Diverse And Engaging Entertainment For The Whole Family To Enjoy Together
March 26, 11:30am
Free Admission
Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza
and John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall

Family Fest begins at 11:30 a.m. on the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza with free entertainment, including performances by Ballet Brika at 11:30, Perú Expresión at 12:10 p.m., and Lee Koon Hung Lion Dance Show at 12:50 p.m. Families will also be able to enjoy make-and-take your own drum at Craft Corner in the West Plaza; Rhythms of Africa Drumming Workshop for Kids in the Carnival Studio Theater (11:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:00 p.m.); and Story-telling Corner, left of the stage in the Plaza (11:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:00 p.m.).

The fun continues at 2 p.m. with a free performance by the Miami Music Project Orchestra in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall. All First Access Passes for the indoor performance have been reserved; however, patrons who do not have a First Access Pass can join the stand-by-line beginning at 1 p.m. outside the theater. Patrons in the standby line will be let into the theater at 1:45 p.m. if seats are still available in the theater.

Now celebrating its Fifth Anniversary Season, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County presents its exciting March installment of Family Fest: Rhythms of the World, featuring Ballet Brika, Perú Expresión and Lee Koon Hung Lion Dance Show. Activities and performances will take place beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Miami Music Project Orchestra’s 2:00 p.m. family performance inside the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall. Admission is Free.

Family Fest is generously sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, as part of the organization’s community-driven mission, as well as the Miami Downtown Development Authority.

“Family Fest at the Adrienne Arsht Center embodies the Center’s mission to enlighten, educate and entertain our community,” said M. John Richard, President and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. “This edition of Family Fest will explore art forms from around the globe, like West African dance and Chinese drumming and dance, and from our own backyard, through the Miami Music Project’s classical music ensemble.”

Throughout the day, families will enjoy music and dance shows by a variety of groups and performers, including:

· Ballet Brika West African Dance Theater, the resident performance ensemble of the Renaissance Village Project, a U.S.-based cooperative of African-centered artists. The ensemble cast of musicians, percussionists, dancers, singers, storytellers, and performers presenting West African Art forms with a focus on Mande cultures.

· Perú Expresión is made up of a talented group of young Peruvians in the U.S. who came together to realize their desire to keep playing the music and performing the dances of their country. In Peru, music and dance have always walked together hand in hand; the art forms reveal the joy, sadness and wisdom of many cultures and backgrounds. PERÚ EXPRESIÓN is the manifestation of the sound and movement of Peruvian color and gusto. Percussionist and director Johnny Mora is highly regarded in Peru and beyond, and has performed with artists like Eva Ayllon, Lucia de la Cruz, Arturo “Zambo” Cavero, Pepe Vasquez, Carlos Santana, and more. He is dedicated to teaching others about the wonders of Peruvian black music, and this young musician now leads PERÚ EXPRESIÓN in its presentation of Peruvian music in the U.S.

LEE KOON HUNG ASSOCIATION founded by the late Grandmaster Lee Koon Hung strives to teach the southern Chinese style of Martial Arts and craft of Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu through its school in South Florida. The Association also keeps its Chinese traditions alive through performances of the Lion Dance. The Lion Dance, according to legend was used to scare off Lions that terrified villages. The colorful costumes along with drumming, cymbals, and gongs are used throughout the dance to celebrate the tradition and delight South Florida audiences.

· THE MIAMI MUSIC PROJECT was founded in 2008 by world-renowned conductor James Judd, post music director of the Florida Philharmonic. MMP is a classical music ensemble with a focus on education and community engagement, and presents this exciting concert featuring MMP professionals and local youth orchestra musicians in a program titled Rhythms of the World. This unique, interactive orchestra performance for all ages is equally fun and educational.

For additional information, call the Adrienne Arsht Center box office at (305) 949-6722 visit www.arshtcenter.org.