellers host our international artists and invited guests (Kim Trusty, Abe Henderson, Nestor Gomez,  Mitch, Teju) for an afternoon of stories and music that will nourish your soul. Good for all ages.

Location: Community College of Rhode Island, 1 Hilton St, Providence, RI 02905

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Date: January 17 - January 26, 2025

Location: Various Venues In Providence, RI

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