Riverside Theatre to Feature Multicultural Arts at 13th NY Family Arts Fest

The Riverside Theatre is presenting its 13th Annual New York Family Arts Festival, a festival of interactive multicultural weekend activities for families to enjoy from Saturday, June 11 - Sunday, June 26 at the Theatre, 91 Claremont Ave. (bet. 120th & 122nd St.), Morningside Heights. All Festival events are free of charge to attend.

All Festival events and activities will feature not only established artists, but new, up and coming talent as well. The Festival continues to empower and celebrate family through fun culturally innovative performances, workshops and dialogues offering opportunities to share creative experiences and expand cultural sharing. The Festival will feature performances from multicultural artists and interactive workshops ranging from dance and storytelling to music and theater. Following is a schedule of the fun and exciting events that families will be able to enjoy during the month-long Festival:

Saturday, June 11: Ecuadorian Cultural Village - 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Experience colorful costumes, wonderful melodies, traditional dances and storytelling as Ayazamana and Andes Manta showcase the beauty of Ecuadorian culture.

2:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony - Join the celebration to give gratitude to mother earth for the fruits we receive. A Yachak (Kichwa spiritual leader) will perform the ceremony as attendees share Chicha, a traditional drink made from corn. Enjoy the music of Sinchi Kuna and the dances of Ayazamana.

2:30 p.m. The Story of the Aya Uma - Two faces which represent the duality of the Universe, 12 serpents in its head which represents the wisdom of the ancestors and a whip in his hand that represents strength and leadership. A myth of the origin of the Aya Uma and his importance in the Inti Raymi celebration (the feast of the Sun), will intrigue and entertain the entire family.

3:00 p.m. Ecuadorian Traditional Dance Workshop - Ayazamana will provide participants with the opportunity to learn traditional steps and movements from the Andes.

5:00 p.m. Ecuadorian Music Workshop - The music group Andes Manta will introduce attendees to the music and instruments of Ecuador. Learn about the rhythms, participate in a demonstration and even ask questions.

6:00 p.m. Handicraft Workshop with Kichwa Nation - The Otavalo, indigenous people from Ecuador, are renowned for being master craftsmen and weavers. Guests create their own handicrafts with the skilled Kichwa Nation people from Otavalo.

7:00 p.m. Ayazamana Performance - Experience colorful costumes, wonderful melodies and traditional dances as Ayazamana and Andes Manta showcase the music and dances of Ecuador.

Sunday, June 12: Youth Theatre - 2:00 p.m.
The David and Goliath Rumble - A timely, original, artistic modern day dramatic, musical and dance version of the Biblical David's tangle with Goliath - and his ultimate triumph over this terrorizing bully. David and the other children recognize in this musical, that a bully is a coward and to defeat one...you do not have to become one!

Written, Directed and Choreographed by Dr. Glory Van Scott, starring Dr. Glory's Youth Theatre.

Friday, June 17: Power of Drum VI: Percussion Trios - 7:00 p.m.
Power of Drum VI...Dialogues 3, hosted by POD founder Michael Wimberly. Experience this year's production as master drummers, Dialogues 3, explore the art of the Trio through musical telepathy and language.

Will Calhoun, Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez and John Riley lead their groups in an evening of rhythm, conversations and sound.

Saturday, June 18: Gestures Dance Ensemble - 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy a youthful celebration of dance through the works of emerging and established professional choreographers that include Darrell Grand Moultrie, Troy Powell, Amy Hall, Nina Klyvert-Lawson, Blanca Alonso, and Harbor Conservatory alumni. The evening will offer an eclectic program of cultural, traditional and contemporary modern choreography performed by seasoned young dancers who are well versed in creating a cinematic dance montage that will excite all.

Sunday, June 19: Celtic Footprints - 2:00 p.m.
Choreographer Ellen Sinopoli, storyteller Bairbre McCarthy and ESDC dancers take families on a fantastical journey as they weave stories, song and dance to follow the footprints of the Celts from Central Europe to Scotland, Wales & Ireland and then across the Atlantic to Appalachia.

See and hear the Myth of the Seal People, the Legend of the Swans, the Adventures of Jack (beyond the beanstalk), the Tale of Norouas, the Northwest Wind, the fable of Dagda's Magical Harp and the hilarious yarn of how Marika Got Her Story. These are stories of a very special people that bring laughter, thrills, sadness and silliness to touch your hearts.

Friday, June 24: Artz, Rootz, Rhythm - 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy a high energy evening of dance and music featuring: the versatile voice of singer Ioana Wicker; the dynamic tap artist Tyrice "Cartier" Conway; the beauty and grace of Uptown Dance Academy; the powerful voices and the wondrous tones of Naoko Yoshioka "NOW."

With M.C. Lola Jimoh

Sunday, June 26: Harlem Speaks: Swing - 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy a fabulous afternoon of swing, featuring The National Jazz Museum in Harlem All Star Swing Band directed by Loren Schoenberg.

Bring the whole family and Swing!

The New York Family Arts Festival is a June celebration of interactive multicultural performances and events, sponsored by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, The New York Times Community Affairs Department and JPMorgan Chase. All events of the New York Family Arts Festival are free of charge. For more information or to RSVP to attend Festival events, the public can call 212-870-6784 or log on at www.theriversidetheatre.org.