|
|
| 12-Apr-09 11:00 PM CST | ||
|
||
iFest 2009 Fact Sheet |
IFEST 2009 FACT SHEETThe 38th annual festival brings the sights and sounds of Ireland to Houston
W WHAT: Houston International Festival 2009 Spotlighting Ireland
WHEN: Weekends April 18-19 and April 25-26, 2009 (Saturday, Noon – 10 p.m.; Sunday, Noon – 9 p.m.)
iFest Free Preview Day: April 17, 2009, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Houston – Including City Hall, Upper and Lower Tranquility Park, Bagby Street and Upper and Lower Sam Houston Parks
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC & DANCE: Featuring diverse and celebrated music and dance groups from around the world. Seven international entertainment-themed zones feature performers from
around the world, from Cajun, zydeco, blues and rock, to country, folk,
Latin and reggae. Zones include Ireland, International, Target Kids, Louisiana, Texas/Latin, Jamaica and African/Caribbean.
IRELAND ZONE: The centerpiece of this year’s Festival, the Ireland Zone, will celebrate the
rich history and cultural influences of Ireland, spanning from City Hall to Upper Sam Houston Park. A replica of the legendary Blarney Castle, a world landmark built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains and a reproduction of an Irish crannog, an ancient settlement/artificial island built for fortification, will highlight the Chevron Ireland Living Museum in Upper Sam Houston Park. Visitors will be encouraged to try wattling, the traditional method of weaving the walls and fences of a structure with branches. Interactive exhibits and artisan demonstrations depicting the arts, culture and history of Ireland, from the Flight of the Earls and Irish literature and history, to a display about the Golden Age of Christianity and Irish in America, will emphasize this year’s Irish theme.
The Ireland Zone will host performances by Beoga, a five-piece traditional band based in County Antrim, Ireland. Festive Irish dance groups will gather on Center Stage, which spans the reflection pool at City Hall, to entertain festival-goers. A traditional Irish Pub across from Center Stage will bear a resemblance to an Irish pub straight from the streets of Dublin.
The H-E-B Cultural Stage will feature the song, dance, cuisine and fashions of Ireland. Celebrity and local chefs will host cooking demonstrations daily with traditional Irish cuisine. Visitors will also enjoy cultural performances and a fashion show highlighting customary Irish kilts and costumes.
INTERNATIONAL MARKETS: An outdoor international art gallery and shopping experience offering numerous
arts markets and international craft demonstrations featuring works from more than 500 artists from all over the world. Markets will include Irish, Gypsy, International, African-Caribbean, Bayou, Latin and Fine Arts Avenue.
INTERNATIONAL FOOD: In addition to authentic Irish cuisine, the festival will offer flavors from
around the world pleasing all palates. Selections include Cajun, Creole, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Thai, Italian, Japanese, as well as Southwestern and Continental.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL: The Festival's 22nd consecutive Education Program features the
Teacher's Curriculum Guide produced by the Houston International Festival. The guide will be distributed to more than 1,400 campuses in seven counties across Texas including HISD, Harris County, Galveston and Fort Bend.
I IMPACT: The guide is available to a potential 900,000 students who will learn about
the culture and history of Ireland through the Festival's Curriculum Guide.
SPECIAL EVENTS: Opening Ceremony Friday, April 17 at 11 a.m. – Center Stage at City Hall
The Mayor’s Gala Thursday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. – Hilton Americas Houston This fundraising gala dinner hosted by Mayor Bill White of the City of Houston and Mrs. Andrea White honors visiting dignitaries and Houston’s Consular Corps. Proceeds benefit the Houston Festival Foundation’s year-round arts, education and outreach programs.
TICKETS: Tickets go on sale March 1 online at www.ifest.org. Beginning April 1,
tickets will also be available for purchase at H-E-B stores:
$7.50 St. Patty’s Special Advance Tickets Available March 1 – 31, online only
$10.00 Early-Bird Admission Available April 1 – 13, online and H-E-B Stores
$15.00 Regular Admission Available April 14 through end of Festival and at the Gate
FREE Target Kids Free (kids 12 and under are FREE)
All proceeds benefit the Festival arts and education programs.
Transportation: Call METROLine 713-635-4000 for information on routes and schedules and all METRO services.
MORE INFO: Call the Houston International Festival office at 713.654.8808 or access the Festival Web site at www.ifest.org. |
Comments for iFest 2009 Fact Sheet: |
|
|
| For additional information on this release, please contact: | ||
| Tracy Golden | ||
| Phone: (713) 722-9433 | ||
| Email: | ||
| Source: | ||
| Website: N/A | ||
•
 del.icio.us •
 digg •
 facebook
|
||
| Related Documents: | ||
|
|
||
|
||
| Other Recent Releases: | ||
|
||
