The New York Family Arts Festival is a wonderful celebration centered on family and bridging communities by presenting an internationally diverse roster of artists and cultural villages. We realize the importance of providing wholesome opportunities for families to experience as a unit, including artistic representation from cultures all over the world. Since it started in 1999, the Festival has been free of charge and fun for everyone. More...

Family Arts Festival 2009:

Harlem Speaks: Caribbean Swing

• June 5  7pm
Co-sponsored with the National Jazz Museum in Harlem
NJMH Allstars

Join us as National Jazz Museum in HarlJunem Director Loren Schoenberg takes us on a musical journey in an revealing dialogue with award-winning trumpeter Etienne Charles.

Then we'll swing right into a jazz fused Afro-Caribbean groove with Etienne Charles at the helm of the NJMH Allstars.

Aesop Family Fable

• June 6  3pm

A Jazzed, Popped, Hip-Hopped, Beat-Boxed version of Aesop's fables.

Join M.C. D. Cross

With performances by:
Ruby Dee and FABLE:
Ronne Haynie
Lorenzo Von Smith
Tequan Worthen

Families have formed performance teams and with a randomly selected Aesop fable, will bring the story to life with only the creativity of their voices. Help us cheer them on!

Artz, Rootz, Rhythm

• June 12  7pm
Co-sponsored with the Harlem Arts Alliance
Winners All!

Celebrating Forty Years of Creative Success & Survival in the Arts

Harlem School of the Arts
New Heritage Theatre
Uptown Dance Academy

Jazzmobile

Finale: Community Sing for All Performers & Audience

The Clowns (Los Payasos)

• June 14  2pm
Featuring Dr. Glory's Youth Theatre

An original musical written, directed and choreographed by Dr. Glory Van Scott.

In the mythological planet of "WuTalway" live the people called: "WuTalwaylalaeezers", who along with their queen called "oh yeah - sis" decide that the only emotion that they will allow to be expressed on their planet is laughter.

In order to accomplish this, they kidnap famous clowns from Earth--Los Payasos, Harlequin, Scaramouche, Pagliacci Pierrot, Emmett Kelly and their leaders Columbia Alpha, Columbia Beta, and their Joyous Creature called Appearance.

Find out what shocks the WuTalwaylalaeezers, and how Los Payasos teach them about the beauty and marvelous wonders of humanity.

Power of Drum: IV En Clave

• June 19  7pm
In collaboration with Michael Wimberly

Join us as we kick off our 4th season of the Power of Drum with Grammy nominated percussionist, composer, arranger, bandleader and educator Bobby Sanabria, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythm master Memo Acevedo and Grammy nominated percussionist, composer Dafnis Prieto.

This year we explore the rhythmic power of the clave following its origins from the African slave trade to Cuba, Colombia, the Caribbean and the US.

This production is brought to you in part by Vic Firth, Yamaha, LP, Remo, Taye Drums, Sabian cymbals, Evans heads, Pro-Mark, Carl Fischer, MW Productions sound design.

Saeko Ichinohe Dance Company

• June 20  3pm
"Urashima Taro (the Fisherman and the tortoise)"

A popular Japanese story, Urashima Taro teaches the lessons 'be good to all living things' and 'keep promises'.

Big fish flying in air, dancing in unique costumes of Tortoise, Octopus, Seaweeds and beautiful Japanese robe, create a captivating spectacle.

After the performance, participate in making waves using Japanese dancing fans as fins and tail of a fish.

Salute to the Family

• June 21  2pm
Making a Difference

Join us for a special event to celebrate the work of those who are committed to uplifting families and strengthening our communities.

Honoring:
Eagle Academy for Young Men
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center

Performances by:
Cyrus Chestnut
Opus Dance Theatre

Bronx Stories

• June 26  7pm

An interactive multimedia performance piece, Bronx Stories is based on true stories. Poets, dancers, and musicians will represent the spirits, present and past, of the Bronx.

Powerful narrative collages will reveal how people survive the harsh urban streets of the Bronx through faith and how they rise above to realize their dreams.

This poetic, musical cluster of monologues, dance, and song captures the heart and soul of the Bronx.

Conceived by seasoned performance artist D.L. Anderson and writer/publisher Lee Kottner.

Greek Cultural Village

• June 27  2pm

The Hellenic Dancers of NJ will share the traditional music, dance and traditions of Greek culture. Audience participation and workshops will give attendees a better understanding and appreciation of Greek culture.

Iconography Exhibit and discussion with Katerina Papaiouanou

2pm Creatan Dance Workshop
Led by John Halkiadakis, this workshop will include dances such as Sirtos, the carnival round dance, Laziotis, Maleviziotis (Kastrinos) and the cheerful and comical dance Zervodeksos.

3pm Archdiocesan Metropolitan Youth Choir Performance

4pm Greek Crafts Workshop

5pm Greek Dance Workshop
Led by Terry Kostas & Spyro Petrootsios. Learn traditional Greek dances like Kahamatiano Horo, Tsamiko, Hasaposerviko and Karagouna.

6pm Fashion Show of Greek Foresies Costumes
Hellenic Dancers of NJ performance

PLEASE RSVP FOR ALL EVENING PERFORMANCES AND THE GREEK CRAFT WORKSHOP

Latin Roots: East Harlem

• Exhibit Open June 1 - June 30

Celebrating the Living History of East Harlem

A public art and education program of Community Works venerates East Harlem's distinct cultural and historical importance. This living history honors local heroes who have helped make East Harlem the community it is today.

HONORING:

Marcos Dimas
Artist & Artistic Director of Taller Boricua

Dr. Georgina Falu
Scholar, Educator, and Entrepreneur

Aurora Flores
Journalist, Music Historian & Musician

Juan Gutierrez
Musician and Community Leader

Iris Morales
Community Activist, Educator & Film Producer

Piri Thomas
Poet, Novelist, Activist, Educator

Carmen Vasquez
Deputy Executive Director of Community Affairs, Hope Community, Inc.