Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, the Municipal Council and the Department of Health & Human Services/Division of Cultural Affairs will kick off the city’s summer cultural calendar with the 35th Annual Cultural Arts Festival on Sunday, June 7, 2009 from 1 to 7 p.m. in the Central Railroad Terminal at Liberty State Park.
The event features dozens of local artists and artisans, ethnic fare, live entertainment and children’s activities. A variety of visual artists and craft makers will display their work, including paintings by Stephanie Riggi and Bojana Coklyat; photography by Jesse Lee, Rebecca Ferrier; ceramics by Tina Maneca; hats by Uta Brauser; handmade soaps and fragrances by Gloria Chapa; and jewelry by Leah Siegel-Picus.
Musical performances at this year’s Cultural Arts Festival will include Tom Parisi will host the karaoke contest; The Bobby Blue Band, for the jazz and blue fans; The 3D Band, will bring an infectious blend of island rhythms, salsa, gospel, R&B, contemporary jazz and soul; and DJ Omar Matthews will also be on hand to perform a great mixture of DJ music.
Attendees to this year’s Cultural Arts Festival can also expect a taste of different ethnic foods such as Filipino, Indian, Greek, soul food, Italian, Spanish and a variety of pastries.
There will also be a number of activities, including art and eco-friendly activities for children. Marco Beria will conduct an activity in which participants construct arts and crafts based on ecological themes using recyclable items. The arts and crafts include creating mobiles, bird houses, and musical instruments.
A clown will perform magic acts that involve audience participation, and a storyteller will perform a puppet show. Four different cartoon characters (Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Dora the Explorer and Blue’s Clues) will entertain children. Caricature artists will also be on hand to create paintings for the young and young-at-heart. Plus there will be a Moon Bounce for kids in the rear of the terminal.
For more information about the Cultural Arts Festival, please call the Division of Cultural Affairs at 201-547-6921.
All media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Morrill, Press Secretary to Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy at 201-547-4836 or 201-376-0699.///