Downtown Courtenay will be host to a high energy showcase of global talent and tradition this weekend and everyone is invited! The Immigrant Welcome Centre is hosting Global Fusion Fest, a FREE, family friendly, and inclusive event that will take place on Saturday March 8th from 10 am till 4 pm at the Filberg Centre in Courtenay.
Music and dance planned for the day include performances from the K’omoks First Nations Kumugwe Cultural Group, Japanese Taiko Group Uminari Taiko, Irish Songstress Mary Murphy, Hawaiian Traditional Music from Anela Kahiamo, Azucena Flamenco Music and Dance, and the afternoon wraps up with a multi-cultural dance showcase!
The event, which coincides with International Women’s Day, will also feature a showcase of women’s traditional dances from the East that celebrate the beauty and strength of women and community including dances from India, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Egypt and Iran. Performers include Cathy Stoyko and Arcana Dea Dance. The Women’s Transition Society will also be there to showcase Women’s Day traditions from around the globe.
Global Fusion Fest also features hands on table activities from NIC International students including henna tattoos and traditional hair braiding. Elevate the Arts will be facilitating participatory crafts for all ages to express the spirit of the day. Local organizations and cultural groups will have interactive workshops and exhibits to share knowledge and traditions. Workshops will include Tai Chi, Chinese Brush Painting, Aboriginal Drum Marking, Nature Based Crafts, Irish Story Telling and more.
Be sure to come hungry! There will be local restaurants and caterers serving delectable tastes of Thai, Japanese, Greek, Mexican, Lebanese, Colombian and Chinese foods. Tasting tickets will be on sale for as little as $1.
From the original residents of this beautiful Land of Plenty to new residents from across the globe, the Comox Valley is a community filled with creativity, knowledge, traditions, stories, music and perspectives that come together to form the culture of this community we love.
STAGE SCHEDULE:
- 10:00 – K’omoks First Nations – Kumugwe Cultural Group
- 10:30 – Anela Kahiamoe – Hawaiian Music
- 11:15 – Cathy Stoyko, Arcana Dea
- 12 noon – Uminari Taiko Performance
- 1:00 – Mary Murphy – Irish Traditional
- 1:35 – Tai Chi Demo
- 2:00 Azucena Flamenco Music and Dance
- 3:00 – 4 pm Fusion Dance Showcase (Bhangra, Flamenco, African, Ukrainian and More!)
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
- 10:30 – 11:30 Kid and Parent Aboriginal Drum Making Workshop with Jackie Fennie (continued)
- 12:00-12:55 Taoist Tai Chi Workshop
- 1:00-1:55 Chinese Brush Painting with Chen Yu-Long All Ages
- 2:00-2:55 – Children’s Workshops with Mary Murphy – Irish tales, Fairies and learning the jig!
Media Contact:
To arrange an interview with the Spokesperson & ED, Rachel Blaney, contact: Executive Assistant, Ann McLeod
1 250 830-0171 ext: 806 – 1 855 805-0171 – Ann.McLeod@ImmigrantWelcome.ca
