SPECIAL EVENTS

Thousands will converge on the streets of Downtown Houston in April, as the 40th Annual Houston International Festival spotlights the Caribbean April 17-18 and 24-25, 2010, with world musical performances, international arts and crafts markets, artisan demonstrations, interactive exhibits and plenty of food and fun for all ages.

The Houston International Festival (iFest) continues its tradition as one of the largest presenters of internationally-acclaimed artists from around the globe. Each year, iFest puts the best of world music next to the finest national and regional roots music to demonstrate how music and dance can communicate across cultural and linguistic barriers.

This year’s lineup, honoring the Caribbean, features continuous music, dance and cultural performances on eight stages.

2010 Headliners include: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Ozomatli, Eddie Palmieri, King Sunny Ade, Baaba Maal, Steel Pulse, Latinology featuring Joel Guzman and Sarah Fox, Norma Zenteno Band, Joe Ely Band featuring David Grissom, Marcia Ball, Tab Benoit, J. Paul Jr. and the Zydeco Nubreeds, Dave Alvin & the Guilty Women, Brave Combo, Karina Nistal, Sideshow Tramps,The Mighty Diamonds, Los de Abajo, Mark May Band, Zydepunks, plus many more!

Stretching across 16 acres of downtown parks and streets including City Hall, Bagby Street, and Tranquility and Sam Houston Parks, iFest features six entertainment-themed zones including Caribbean, African, Target Kids, Latin, International and Louisiana.

CARIBBEAN ZONE
The centerpiece of this year’s event, the Caribbean Zone, celebrates the rich history and cultural influences of the islands as the areas surrounding City Hall and Upper Sam Houston Park become an island paradise with music, dance, interactive demonstrations and an international market featuring premium arts and crafts and authentic Caribbean fare. A reproduction of a historic pirate ship, colonial fort and chapel are the focal point for the Caribbean Zone.

Center Stage, a highlight of the Caribbean Zone built over the Reflection Pool in front of Houston’s City Hall presents international groups including: Bachata Roja Legends, often referred to as “the Buena Vista Social Club of the Dominican Republic” and featuring legendary bachata singer Puerto Plata; La Excelencia, known for its hard-driving salsa dura (pure salsa) approach; and the Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Dance Ensemble, from New York, featuring the legendary Cuban dancer La Mora, Houston’s own international reggae star Neutral Sister, with Mr. Blacc Sheep and Yard Band, will headline the first weekend. Each day will begin with a Carnival parade featuring the Mocko Jumbie stilt dancers. These will be followed by a full day of performances by Houston’s top salsa, merengue, reggae and soca dance troupes and local bands, as well as Caribbean dance parties hosted by Houston’s most popular Caribbean club deejays.

The Chevron Caribbean Living Museum in Upper Sam Houston Park is the focal point for the Caribbean Zone and the cultural heart of iFest as it provides a cultural journey and celebration of the Caribbean Islands. A 40-foot-long reproduction of a historic pirate ship will be taken over by costumed pirate performers, drummers and dancers. Visitors will learn about the history of famous pirates of the Caribbean through interactive displays and presentations. Tour a reproduction of the 16th century El Morro Fort, or officially Castillo de San Felipe del Morro. Guests can scale the exhibit to the tower. Fort walls contain displays explaining the history of this fascinating time in the Caribbean. On top of the fort, survey the Living Museum through a spyglass. Periodic cannon shots will transport visitors back in time.

Stroll through a picturesque chapel reminiscent of Alto Vista, the first Roman Catholic Church constructed in Aruba by Spanish missionaries. Exhibits accompanying the chapel will feature religions of the Caribbean and reproductions of Cuban Orisha art from the Center for Cuban Studies in New York. Festival-goers will see a Bohio, a circular dwelling reminiscent of the buildings constructed of wooden poles, straw and palm leaves inhabited by indigenous people of the Caribbean. In addition, visitors can sample the unique flora and fauna of the Caribbean in the Caribbean Spice Center. A Caribbean Culture and Literature area will feature members of local Caribbean communities representing a range of cultural and educational information.

The H-E-B Cultural Stage will again host a mix of local dance troupes, musical and literary readings and fashion shows. Celebrity and local chefs tease your taste buds with cooking demonstrations featuring the cuisine of the Caribbean.

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS AND FOOD
Hundreds of artists from around the world exhibit and sell a vast array of handcrafted goods in unique markets throughout several blocks of the Festival site. In addition to authentic Caribbean cuisine, the festival offers flavors from all over the world including: Cajun, Creole, Mediterranean, Thai, Japanese, Southwestern and Continental cuisines.

SPECIAL EVENTS
The Festival hosts additional events including the Opening Ceremony, which kicks off the Festival at 11 a.m. Friday, April 16 followed by a free lunchtime concert at City Hall. The Mayor’s Gala, a fundraiser for the Festival’s year-round arts, education and outreach programs will be held Thursday, April 15 at the Omni Houston Hotel.

FESTIVAL HOURS
The Festival will take place Saturdays Noon – 10 p.m. and Sundays Noon – 8 p.m.

ADMISSION
Tickets are on sale at the festival website, www.ifest.org.  Tickets will also be available for purchase at H-E-B stores.

All proceeds benefit the Festival arts and education programs. For more information, call 713-654-8808 or access the Festival’s official website at www.ifest.org.