September 7, 2006

The line-up for Sunday's Blues Fest special event, left to right: Erykah Badu, Nerak Roth Patterson, Fredéric Yonnet, Goapele, and host Dave Chappelle.

The secret is out. The surprise AACW Sunday event villagers have been whispering about all week is a concert of nationally-known performers, hosted by Dave Chappelle. The event, an extension of the Blues Fest, will take place at the Antioch College golf course; doors open at 3 p.m. The first performance will take place between 5 and 6 p.m. The complete schedule is on page 2.

Headlining the event is acclaimed neo-soul and hip-hop singer Erykah Badu, who was featured in Chappelle’s recent film, Block Party. Also performing will be rhythm and blues singer/songwriter Goapele, jazz and blues harmonica player Frederic Yonnet and blues musicians Nerak Roth Patterson, Guy Davis and Karen Patterson. Chappelle will act as emcee.

According to Carla Sims, publicist for Chappelle, the comedien and Yellow Springs resident wanted to do something for the AACW to honor his late father, Bill Chappelle, who was one of the group’s founders. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the AACW, and a portion will benefit the local Gaunt Park pool, according to AACW organizer Michael Cannon. Concert orgnanizers are requesting a $20 donation for the event.