13

SUNDAY

Forget Lilith and Lollapalooza. The cultural event of the century’s end is coming to D.C. Call it Smokin’ Griots, or maybe Wordstock ’97. Call it what you want, but don’t sleep. Amiri Baraka, Ntozake Shange, Sonia Sanchez, Sekou Sundiata, the Last Poets, Ethelbert Miller…Jackie McLean, Bobby Parker, Keeter Betts, Fred Foss, Nap Turner…and you haven’t heard the half of it. Who could assemble such an outstanding lineup of cultural luminaries in our fair city? Only one man: Gaston Neal, D.C.’s poet laureate of protest, communist cultural ambassador, jazz cat, activist, and all-around man about town. Despite an ongoing battle with cancer, Neal remains an active contributor to the city he’s called home for over 40 years. Proceeds from this afternoon’s benefit, “Scattered Pieces of the Action: A Cultural Reunion Honoring Gaston Neal,” will go to an education trust fund for Neal’s young children. At 4 p.m. at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium, 6th & Fairmont Sts. NW. $25. (202) 806-7198. (Holly Bass)