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iFest 2010 Zones - Travel the World in a Weekend!

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:13:33 GMT

An international focus on fun! Travel the world in a weekend! iFest features six entertainment zones featuring music, art and food. So you can pick a zone and zero in on one culture, or mix and match for a truly international experience! Visit: Caribbean Zone >> African Zone>> Target Kids Zone >> Latin Zone >> International Zone >> Louisiana Zone >> CARIBBEAN ZONE The Magic of our Spotlighted Country No time for a quick trip? No problem. Experience the sights, smells and sounds in the Caribbean Zone. Enjoy dazzling performances, breathtaking art, informative demonstrations and exhibits plus a fiesta of tasty treats. Don't miss these special attractions: The rich history and cultural influences of the Caribbean will come alive in this zone Upper Sam Houston Park will transform into the cultural heart of the festival in the Chevron Caribbean Living Museum Caribbean music and dance will be showcased on Center Stage, built over...

iFest 2010 Performers - So many to see, so little time...

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:54:17 GMT

We Are the World With a top-notch lineup of performers from Africa to Asia, the Houston International Festival has established itself as the center of the musical universe. - John Morthland, Texas Monthly Step right up to hear hundreds of great performers from all over the world. It's the best show in town! We've got two weekends jam-packed with entertainers you won't want to miss. A top-notch line up of performers only at iFest See funk legend George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic Dance to Latin legend Eddie Palmieri Jam with Jamaica's hottest reggae bands - Steel Pulse and the Mighty Diamonds Groove to the sounds of Latin ska/rock/hip-hop party boys Ozomatli Don't miss international superstars King Sunny Ade from Nigeria and Senegal's Baaba Maal Party with the world's best Zydeco bands J. Paul Jr. and the Zydeco Nubreeds, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Lil Brian Terry & the Zydeco Travelers and Curtis Poullard & the Creole Zydeco Band ...

VOLUNTEER PACKETS

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:11:19 GMT

Thank you so much for taking the time to volunteer for this year's Houston International Festival. We simply could not put the festival on if it were not for great people like you!

Volunteer Information including the Volunteer Pocket Guide, Siite map and parking pass will be avaiable for download after April 4, 2010.

iFest Happenings

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:45:42 GMT

There's a lot happening at festival time. Kick-off the festival at Opening Ceremony. Sneak a peek at this year's entertainment at the Free Friday concerts. Meet and mingle at the The Mayor's Gala or bid on wonderful one of a kind trips. There's a lot to see and do! iFest Opening Ceremony Friday, April 16, 2010 11:00am - 11:30am Center Stage at City Hall Official opening of the 2010 Festival, spotlighting the Caribbean. Event opens with the Sister Cities International Children's Parade followed by spectacular performances. Mayor of Houston, city officials and dignitaries from the Caribbean will attend. Special guests from the Houston media community will serve as emcees to provide an overview of the festival highlights and welcome dignitaries from the honored country. Houston International Festival: The Mayor's Gala Tropical Treasures: The Caribbean and Beyond Thursday, April 15, 2010 6:30pm - Underwriter's Reception 7:30pm - Dinner,...

Food

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:44:02 GMT

. . .as I nibbled on fried bananas and. . .as I wolfed down fish and chips, the full scope and substance of the Houston International Festival hit me. -John Morthland, Texas Monthly There's a reason we say coming to iFest is like an edible adventure. From Texas traditional to ethnic fare, variety can be found at iFest! With tons of great food and beverage booths serving delicious refreshments from all over the world, we have something for everyone's taste. Of course, we'll have plenty of great tropical inspired food from our spotlighted countries of the Caribbean. Plus we'll have Chinese, Japanese, Jamaican, Mexican and Greek cuisine, sweet treats from Marble Slab Creamery. . . and so much more. Fortify and refresh yourself with our Food Vendors' delectable array of entrees, snacks, and event beverages to please every palate. Bon Appetit Cooking Connection presents the Cuisines of the Caribbean And don't miss the amazing cooking demonstrations on the...

Grupo Kache

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:49:40 GMT

Tuyo Embarking upon an adventurous desire to combine traditional Latin flavor with modern rhythms, Rudy Rincon and the members of Grupo Ka-Che have taken their dream to greater heights, by embracing their heritage and sharing the spirit of a sound that has been passed from generation to generation. Founded in November ’96, this group has not only captured the heart and soul of Latin music within the Houston area, but they have begun to spread their magic nationwide. “We haven’t just had the honor of being named ‘Best Latin Band,’ by the Houston Chronicle, but we have also been asked to perform in various venues outside of the state such as Colorado Springs, Philadelphia, and Las Vegas,” Rudy and Grupo Ka-Che have been featured in several local festivals such as the Houston International Festival, Festival de la Salsa, and The PRC Festival among others. Also, they are a regular act every year on entertainment seasons series and local...

Strictly Street Salsa Dancers

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:49:45 GMT

Motivated by a passionate dream of sharing the Latin American culture and with 5 students in a small dance studio, what is now known as Strictly Street Salsa was born. That was 1998 and today, Strictly Street Salsa has instructed thousands of students across the state of Texas. Ranging from individual to group to corporate classes, our instructors have been committed to bringing audiences a taste of an authentic Latin American dance experience or as it’s called in Latin circles, “sabor”.

Stimulated by the rich heritage found in the melding of cultures from Africans and Gypsy music, to Native American and Europeans, we have set forth as our mission, to awaken in every person that comes to our program, an appreciation and love for Latin American music and movement, building bridges between people of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. The continuous support received fuels our enthusiasm, for which we are sincerely grateful!

2010 iFEST MUSIC SCHEDULE

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:29:15 GMT

View and print schedules by day: Saturday April 17th >> | Sunday April 18th >> | Saturday April 24th >> | Sunday April 25th >> | Complete Schedule >> FRIDAY, APRIL 16 CENTER STAGE 11:00 Official Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Festival 12:00 Mark Towns Latin Jazz Band 12:45 Strictly Street Salsa Dancers 1:00 Mark Towns Latin Jazz Band SATURDAY, APRIL 17 CENTER STAGE 12:30 Carnival Parade with Los Parranderos and Mocko Jumbie Stilt Dancers 1:00 Caribbean Dance Party with DJ Kasanova 2:00 Strictly Street Salsa Dancers 2:30 Caribbean Dance Party with DJ Kasanova 3:30 Carnival Parade with Los Parranderos and Mocko Jumbie Stilt Dancers 4:00 Strictly Street Salsa Dancers 5:00 Dance Party with DJ Kassanova 6:00 Bachata Roja Legends featuring Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic) with the Strictly Street Salsa Dancers 7:00 Caribbean Dance Party with DJ Kassanova 9:00 Caribbean Dance Party with DJ...

Chris Bell 100% Blues

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:40:51 GMT

Real Bluesman “Chris Bell delivers the real blues…lowdown and from the heart. He communicates naturally and gives us what’s on his mind, keeping the blues tradition near at hand with one foot planted firmly in the 21st Century” --- Jim Santella / Southland Blues Magazine. Guitarist/singer/songwriter, Silver Bridge Recording blues artist Chris Bell was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Massachusetts, and credits both his parents for introducing him to blues, jazz, rhythm & blues and gospel music. At the early age of nine, he picked up his first guitar and discovered his passion. During the 1980's, while majoring in art and music at the University of Massachusetts, Chris participated in jazz workshops with Archie Shepp, attended a summer session at Berklee School of Music, and studied under guitar great Tony MacAlpine. In 1990, Chris relocated to Los Angeles to further develop his musical career, and in 2000, went back to his roots and formed what...

Neutral Sister with Mr. Blacc Sheep and Yard Band

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:20:26 GMT

Hold on Haiti Born in Kenya East Africa to an English father and Jamaican Mother Kyra Noons grew up singing in the choirs at school while growing up in England, Jamaica and then America she joined with her sister Bianca to become the group Neutral Sisters in 1998 and the two began writing songs together. Soon after their song Live-N-Direct was entered in the Billboard Songwriters competition which won them first place in the Pop category during their eight years together as a group Kyra and Bianca/Neutral Sisters were known as a new wave in Reggae and graced many stages, they opened for Luciano at Tropical Insanity Spring break in Jamaica,opened for Bone Thugs and Harmony in Montego Bay Jamaica,performed on Sumfest in Jamaica hitting the stage right before Sean Paul and Sumfest in Miami hitting the stage right before Lady Saw. They also performed at the Rebel Salute in Jamaica hitting the stage right before Junior Gong/Damian Marley. They opened for Acon at the International Arts...

Karina Nistal Band

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:40:46 GMT

El Mismo Singer/songwriter Karina Nistal is known to align herself with diverse and solid collaborations to showcase her extensive range. Her work consists of emotive jazz vocals on downtempo tracks, rapping in Spanish for the worldly sounds of reggaeton, or fusing soulful Latin vocals with lively dance music. Most significantly, it is a vibrant charisma that carries over her poetic musings in either English or Spanish, or her self-assured flirtatious rhymes. There's a very fine line between poetry and rap, but it's one that only Karina interconnects with finesse. Music captivated the native Houstonian at an early age. Karina indulged in old school hip hop, rhythm & blues, soul and jazz. It was Karina's mixed Hispanic heritage (Mexican and Cuban) that spotlighted Latin styles-traditional mariachi folk music and the Afro-Cuban beats of salsa. After several years of featuring on numerous Dance and Hip Hop releases, Karina made her first full-length bilingual debut album, Nistyle on...

HSPVA Jazz All-Stars

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:10:27 GMT

Voodoo Brass Band

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:03:10 GMT

O Lil' Liza The power of music to some is the life force that adheres many friends, families and organizations together. That powerful spirit of music has for years been associated with the lively city of New Orleans. The Louisiana city is known for its food, magical connotations, the Saints, but mainly for its Second Line music. Traditional Second Line bands played after burials at funerals and at parades or special events. In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, many thought that the spirit of the vibrant city had seen its last day… not if the Voodoo Brass Band could help it. The Voodoo Brass Band, a group of 8 artists, banned together to bring a taste of home to many of their displaced friends and family. The band was formed on November 24, 2005 under the shadow of NFO, an organization created to service the needs of New Orleans band members to University Marching Bands, playing their 1st performance at a private party to give a sensation to a group...

Cecil and Rainel Pino Orchestra

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:39:40 GMT

Amor Prohibido Cecille Cristina was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela to a musical family. Her musical influence started with her parents and brothers who have performed at different levels locally and abroad. In 1998, Cecille and her family immigrated to Houston, Texas where her interest in music began. During this time, her brothers were active musicians both in Canada and Houston. Cecille always found joy in supporting their craft and immersed herself in various types of music. In 2003, Cecille made her debut as a lead vocalist with several local bands, simultaneously studying at Houston Community College in pursuit of a degree in music. She began by taking private voice lessons and then teamed up with partner and music producer, Rainel Pino who helped her develop the talent that she had as a singer and made her realize the potential she had to grow as a performer. In 2007, she auditioned at Houston Baptist University and received a vocal scholarship to study Music Education where...

Orgullo Vallenato

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:27:25 GMT

Mi Sangre Latina

iFest - What's it all about?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:15:35 GMT

The Houston International Festival It's all about celebrating diversity and learning about different cultures. It's all about making our children, the future generation, global citizens. Who's Behind All This? The Houston Festival Foundation, Inc., a 501-c-3 non-profit organization established in 1971, is the muscle behind this great event. The Foundation is supported primarily through corporate sponsorship and corporate and Foundation grants, site vendors, in-kind support from the City of Houston through services, and YOUR vital support as a Festival visitor. Our non-profit status keeps our ticket prices low! (surf the web and compare our cost to other festivals that charge) Where Does The Revenue Go? Right back into the Festival. To bring you more high quality entertainment and cultural exhibits every year. To pay for the music, the sound, the lights, the stages. To fund arts and education programs which reach nearly one million students in the Greater Houston area,...

Sarah Hickman

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:24:13 GMT

O Canteloupe! SARA’S ADULT MUSIC Sara has been recording and touring since 1989 on major and indie labels. MOTHERLODE, her latest adult cd, was released summer 2006. It is a two disc-set which offers the listener the opportunity to “choose their mood, choose their disc”. A collection of upbeat songs (disc one) and songs of woe (disc two), all relating to Sara’s thoughts on music, motherhood, and the state of the world. Sara releases all her cds on SLEEVELESS, her independent label. She oversees marketing, distribution, licensing and creation of the projects. With her husband (Lance Schriner) and two other designers/photographers (Todd Wolfson and Neil Ferguson), she also owns STINGRAY, a design company that creates cd and book jacket designs. SARA’S CHILDREN’S MUSIC Through her first self-released children’s album, NEWBORN, Sara donated over $50,000 to the Hill Country Youth Ranch (which aids abused and neglected children) and to the...

Ned Sublette

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:16:34 GMT

Not Fade Away

NED SUBLETTE (ned@qbadisc.com)is the author of The Year Before the Flood: A Story of New Orleans (Lawrence Hill Books, 2009); The World That Made New Orleans: From Spanish Silver to Congo Square (Lawrence Hill Books, 2008, paper 2009); and Cuba and Its Music: From the First Drums to the Mambo (Chicago Review Press, 2004, paper 2007). Howard Mandel wrote in December 2009 that The Year Before the Flood is “the best book of the year on modern America’s roots music and growing up with its contradictions. The reader sees things through its singer-songwriter-author’s eyes, and feels like he’s playing in Ned’s band.” Born in Lubbock, Texas, and raised in Louisiana, Texas and New Mexico, Sublette moved to New York City in 1976 and was part of the downtown scene of the ‘80s there. His most recent album was Cowboy Rumba, released by Palm Pictures, and his song “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly,” composed in 1981, was released in a version by Willie Nelson in 2006. He is presently working on a book about Haiti and on a new album, Kiss You Down South. He is the founder of the Institute for Postmambo Studies.

Sister Sister y Los Misters

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:02:54 GMT

Latino Rocks Do you like salsa? We're not talking the dance craze either! We're talking about the hot, savory chili peppers, the fresh tomatoes, and all of the spices that come together for a wonderful taste that keeps you coming back for more! If you do, you will love the music of Sister Sister Y Los Misters. Their roots are American but their soul is Latino. Their music is a mixed-bag of flavors and colors with jazzy influenences mixed with the sultry soul of their Latino heritage. It's their Latin-Soul-With-A-Twist kind of music that keeps the juices flowing, your body moving...swaying to their style of music. Their musical showcase is an invigorating, bi-cultural, musical experience for all to share! It's passionate, sultry, entertaining and loads of fun! When the night is really caliente...their soulful Latino blues come out to play. What a show!! Grab ahold of your seat and hold on!!! SISTER SISTER Melinda Hernandez, (a.k.a Mimi Durango), is the songwriter and lead...

Bachata Roja Legends featuring Puerto Plata

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:59:49 GMT

Mujer Perjura Following on the release, “Bachata Roja: Acoustic Bachata from the Cabaret Era,” iASO presents The Bachata Roja Legends Concert Series: a live showcase uniting revered figures from bachata’s storied past with young stars from the new generation. In the early 1980s, Ramon Cordero, Ysidro Cabrera ‘El Chivo Sin Ley’ and Edilio Paredes collaborated to create a performance series called “Lunes de Amargue” (Amargue translates loosely as the bitter-sweet feeling of unrealized love). The series was so successful that copycat ‘Noches de amargue’ surfaced and bachata began to be referred to as “Musica de amargue”, a term still used today. The success of these shows helped bachata reach new more affluent audiences and was an important prelude bachata’s emergence internationally. Chivo and Cordero’s vocal magnetism and dramatic stage presence joined with Edilio’s expressive virtuosity are...