2013 Latino Arts Festval Kicks Off at the Ware Center

Last year, over a thousand members of the Latino community and Latino arts aficionados jammed the Ware Center for the first Latino Film Festival. This year, the Festival has been expanded to Latino Arts Festival, which includes all the arts: music, dance and art, as well as film. The Festival is open to and encourages everyone in the community to take part in the three day celebration honoring Latino arts and artists.

Tonight, March 7th at 6 PM, the Ware Center kicks off the opening of the Latino Arts Festival with a gala reception in Lyet Lobby of the Ware Center overlooking Prince Street. The evening, which runs until 9 PM will include Latino music featuring a regional Latino band and vocals by Latino sensation Naiby Perez, remarks by dignitaries and art by local Hispanic teens, which is a part of the Lancaster County Young Artists Exhibit. The gala is free and open to the public.

The Festival continues the next night with a hot, can't-stay-in-your-seat Latino-grounded Jazz band. On Friday, March 8th at 7:30PM, the Ware Center presents Braziliance. This seven-piece band is a "high energy" jazz ensemble, showcasing Latin music such as Samba, Bossa Nova, and more! The band features world renowned percussionist Hector Rosado (who has appeared on the Tonight Show, played with legends Celia Cruz and Tito Puente and toured with the Talking Head' David Byrne), Philadelphia-based vocalist Celeste m. Polanco, trumpet player Wilson Gonzales and drummer Dave Santana. The group also features Keith Mohler, Bass; Seth Mellon, Sax/Flute and Ken Gehret, 10 string Guitar/Vocals. Braziliance has played to rave reviews and the evening is guaranteed to have you dancing in your seat. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for students.

Saturday, March 9th features three events. At 11 AM, the Festival begins the day with "Cuentos del Arbol" (Tree Tales), a Pushcart Players Production. This family-friendly event features stories originating from Spain, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The bilingual musical is full of universal stories told with colorful costumes and a lively Latino beat - both in English and Spanish. Tickets cost $8 for adults; children 10 and under are FREE, courtesy of the sponsors.

That afternoon the Festival features a new film, which has not been shown anywhere in this area: "To Dance like a Man: Triplets in Cuba" at 2PM Saturday, March 9th. The documentary - by Sylvia Collier -- features the struggles and dreams of three triplets in Cuba, aiming to be the "rock-stars of Cuba": ballet dancers. This charming film, in Spanish with English subtitles is family friendly. Tickets cost $7 for adults; $5 for seniors, students and children.

The Latino Arts Festival wraps up with a performance by Latin Fiesta on Saturday, March 9th at 7:30PM. This nine piece ensemble features award winning artists Maria del Pico Taylor, a Cuban born pianist, and Raymond Taylor, English born violinist. This band's music and dance styles include the diverse spectrum of Latin musical styles. You'll be dancing in the aisles! Tickets cost $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and students/children under 18.

TICKET INFO: All above events are open to the public. An ALL INCLUSVIE PASS, which entitles the holder to go to five events of the Festival, is $25. But tickets are also available on an individual basis, as priced above. Tickets may be purchased by calling 717-872-3811 or 717-871-2308. Online, at www.millersville.edu/MUART. In person at The Ware Center (42 N. Prince St., Lancaster) or the Student Memorial Center Ticket Office (Room 103, 21 S. George St., Millersville Ticket Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Or, one hour prior to each performance.

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