Dixon release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 27, 2009
CONTACT: Scott Peterson 443-740-5412

Visit the International Festival on August 1 & 2

Baltimore, MD (July 31, 2009). Enjoy a celebration of Baltimore’s diverse cultures with traditional music, dance, art from around the world, and live entertainment at the International Festival 2009. On Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2 from noon-9pm, visit the Poly/ Western High School Complex, located at 1400 West Cold Spring Lane for a fun-filled weekend. The festival offers activities for all ages with martial arts, and cooking demonstrations, dance performances, fitness classes, soccer games and much more. This year’s featured entertainment includes Ashford and Simpson, Image Band, TolumiDE and Heatwave. The opening ceremony takes place Wednesday, July 29, 10am at the War Memorial Building, located at 101 N. Gay Street. Admission to the festival is free. The International Festival is a part of the 2009 Showcase of Nations Ethnic Festivals presented by Mayor Sheila Dixon and the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts.

Returning for its fifth consecutive year is the Mayor’s Cup Tournament. Throughout the weekend, international soccer teams representing Africa, Europe, Asia, South America and more will vie to become tournament champions. During the festival, there will be an “International Taste of Baltimore” with a variety of authentic foods from the Philippines, Caribbean, Russia, Korea, among others. The International BBQ Fest takes place Saturday at 3pm. The cook-off showcases the various barbecuing techniques of each participating cook and nation.

The International Festival has continuous music with regional and international musicians and vocalists performing pop, rock, folk, funk and Latin selections. On Saturday, August 1 at 6pm, the Image Band performs soca, followed by soul legends Ashford and Simpson at 8pm. On Sunday evening, visitors to the festival can hear music by afro-pop singer TolumiDE at 6pm and the Rollex Band at 7pm. Closing the festival is funk and disco group Heatwave taking the stage at 8pm. Children activities, including soccer clinics and arts and craft projects are scheduled for the weekend. Additionally, festival-goers can participate in free fitness classes such as Zumba, Pilates, yoga and Indian Bhangra influenced exercises. The annual festival promotes opportunities for people of all ethnicities and backgrounds living in the Baltimore region to come together, build relationships, and embrace unity.

For more information on the International Festival, call 410-396-3151 or www.baltimorecity.gov/ifest. For updates on the Showcase of Nations Ethnic Festivals, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com.
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