By Jason Kidwell

DJ Hi-Tek

Take time to celebrate diversity in the local arts scene this weekend at THA BLAST, presented by Hip-Notic Concepts, part of Enjoy The Arts' 20/20 Festival. This three-day urban arts and cultural festival showcases the wealth of local artistic talent in the African-American community. The event also honors R&B; legend Bootsy Collins for his contributions to young artists everywhere.

"That's what Tha Blast is all about," says Robin Harrison, president of Hip-Notic Concepts and the event's principal organizer. "It was created in the spirit of paying tribute to those who have paved the way and are at a point where they can look back and give back. That's important, because it's where we should all be."

The event lineup emphasizes urban arts as a vehicle for social change, healing and education. Harrison -- one of the city's "Next Influentials" according to our recent State of the Arts issue -- believes the event will serve as a catalyst to bridge the gap between generations and economic groups within the African-American community while bringing a deeper awareness to the abundance of culture and talent that exists here.

"With the issues surrounding the boycott, our community has become so divided. The arts can, hopefully, bring down the barriers and get people to have dialogue about our differences," she says.

The festival opens Thursday with a live taping of the 144 Show on the rooftop of Media Bridges (1104 Race St., Over-the-Rhine). Hosted by the Artistic Order of the 144K, the show will feature live music and spoken word performances. Friday a panel discussion, "Let's Rap," takes place at the Arts Consortium (1515 Linn St., West End). Speakers include CityBeat columnist Kathy Y. Wilson, national recording artist DJ Hi-Tek and prominent visual artist Thom Shaw. They will focus on the importance of urban artistic expression as a means to impact social change. Also, WDBZ-AM (The Buzz) will be in the house broadcasting the discussion live.

On Saturday poet Jessica Care Moore hosts a workshop designed to help teens work out their angst through storytelling, writing and Hip-Hop lyrics. Later in the evening, the festival concludes with a benefit at SSNOVA (2260 Central Pkwy., Brighton). Highlights include a tribute to Hip Hop with a performance by Moore and the award presentation to Collins. As a bonus, 23 of the region's most prolific visual artists will have works on view in a show curated by artist/educator Tarrence Corbin. 513-621-4700 or www.cincinnatiArts.com (See Events.) -- NICHELLE M. BOLDEN

FRIDAY 03
Carlton Scott Sturgill's current SSNOVA exhibition, Headline: 1971-2003, brings to mind David Lynch's Blue Velvet -- perversity hidden within the seemingly mundane. Sturgill's largely oil-based works skillfully juxtapose straightforward '50s ads with subtly placed, almost subliminal images of carnality via a distinct, colorful style. His roots are not so subtle (Sturgill grew up on Cincinnati's West side), as he offers up unique takes on several local figures who have shaped our city's image over the years -- Larry Flynt, Pete Rose, Jerry Springer, Simon Lies and Charlie Luken, to name a few. Subversive, playful and technically accomplished, Headline is not to be missed. The exhibition closes Friday; to make an appointment, e-mail info@ssnova.org. (See Art.) -- JASON GARGANO

SATURDAY 04
What's BETTER THAN BURGERS? Lots of things, really, but we'll save that for another time. In this capacity, the only thing better than ArtWorks' inaugural exhibit at the brand new Time Warner Gallery (811 Race St., Downtown) is the work itself. The first show in the new space features pieces by this summer's apprenticeship teaching artists, who acted as mentors to local teens who otherwise might have spent their summer tending cash registers, mowing lawns or flipping burgers. In that sense, anything's better than burgers -- especially creativity. Opening reception, with live music, probably burgers and a cash bar: 6-10 p.m. Saturday. 513-333-0388. (See Art.) -- JESSICA TURNER

SATURDAY 04
It's said the sum is greater than the parts. Certainly something magical happens when traditional African drums and dance combine. Now to Cincinnati, from Burina Faso in West Africa, by way of France, comes an intriguing blend adding modern dance to the mix. This weekend SALIA NÏ SEYDOU, a company of virtuosic dancers and musicians, performs "Figninto" ("he who does not see"). Experience 70 minutes of ritual and theatrical spectacle that evoke powerful emotions by way of almost superhuman movement. Contemporary Dance Theater's Guest Artist Series opener takes place at the Jarson-Kaplan Theater at 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 513-241-SHOW. (See Onstage.) -- KATHY VALIN

SUNDAY 05
Some people aren't so keen on the seasonal haunted house excursion. Some people, no matter how many times they try to brave it, will still cry and pee their pants. The fourth annual KINGS ISLAND FEARFEST, opening Saturday, is not for these people. Back with new attractions like Route 666 (think Final Destination) and the close quarters of the Curse of the Crypt's catacombs, the Halloween fest brings back some trusty scares from the past like the Circus of Horrors and Superstition, among others. For the little ones -- or those too afraid of fake blood and strobe lights -- there are fairly un-frightening activities like The Great Pumpkin and Boo's House. Maybe some people should hang around there. Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 2. 513-754-5700. (See Halloween.) -- JESSICA TURNER

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