NEWS RELEASE For immediate release: Friday, February 10, 2017 Contact: Sarah Knab, Overture Center, 608.258.4438 / [email protected]

Overture Hosts International Festival, Celebrates Cultural Diversity in Dane County Free festival features international performances, vendors with craft, fair trade and food items for sale

Madison, Wis. – International Festival, a free event that has been hosted by Overture Center for more than 30 years, returns on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. The festival celebrates Madison’s rich cultural heritage with returning and new performers and vendors who call Dane County home.

There is no charge for admission and attendees can enjoy more than 30 free performances throughout Overture by artists to learn about the many local businesses with global connections. Vendors will have cuisines from around the world and arts and crafts available for purchase.

“International Festival embraces, supports and showcases cultural arts in our community without having to leave Madison,” said Ted DeDee, Overture’s President and CEO. “We [Overture Center] are a home for the arts for everyone, and this free event really celebrates the diversity among us. We are proud to provide a stage for individuals and cultures from around the globe who now call Dane County home.”

2017 International Festival Schedule Overture Hall Lobby 10:30 AM | Swiss Alphorn Duet | Traditional 12-foot-long Swiss instruments open the festival. 10:37 AM | Welcome - Ho-Chunk Nation 11:00 AM | Zhong Yi Kung Fu Assoc. | "Choy Cheng:” the lion consumes "lettuce" & transforms it into "fortune." 11:50 AM | Yid Vicious | Yiddish Klezmer dance music spanning generations from the old world to today. 12:55 PM | Sergio Rico Vacilon | Cuban Guajira, son of the 40s & 50s, takes you to tropical Cuba. 1:55 PM | LuLu Quintet |Gypsy Jazz, traditional Romany music and French musettes to swing! 3:10 PM |Cris Plata | Indigenous Mexican and South Texas music with European influences. 4:15 PM | Atimevu Drum and Dance | Performing traditional music from Ghana, West Africa.

Promenade Hall 11:15 AM | Kioja Dance Team | Step dances combining military drill & African Welly "gumboot" dances. 12:10 PM | Bi Dana | Irish songs played with accordion, concertina, fiddle, Irish drum, bagpipes & tenor banjo. 1:25 PM | Sadira & the Riad Dance Co | Traditional & contemporary women's dance of the Middle East. 2:10 PM | Ali Jamnia | A magical carpet ride into the world of Sufi storytelling with loved tales from Persia. 2:55 PM | Raizes do Brasil Capoeira | Afro-Brazilian martial art/dance of Capoeira & stick dance Maculele. 3:45 PM | Mesoghios Dance Troup | Traditional dances from eastern Anatolia. 4:40 PM | Tri Bratovchedki | Songs in the beautiful rhythms & harmonies of Eastern Europe sung a Capella.

Overture Hall 11:15 AM | UW Russian Folk Orchestra | Instrumental folk music of & Eastern Europe 12:20 PM | Kalaanjali School of Dance | Bharatanatyam Indian dance with costumes & music from India. 1:10 PM | Last Gaspe | Contra dance band playing Canadian, Irish & American fiddle music that swings. 2:25 PM | Danza Tradicional Mexicana | Presenting the culture, music & traditions of Mexico through dance. 3:10 PM | Madison Chinese Cultural Association | Performance promoting Chinese culture & traditions. 3:55 PM | Charanga Agoza | European ballroom & Afro-Cuban rhythm blending in a dance oriented sound.

Capitol Theater 11:15 AM | Madison Maennerchor | Traditional German choral music hymns, masters, festival & party songs. 12:10 PM | Mt Zion Gospel Church | Come enjoy songs from one of Madison's best gospel choirs. 1:10 PM | Madison Pipes & Drums | Bagpipe & drum band playing pipe band music in the Scottish tradition. 2:05 PM | Zaibas Lithuanian Dance | Popular Lithuanian folk dances performed in authentic national costumes. 3:00 PM | Tania Tandias Flamenco & Spanish Dance | Fiery dances with rhythmic footwork, castanets & colorful costumes. 3:55 PM | Limanya Drum and Dance | Traditional music & dance from Guinea & Mali under the direction of Mandjou Mara.

Rotunda Stage 1:15 AM | Goongoo Peas | Interactive Caribbean folk music & music from the African Diaspora. 12:20 PM | Puppet Troup | Traditional Taiwanese puppet show promoting Taiwan & Taiwanese culture. 1:20 PM | Veseliyka | Bulgarian dance music from the Balkans played with traditional instruments. 2:25 PM | Tani Diakite | Funk-Blues fusion music from Mali featuring traditional Malian instruments.

Promenade Lounge UW Madison - International Reach is a cross-cultural speakers volunteer program placing international speakers in schools, campus venues, & community organizations for presentations, discussions, and/or conversations. It provides opportunities for international students to share perspectives on their home countries for the purposes of furthering global education & intercultural dialogue. 11:45 AM | Kenya & Malaysia | Demonstration of wedding ceremonies & traditions. 12:55 PM | & | Demonstration of wedding ceremonies & traditions. 1:55 PM | South Korea | Demonstration of wedding ceremonies & traditions.

Overture’s International Festival is supported by CUNA Mutual Foundation; the Arts Access Fund, a component fund of the Madison Community Foundation; Dane Arts and contributions to Overture Center for the Arts.

Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wisconsin features seven state-of-the-art performance spaces and five galleries where national and international touring artists, ten resident companies and hundreds of local artists engage people in over half a million educational and artistic experiences each year. Overture.org

### INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE GROUPS:

= New in 2017

 Ali Jamnia o Take a magic carpet ride into the delightful world of Sufi storytelling with these best-loved tales from Persian literature and lore.

 Atimevu Drum and Dance Group o Atimevu Drum and Dance Group plays traditional music from Ghana.

 Bi Dana o Traditional music of Ireland & Scotland in songs and dance music. You'll delight to the sounds of the old button accordion & concertina, fiddle, bodhran (Irish drum), bouzouki, bagpipes & the tenor banjo.

 Charanga Agoza o Cuban Charanga bands blended European based ballroom sounds with Afro-Cuban rhythms and percussion resulting in a unique, dance oriented, hot, yet elegant sound.

 Cris Plata Trio o A mixture of indigenous Mexican and South Texas music with European influences.

 DanzTrad o DanzTrad is a dance company intended to reach to all different audiences to present and promote the fusion of culture, music and traditions of Mexico through dance.

 Goongoo Peas o Caribbean folk music & music from the African Diaspora. Audience participation encouraged!

 Kioja Drill Team o "Steppers" use their hands, arms, legs or feet and other body parts to make beats or music. This activity is a combination of military close-order and exhibition drill, and African foot dances.

 Last Gaspe o New England-style contra dance band, playing Canadian, Irish and American fiddle music that swings. Blending traditional forms with contemporary innovations to create an infectious, sparkling sound.

 Limanya Drum & Dance Ensemble o Traditional music & dance from Guinea & Mali under the direction of Mandjou Mara and Maya Kadakia. High-energy entertainment for all audiences incorporating song, dance, drum and theatre.

 LuLu Quintet o Gypsy Jazz, setting traditional Romany music and French musettes to swing, as developed by Romany guitarist Django Reinhardt in the 1930s and '40s. Bring your dance shoes!

 Madison Chinese Cultural Association o Committed to promoting Chinese culture and traditions. Each year they perform various Chinese dances and songs.

 Madison Maennerchor o Oldest German Men's Chorus in Wisconsin and is dedicated to preserving the German choral tradition and the perpetuation of German music.

 Madison Pipes and Drums o Scottish bagpipe and drum band which competes at highland games and proudly wear the Scottish national tartan while playing in parades and other events in southern Wisconsin and northeastern Iowa.

 Kalaanjali School of Dance o Beautiful Southern Indian Classical dance form called Bharatanatyam. Dancers wearing beautiful bright costumes perform to traditional classical music to tell a story or depict the deep culture!

 Mesoghios o We have been performing for 40 years. this year we will perform dances from eastern Anatolia.

 Mt Zion Gospel Church o Come enjoy one of the best gospel choirs in Madison!

 Raizes do Brasil Capoeira Madison o Afro-Brazilian cultural martial art/dance of Capoeira & stick dance Maculele.

 Sadira and the Riad Dance Company o Specializing in both traditional and contemporary women's dance of the Middle East. They are recognized for maintaining authenticity of the dance, music and costuming of the region.

 Sergio Rico Vacilon o Cuban guajira and guajira son of the 40s and 50s

 Swiss Alphorns o For over 30 years, the alphorn players from Green County have opened the International Festival with their nearly 12-foot-long traditional Swiss instruments.  Taiwan Puppet Troup o Traditional Taiwanese puppet shows are performed in English, promoting Taiwan and Taiwanese culture.

 Tani Diakite o Funk-Blues fusion music from Mali featuring traditional Malian instruments.

 Tania Tandias Flamenco & Spanish Dance o Fiery dances from . Performance highlights will include dances that showcase traditional elements of flamenco: rapid footwork, graceful arms and hands, snappy turns and exciting rhythms.

 Tri Bratovchedki o A cappella songs in the beautiful rhythms and harmonies of Eastern Europe expressing the joys and sorrows of love and loss, family and home in the languages of Croatia, Slovakia, and Serbia.

 UW Russian Folk Orchestra o University-based ensemble specializing in Russian and other East-European folk music performed on authentic Russian folk instruments, balalaikas, domras, and bayans.

 Veseliyka o Veseliyka is a Bulgarian music ensemble. Using traditional instruments, we work to re-create the village sound and provide dance music from the Balkans to our audiences.

 Yid Vicious o Put on your dancing shoes and turn your cabin fever into freylekhs fever! Yid Vicious presents Yiddish Klezmer dance music spanning generations from the old world to today.

 Zaibas Lithuanian Dancers o Zaibas adults and Zaibutis youth perform traditional Lithuanian folk dances, in full national costume.

 Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association o Performing the traditional performance of "Choy Cheng,” literally "Plucking the Greens." The lion will approach and consume what is simply "lettuce" and transforming it into "fortune."

 Taiwan Puppet Troupe of UW-Madison o Taiwan Puppet Troupe of UW-Madison is to promote Taiwan and Taiwanese culture.

INTERNATIONAL MARKET:

= New in 2017

 Akarim African Enterprises (Ghana) o Straw baskets, hats, fans, drums shekeres & calimbas, costume jewelry, African/rasra clothing & accessories.  Amigos de las Americas (Latin America) o Information about AMIGOS programs (summer programs for youth 16-21 and gap year programs for high school graduates and college students).

 Chi World & Health LLC (USA) o Tea bag, Herbal Tea, Tea Supplies & Gifts  Colombianos en Wisconsin Inc (Colombia) o A corporation that promote the Colombian culture and Latina in Wisconsin.  Endless Knot (Nepal)  Ethical Trading Company (20+ Countries) o Purses, Bags & Wallets, Accessories & Scarves, Home Goods, Journals, Coffee, Tea & more.

 Friendship Force of Wisconsin-Madison (USA) o Information about the business and a colorful pamphlet and artifacts collected during trips.

 German School of Madison () o Information about the school and about German-American relations in regards to families and our German Community in Madison.

 Hope Institute of Uganda (Uganda) o Some crafts for sale but some demonstrations about recycled wire toys, fabric dolls. Musical instruments (drums, Hand Piano, African Violin) for show.

 Ho-Chunk Nation (Native USA)  Hurling Club of Madison (Ireland) o Information on the Irish sport, Hurling, registration information, game & season information for player and/or fan growth.  Indian art (India) o Information on Indian culture and crafts

 Inti Fair Trade (Ecuador) o Hand-made, fair trade jewelry made from organic materials: acai (seeds), tagua (nuts), stone, horn, gourd, silver, shell, and straw. We also sell children's dresses and sweaters.

 Khaniqah Nimatullahi (Iran) o Artwork for conversation and to bring familiarity and understanding of Persian Sufi artwork and literature.  Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program (International) o Lions International Youth Camp & Exchange Program is looking for host families to support international youth, ages 16 - 20 visiting Wisconsin.  Madison-Arcatao Sister City Project (El Salvador) o Arts and crafts made by artisans in Arcatao and other areas of El Salvador including adult and children clothing, crafts, jewelry, linens and more.  Madison Chinese Culture Association (China) o Chinese culture related books, arts, and Chinese calligraphy.

 Madison Kanifing Sister City (Gambia) o Information about Madison Knifing Sister City, its programs, and artifacts about The Gambia.

 Madison-Ainaro Sister City Alliance (East Timor) o Information about the sister city relationship, about Timor-Leste and our partners there, and about opportunities for people here to get involved.  Madison-Camaguey Sister City Association (Cuba) o Information about our relationship and opportunities for involvement in our activities and travel to our Cuban sister city.

 Madison-Freiburg Sister City Committee (Germany) o We will hand out information about our organization as well as displaying photos and books about Freiburg.

 Madison-Mantova Sister City () o Information about our Sister City relationship with Mantova.

 Madison-Obihiro Sister Cities, Inc. () o Programs that MOSC supports as well as items from Japan and Obihiro in particular.  Madison-Rafah Sister City Project (Palestine) o Traditional embroidery on shawls, scarves, and various sized purses, ceramics, wood products, and olive oil.  Madison-Tepatitlan Sister City (Mexico)

 Madison-Vilnius Sister City (Lithuania)  Nazkas Hand Made (Ecuador) o Hats, scarves, blankets, bamboo instruments demonstration

 Nepali American Friendship Association (Nepal) o Information about Nepal, Nepalese language and handicrafts from Nepal.

 Ombeni African Safaris (Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar, South Africa, Botswana and Madagascar) o Explore and learn African cultures

 Otavalo Art (Andean Ecuador) o Handmade hats, and jewelry made with natural stones  Polish Heritage Club () o Polish imports of Boleslawiec pottery, Imported Amber jewelry, hand painted wooden eggs, Polish/English books for kids/adults, Polish cookbooks and more  Postcrossing (209 Countries) o Information about Postcrossing, member experiences and the great cards we have received.

 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of WI – Madison (70+ countries represented) o Peace Corps information  SERRV () o Chocolate, jewelry, scarves, tea, baskets, knit products, spices  Terra Experience (Guatemala and Central America) o Fair Trade Doll Clothes, Textiles, Scarves, Bags, Art and Crafts from Guatemala and the Mayan World.

 Yachak (Ecuador Inkas) o Alpaca wool sweaters, sheep wool ponchos, colorful bags and handmade jewelry. INTERNATIONAL CAFÉ:

 Cafe Costa Rica/Mango Man Cooks (Costa Rica) o Latin Caribbean experience Latin soul food!!!  Children of the Land First Nation (Native America) o Ojibwe tacos and fry bread

 DOLCI Italian-American Sweets, LLC (Italy) o "Authentic! Out of this world! Fresh! Comforting! THE BEST!" These are just a few words that describe our Italian Biscotti, Butter Cookies & Pastries. CIAO!

 Italian Workmen's Club (Italy) o The Italian Workmen's Club mission is to preserve and promote the history, culture, language, and traditions of Italians and Italian Americans.

 Mount Everest Inc (Nepal) o We are a family run restaurant bringing Madison flavors of India and Nepal. We use different mix of spices cooked slowly and over long periods of time to bring the flavors out.

 Polish Heritage Club (Poland) o The Polish Heritage Club was established to encourage Americans of Polish ancestry an interest in and knowledge of the Polish, as well as American traditions in their cultural heritage.

 Spice Yatra (India) o Spice Yatra was the first Indian Food Cart in Madison. Our customers always enjoyed the food and would definitely come for more.

 Taste of Jamerica (Jamaica) o Jamerica has been in business for over 20 years and serves the local community.

 The Rolling Pin Bake Shop (Russia) o European style bakery in the heart of Fitchburg. The cafe that serves both breakfast and lunch daily until 2pm. And serves a variety of fresh baked breads, pies, cookies, treats and cakes!

 Catering a Fresco (United States)