The Halifax Daily News (Nova Scotia)
June 10, 2004 Thursday
Multicultural Festival highlights
The Multicultural Festival celebrates 20 years of friendship and
diversity when it takes over Alderney Landing in Dartmouth, June 16
to 20.
Extended an additional two days to commemorate its 20th anniversary,
this year’s festival features cuisine from more than 25 different
cultures, performances by international dance troupes, world music,
and the opportunity to learn about Nova Scotia’s ethnic heritage.
More than 700 performers from 40 cultural groups will be providing
daily entertainment.
Mainstage performances will feature two dance troupes that have
travelled to Nova Scotia from Armenia and Korea, as well as dance and
musical performances by local cultural groups. The world music acts
are equally diverse, featuring Acadian, Aboriginal, Latin, and reggae
beats.
Some performance highlights:
– Haik, a children’s folk dance group from Armenia, performs on the
mainstage, June 16, 17.
– Myongji Traditional Dance Company from Korea performs folk dances
derived from peasants and royal dances reserved for court
entertainment. On the mainstage, June 16, 17.
– Visten, a hardy mixture of French, Irish and Scottish styles, fiery
fiddling and step dancing. June 16 on the mainstage.
– Halfway Tree, an eight-piece reggae group promoting peace, love and
unity. June 16 in the beer tent.
– Blou, a high-energy band inspired by its Acadian roots. June 17 on
the mainstage.
– Alma Latina, a Cuban ensemble. June 17 in the beer tent.
– Salsa Picante, Latin music from Halifax’s No. 1 party band. June 18
in the beer tent.
– Multicultural urban music with Jacobus et Maleco, Shane C & the
Mix, Asia, Tanya Tagaq. June 18 in the Boardwalk tent.
– Kanenhilo Singers, native singers perform chants accompanied by the
Iroquoian water drum, hand drum and cow horn shakers. June 19 on the
mainstage.
– Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band, a Klezmer band bringing together the
traditions of the Tsarist Russian military band, gypsy folk music,
Hasidic religious song, and Afro-American jazz. June 19 on the
mainstage.
– Afro-Musica, traditional African roots music with a fresh sound.
June 19 in the beer tent.
– Verbal Warning, New Orleans native Sekou Nkrumah leads this reggae
band. June 19 in the boardwalk tent.
Admission for the Multicultural Festival is $6 for adults per day, $5
for students and seniors, and $1 for children ages five to 12. Hours
are June 16, 17, 5 p.m. to midnight; June 18, 19, 10 a.m. to
midnight; June 20, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. See