WHAT:
The 2010 Houston International Festival spotlighting the sights, sounds and flavors of the Caribbean
WHEN:
April 17 -18 & April 24 - 25, 2010
Saturdays – Noon – 10 p.m.
Sundays – Noon – 8 p.m.
WHERE:
Downtown Houston – Including City Hall, Upper and Lower Tranquility Park, Bagby Street and Upper and Lower Sam Houston Parks
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE
The unique flavors, sights and sounds of the beautiful Caribbean will come to life through diverse and celebrated music and dance groups from around the world, as well as international food and markets in multiple cultural zones.
This year’s lineup, honoring the Caribbean, features continuous music, dance and cultural performances on eight stages. 2010 Headliners include: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Ozomatli, Eddie Palmieri, King Sunny Ade, Baaba Maal, Steel Pulse, Latinology featuring Joel Guzman and Sarah Fox, Norma Zenteno Band, Joe Ely Band featuring David Grissom, Marcia Ball, Tab Benoit, J. Paul Jr. and the Zydeco Nubreeds, Dave Alvin & the Guilty Women, Brave Combo, Karina Nistal, Sideshow Tramps,The Mighty Diamonds, Los de Abajo, Mark May Band, Zydepunks, plus many more
CARIBBEAN ZONE:
The centerpiece of the 2010 festival will celebrate the rich history and cultural influences of the Caribbean, spanning from City Hall to Upper Sam Houston Park. A 40-foot-long reproduction of a historic pirate ship will be the showcase of the Caribbean Living Museum. Visitors will experience pirate demonstrations as well as learn about the history of famous pirates of the Caribbean.
Other highlights include:
- A reproduction of the 16th century El Morro Fort, or officially Castillo de San Felipe del Morro. An interactive, historic fort exhibit inspired by the fortifications built in the 16th century to protect settlements.
- Chapel: A picturesque chapel reminiscent of Alto Vista, the first Roman Catholic church constructed in Aruba by Spanish missionaries. Exhibits accompanying the chapel will feature religions of the Caribbean and reproductions of Cuban Orisha art from the Center for Cuban Studies in New York.
- Bohio: This circular dwelling is reminiscent of the buildings constructed of wooden poles, straw, and palm leaves inhabited by indigenous people of the Caribbean.
- In addition, visitors can sample the unique flora and fauna of the Caribbean in the Caribbean Spice Center. A Caribbean Culture and Literature area will feature members of local Caribbean communities representing a range of cultural and educational information.
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 include: Caribbean, Gypsy, International, African-Caribbean, Bayou, Latin and Fine Arts Avenue.
INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR:
In addition to authentic Caribbean cuisine, the festival offers flavors from all over the world including: Cajun, Creole, Mediterranean, Thai, Japanese, Southwestern and Continental cuisines.
EDUCATION
The Houston International Festivals 23rd consecutive Education Program, presented in partnership with HISD, features a Teacher’s Curriculum Guide, underwritten by Chevron and produced by the Houston International Festival. The guide is distributed to more then 1,400 school campuses in seven counties across Texas including: HISD, Harris County, Galveston and Fort Bend Counties.
The guide is available to a potential 900,000 students who will learn about the culture and history of the Caribbean through the Houston International Festival Curriculum Guide.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Opening Ceremony
Friday, April 16 at 11 a.m. – Center Stage at City Hall
The Mayor’s Gala
Thursday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. - Omni Houston Hotel
A fundraising gala dinner hosted by Mayor Annise Parker of the City of Houston. Visiting dignitaries and members of Houston’s Consular Corps are honored by guests of the Mayor’s Gala. Proceeds benefit the Festival’s year-round arts, education and outreach programs.
FESTIVAL HOURS
The Festival will take place Saturdays Noon – 10 p.m. and Sundays Noon – 8 p.m.
ADMISSION
Tickets are on sale at the festival website, www.ifest.org. Tickets will also be available for purchase at H-E-B stores.
· $12.00 Special Advance Tickets
Available through April 12, (online and H-E-B)
· $17.00 Regular Tickets
Available April 13 through end of Festival and at the Gate
· $3.00 Youth/Saturdays (three and under are free)
· FREE Target Kids Free on SUNDAYS (kids 12 and under)
· $80.00 Passport (visit web site for details)
· $149.00 VIP Pass(visit web site for details)
· $249.00 VIP Passport for two (visit web site for details)
All proceeds benefit the Festival arts and education programs. For more information, call 713-654-8808 or access the Festival’s official website at www.ifest.org.
TRANSPORTATION:
Call METROLine at 713-635-4000 for information on routes, schedules and all METRO services.
MORE INFO:
713.654.8808 or visit www.ifest.org