NO FOOLIN’ Fools Ball to celebrate Harlem Renaissance’s creativity BY IAN DONNIS

Long before hip-hop became the cultural idiom that transcended racial and geographic boundaries, the Harlem Renaissance set the stage for other social movements in the United States. Myron M. Beasely, committee chair for AS220’s 10th Fools Ball — taking place this Saturday, May 22, says in program notes that the period "marked a crucial development [in] African-American intellectualism, artistic representation, and the shift in perceptions of African-American identity — a paramount moment when art and artists who functioned as cultural workers profoundly shaped and laid the foundation of critical rights discourse and liberatory politics to come in the United States."

So what could be a better theme for the latest Fools Ball, the freewheeling, multifaceted celebration that doubles as the nonprofits art space’s top annual fundraiser? Want to be cerebral and conjure creative ferment with 400 other guests? Think Harlem Renaissance. Want to sip cocktails and shake your booty at the rip-roaring three-story house party? Think Harlem Renaissance.

The spirit of such great American artists as Langston Hughes, Bessie Smith, Josephine Baker, Paul Robeson, and James Van Der Zee will help to provide inspiration for the event, highlighting AS220’s traditional connection between art and social action organizations. "It’s going to be a great night," says assistant director of development Tina Dillman, "and will highlight AS220’s achievements over the last 10 years."

The entertainment bill for the main event, slated to take place from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence (visit www.as220.org or call 401-831-9327), includes the White Man, Rory Raven, Eric Fontana, the Kat-Fu Crew, the Anagram Ensemble, Neo 90’s Dance Band, Big Sam from Alabam’ and the Four Steps of Rhythm, Beat Circus, Mahi Mahi, DJ Donald King, Reverend Glass Eye, and films sponsored by Acme Video. Tickets are $25 (the Phoenix is a cosponsor). As usual, celebrants "will come festively (or foolishly) attired," as AS220’s news release notes.

More than 200 artists will participate in the planning, preparation, and implementation of the Fools Ball, which has evolved over the years from a marathon cabaret of all-night performances to an event broadly appealing enough to encompass corporate sponsors and Scotty the Blue Bunny, a towering and flamboyant man in a rabbit outfit.

The Fools Ball is the crowning event of a week of Fools-related activity at AS220, including a special edition of the Action Speaks lecture series devoted to the Harlem Renaissance. Founded in 1985, AS220 continues to branch out, with the Project Space gallery at the Rhode Island Foundation and nascent plans for expanding into additional space in downtown Providence.