ONLINE: International Festival

×

Expand

courtesy Beni Daiko

Madison-based Japanese taiko drumming group Beni Daiko.

This free celebration of cultures usually brings throngs to the Overture Center, but for 2021 International Festival transforms into an online extravaganza. In a way, cheers to us all for going down that road to continue to make these performances available. But the buzz of activity in the theaters and common spaces of the O.C. will be sorely missed (not to mention the food court). Don't miss the MLK Community Choir, UW Russian Folk Orchestra, Roots of Brazil Capoeira, Beni Daiko (pictured) or the Mad Craic Irish Dance troupe. Even Yid Vicious is doing a set. Find the livestream on the Overture website through March 5; registration is appreciated but not required.

press release: Join Overture Center for the Arts’ International Festival 2021: Your Virtual Passport to the Arts on Saturday, Feb. 27. The free virtual event kicks off at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony hosted by Ed Holmes, PhD, Sr. VP of equity and innovation, and Alanna Medearis, director of education and community engagement. Visitors can explore cultures around the world by clicking links on an interactive map. Content will be available through Friday, March 5.

For the past 40 years, International Festival has served as an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage within our community. This year, enjoy pre-recorded performances, cooking demonstrations, cultural spotlights and more by artists who call Dane County home. In addition, the festival includes an international online market where visitors can find numerous “booths” full of treasures and gifts for sale. Registration is requested.  

“There are time honored cultural traditions that are so valuable they must be kept. The International Festival is one such tradition for Madison and surrounding communities,” said Holmes. “Each year we mark the everchanging beauty, significance and value of cultural diversity by showcasing art, music, artifacts, dance and more. We celebrate by elevating individual cultural traditions while recognizing and uplifting our commonality as members of the greater human family. It is one of the reasons International Festival has become one of our largest community events.”

More than 15 cultures are represented in International Festival 2021, including Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Philippines, Russia, Spain, Taiwan and West Africa.

The following organizations and artists will participate in International Festival 2021: Atimevu, Boliviamanta, Charanga Agoza, Italian Workmen’s Club, Kioja Dance Team, Last Gaspe, Leslie Damaso & Mr. Chair, Limanya Drum & Dance Ensemble, Mad Craic Irish Dance, Madison Chinese Cultural Association, Madison Empowering Movement Opportunity, Madison Japanese Taiko Drumming Group Beni Daiko, Madison Männerchor, Madison Mantova Sister City Project, Madison Rafah Sister City Project, Meenakshi Ganesan & Kaalanjali Indian Dance Company, Mesoghios Greek Dance Troupe, MLK Community Choir, Poonam Mahajan, Raizes Do Brazil, Roots of Brazil Capoeira, Sadira Middle Eastern Dance, Sergio El Vacilon, Swiss Alphorns, Taiwan Puppet Troupe at UW-Madison, Tania Tandias Flamenco & Spanish Dance, The Handphibians, UW Russian Folk Orchestra, Wisconsin Dells Singers, Yid Vicious, Žaibas Lithuanian Dancers, Zhong Yi Kung Fu

International Festival is sponsored by MG&E Foundation, CUNA Mutual Group and Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison. The event is underwritten by Charles and Barbara Saeman.