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iFest Music Lineup & 25% Discount Ticket Offer

Tracy Golden — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:07:36 GMT

Hey iFest Fan!

Football may be over but you can still get a quarter back! Get 25% off of the advance general admission price March 5 -7. For the ridiculously low price of $9 per day, you can see George Clinton, Eddie Palmieri, Ozomatli, Steel Pulse, Joe Ely and Mighty Diamonds just to name a few.

Check out the full lineup of amazing artists performing at iFest this year and don't miss out on this sweet deal to claim your cheap tickets. Remember this is a limited time offer and only good until Sunday at midnight. Redeem online and use promo code HIFMAR25E at checkout.

Buy Your Tickets Now!

Offer valid on iFest Advance General Admission purchased online between March 5, 2010 at 12:00 AM Central Time until March 7, 2010 at 11:59 PM Central Time. Offer is good for one-time use online and cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. No adjustments on previous online purchases. Convenience fee applies.

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5-Mar-10 6:07 PM

Music Line Up Just Released!

Tracy Golden — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 07:00:00 GMT

iFEST ANNOUNCES 2010 MUSIC LINEUP

SPOTLIGHTING THE CARIBBEAN

GEORGE CLINTON, EDDIE PALMIERI, STEEL PULSE, OZOMATLI, JOE ELY BAND, KING SUNNY ADE, BAABA MAAL, MIGHTY DIAMONDS, MARCIA BALL, TAB BENOIT, DAVE ALVIN, REBIRTH BRASS BAND, EASY STAR ALL STARS, BACHATA ROJA LEGENDS, LA EXCELENCIA, OYU ORO AFRO-CUBAN DANCERS, J. PAUL JR., NATHAN & THE ZYDECO CHA CHAS, LIL’ BRIAN TERRY, BASSEKOU KOUYATE, TAJ WEEKES, LOS DE ABAJO, JANIVA MAGNESS, BRAVE COMBO, ZYDEPUNKS, N.O. HUSTLERS BRASS BAND, TRUTH UNIVERSAL, LATINOLOGY, SARA HICKMAN, NED SUBLETTE, SISTERS MORALES, GRUPO KACHE, MI RUMBA, KARINA NISTAL, LOS SKARNALES, TEKUMBE, TEXAS JOHNNY BROWN, MARK MAY, NORMA ZENTENO, MARK TOWNS, SIDESHOW TRAMPS, WILD MOCCASINS, ROBERT ELLIS, THE SUSPECTS, IDIGINIS, HSPVA JAZZ ALL STARS, CARNIVAL PARADES, MOCKO JUMBIE STILT DANCERS, CARIBBEAN DANCE PARTIES, AND MUCH MUCH MORE!

HOUSTON – The 2010 Houston International Festival is proud to announce the music lineup showcasing a host of top artists from around the globe. The 39^th annual Festival returns to downtown Houston April 17-18 and 24-25, featuring continuous music, dance and cultural performances on eight stages. Each year, iFest puts the best of world music next to the finest national and regional roots music to demonstrate how music and dance can communicate across cultural and linguistic barriers. This year’s lineup, honoring the Caribbean, ranks with the best we have ever done.

Headlining the Bud Light World Music Stage in Lower Sam Houston Park are Latin ska/rock/hip-hop party boys Ozomatli, April 17; Latin jazz and salsa piano giant Eddie Palmieri, April 18; P-Funk mastermind George Clinton in a back-by-popular-demand performance, April 24; and all-time reggae greats Steel Pulse, April 25. Other renowned international acts include Nigeria’s King Sunny Ade and his African Beats, Senegal’s Baaba Maal, Jamaica’s Mighty Diamonds, Mali’s rising Afropop star Bassekou Kouyate, and Mexico’s Latin ska sensation Los de Abajo. They are joined Texas’ own roots-rock icon Joe Ely and his band featuring guitarist David Grissom, top-selling reggae band Easy Star All Stars (Dub Side of the Moon), New York’s hottest new salsa band La Excelencia and, from the island of St. Lucia, respected roots-reggae crooner Taj Weekes.

Caribbean music and dance will be showcased on Center Stage, built over the Reflection Pool in front of Houston’s City Hall. Headliners include the Bachata Roja Legends, often referred to as “the Buena Vista Social Club of the Dominican Republic” and featuring legendary bachata singer Puerto Plata, April 17 and 18; La Excelencia, known for its hard-driving salsa dura (pure salsa) approach, April 24; and the Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Dance Ensemble, from New York, featuring the legendary Cuban dancer La Mora April 24 and 25. Each day will begin with a Carnival parade featuring the Mocko Jumbie stilt dancers. These will be followed by a full day of performances by Houston’s top salsa, merengue, reggae and soca dance troupes and local bands, as well as Caribbean dance parties in which everyone will be invited onstage to the dance to music provided by several of Houston’s most popular Caribbean club deejays.

The Louisiana Stage in Tranquility Park will again feature a distinctive Gulf Coast musical gumbo of blues, zydeco, funk and jazz, with just a bit of Texas rock and country thrown in to the mix. Austin’s blues and boogie piano queen Marcia Ball will appear on both April 17 and 18. Other headliners include Louisiana blues guitarist Tab Benoit, April 18; roots-rockin’ Dave Alvin and his band The Guilty Women, April 24; and New Orleans’ irrepressible Rebirth Brass Band, April 25. Featured zydeco bands include J. Paul Jr. and the Zydeco Nubreeds, Lil’ Brian and the Zydeco Travelers, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas and Curtis Poullard and the Creole Zydeco Band. Soulful and sultry Janiva Magness, voted Female Blues Singer of the Year at the 2009 Memphis Blues Awards, is among the featured blues artists, along with local heroes Texas Johnny Brown, the Mark May Band featuring Miss Molly and Tony Vega. Finally, let’s not forget the Gulf Coast accordion-meets- worldbeat eclecticism of Brave Combo and Zydepunks, and the traditional jazz of the New Orleans Hustlers Brass Band.

The Chron.com Houston Stage, on the patio on the backside of City Hall, is a great place for festival-goers to take a seat in the shade and enjoy a cold beverage while listening to the sounds of Houston’s best rock, reggae, blues and country bands. Rockers include local critical favorites Sideshow Tramps and Wild Moccasins. The local reggae contingent consists of Irie Time, Shark Attack, the Suspects, DubTex and Idiginis. Country is represented by former Houstonians Sisters Morales, the Mitch Jacobs Band and Robert Ellis and the Boys, while Chris Bell (OK, he’s from California but he plays like a Texan) and Big Al Bettis uphold the Houston blues tradition, along with Mark May and Texas Johnny Brown, doing double-duty from the Louisiana Stage. New Orleans rapper Truth Universal adds an element of socially-conscious hip hop to the mix.

The Roomstore Latin Stage, located in Library Plaza, also features a strong lineup of local talent. But here it is oriented toward salsa, merengue, Latin rock, ska and hip-hop, vallenato and traditional mariachi. In the salsa and merengue camp, we have Rudy Rincon and Grupo Kache, Rainel Pino y Cecile, Mi Rumba, Norma Zenteno, Mark Towns Latin Jazz Band and Lourdes Jimenez. Latinology, featuring accordionist Joel Guzman and vocalist Sarah Fox, Los Skarnales, Karina Nistal, Los Pistoleros de Tejas and Sister Sister y los Misters represent various approaches to Latin rock. There are two Colombian vallenato bands, Tekumbe and Orgullo Vallenato, playing the accordion-based music of the interior of Colombia. The youth groups Mariachi Palmview and Mariachi MECA will start the schedule each day. It is worth noting that there will be an elevated dance floor near the stage in the Latin Zone.

In addition to the main music stages, three smaller stages focus on cultural programming and community involvement. The H-E-B Cultural Stage, located across from the Chevron Living Museum in Upper Sam Houston Park, will again host an entertaining as well as educational mix of local dance troupes, acoustic music and drumming, literary readings, cooking demonstrations and fashion shows reflecting this year’s theme honoring the Caribbean.

The Target International Kids Stage, located in the Target Kids Zone, features youth-oriented community dance groups and vocal groups as well as magic shows, clowns and acrobats. On April 25, Austin singer-songwriter and former Houstonian Sara Hickman will make a special headlining appearance performing material from her recent album, Big Kid. The Sister Cities Wine Bar Stage, located next to the iFest Wine Bar between Upper and Lower Sam Houston Park, offers a truly international range of music and dance representing the member cities of Houston’s Sister Cities Association.

The 2010 Houston International Festival takes place April 17-18 and April 24-25 in the streets, plazas and parks of downtown Houston. Hours are Noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays, Noon to 8 p.m. Sundays. The festival will also host a free lunchtime reggae concert on Friday, April 16 following the official ribbon-cutting and opening day ceremonies at 11 a.m. on Center Stage.

Tickets are on sale at the festival website, www.ifest.org. Beginning March 1, tickets will also be available for purchase at H-E-B stores.

· $12.00 Special Advance Tickets

Available through April 12, (online – now/H-E-B – beginning March 1)

· $17.00 Regular Tickets

Available April 13 through end of Festival and at the Gate

· $3.00 Youth/Saturdays (three and under are free)

· FREE Target Kids Free on SUNDAYS (kids 12 and under)

· $80.00 Passport

· 4 iFest tickets

· 2-day parking pass

· iFest cap

· 2 drink coupons

· Buy 1 get 1 food coupon

· Members-only gate access

·$149.00 VIP Pass

· 4-day pass

· 4-day parking pass

· iFest gift bag

· 9 coupons for food/beverage

· Members-only gate access

· Behind the scenes iFest tour on first Saturday (12:30 p.m.)

· Commemorative iFest pass

· iFest VIP lounge

All proceeds benefit the Festival arts and education programs.

For more information on the 2010 Houston International Festival, call 713-654-8808 or access the Festival’s official website at www.ifest.org.

18-Feb-10 1:00 AM

iFest 2010 Spotlights the Caribbean

Tracy Golden — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

40th Annual Houston International Festival transforms
Downtown Houston into a unique Caribbean experience

WHAT:
The 2010 Houston International Festival spotlighting the sights, sounds and flavors of the Caribbean

WHEN:
April 17 – 18 & April 24 & 25, 2010
Saturdays – Noon – 10 p.m.
Sundays – Noon – 8 p.m.

WHERE:
Downtown Houston – Including City Hall, Upper and Lower Tranquility Park, Bagby Street and Upper and Lower Sam Houston Parks

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE
The unique flavors, sights and sounds of the beautiful Caribbean will come to life through diverse and celebrated music and dance groups from around the world, as well as international food and markets in multiple cultural zones.

CARIBBEAN ZONE:
The centerpiece of the 2010 festival will celebrate the rich history and cultural influences of the Caribbean, spanning from City Hall to Upper Sam Houston Park. A 40-foot-long reproduction of a historic pirate ship will be the showcase of the Caribbean Living Museum. Visitors will experience pirate demonstrations as well as learn about the history of famous pirates of the Caribbean.

Other highlights include:
• Colonial Fort: An interactive, historic fort exhibit inspired by the fortifications built in the 16th century to protect settlements.
• Chapel: A picturesque chapel reminiscent of Alto Vista, the first Roman Catholic church constructed in Aruba by Spanish missionaries. Exhibits accompanying the chapel will feature religions of the Caribbean and reproductions of Cuban Orisha art from the Center for Cuban Studies in New York.
• Bohio: This circular dwelling is reminiscent of the buildings constructed of wooden poles, straw, and palm leaves inhabited by indigenous people of the Caribbean.
• In addition, visitors can sample the unique flora and fauna of the Caribbean in the Caribbean Spice Center. A Caribbean Culture and Literature area will feature members of local Caribbean communities representing a range of cultural and educational information.

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS:
An outdoor international art gallery and shopping experience offering numerous arts markets and international craft demonstrations featuring works from more than 500 artists from all over the world. Markets include: Caribbean, Gypsy, International, African-Caribbean, Bayou, Latin and Fine Arts Avenue.

INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR:
In addition to authentic Caribbean cuisine, the festival offers flavors from all over the world including: Cajun, Creole, Mediterranean, Thai, Japanese, Southwestern and Continental cuisines.

EDUCATION
The Houston International Festivals 23rd consecutive Education Program, presented in partnership with HISD, features a Teacher’s Curriculum Guide, underwritten by Chevron and produced by the Houston International Festival. The guide is distributed to more then 1,400 school campuses in seven counties across Texas including: HISD, Harris County, Galveston and Fort Bend Counties.

The guide is available to a potential 900,000 students who will learn about the culture and history of the Caribbean through the Houston International Festival Curriculum Guide.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Opening Ceremony
Friday, April 17 at 11 a.m. – Center Stage at City Hall

The Mayor’s Gala
Thursday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. - Omni Houston Hotel
A fundraising gala dinner hosted by Mayor Annise Parker of the City of Houston. Visiting dignitaries and members of Houston’s Consular Corps are honored by guests of the Mayor’s Gala. Proceeds benefit the Festival’s year-round arts, education and outreach programs.

TICKETS:
Tickets go on sale March 1 and are available at www.ifest.org or at Houston area H-E-B locations

Advance Discount: $12
Regular: $17

Target Kids Free Sundays All kids 12 and under are FREE on Sundays courtesy of Target.

Youth 12 & under Saturdays: $3 (children age two and under are free)

Group and other special discounts available.

TRANSPORTATION:
Call METROLine at 713-635-4000 for information on routes, schedules and all METRO services.

MORE INFO:
713.654.8808 or visit www.ifest.org

18-Feb-10 0:00 AM

Fun Facts About the Caribbean Islands

Tracy Golden — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:00:00 GMT

007 James Bond loves the Caribbean; films shot there include Dr No (Jamaica), Thunderball (Bahamas), Live and Let Die (Jamaica) Golden Eye (Puerto Rico) and Casino Royale (Bahamas). Sean Connery, the first Bond, lives in the Bahamas.
X marks the spot Norman Island, in the British Virgin Islands, is said to be the prototype for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. It fits the bill: Norman is the BVI's largest uninhabited land mass.
Tastes like chicken A region wide delicacy called ‘mountain chicken’ is no kind of fowl, but is actually a crapaud, a local species of frog with unusually large (and delicious) legs.
Mango a go-go There are at least 12 kinds of mango widely sold through the Caribbean. That's at least twelve reasons to go.
Songs about the Caribbean Once they're stuck in your head you'll wish you'd never heard them: "Montego Bay" (Bobbly Bloom), "Kokomo" (The Beach Boys), "April sun in Cuba" (Dragon), "Dreadlock holiday" (10cc), "Barbados" (The Models), "Caribbean Queen" (Billy Ocean).
Bon Appétit There are about 35 species of lobster in six families that occur in the Caribbean Sea.
Land of Island Beauties Rihanna hails from the Caribbean Islands of Barbados.
The Highs and the Lows The Dominican Republic is home to both the highest peak and lowest point in the West Indies. Pico Duarte, standing at 10,128 feet above sea level is found in the Dominican Alps. The lowest point is the salty Lago Enriquillo, a lake in the middle of the Barhona area at 144 feet below sea level.
Bringing home the Gold Jamaica has more Olympic medals than Portugal, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Iceland, Singapur and Kuwait combinded. It has competed in the Summer Olympic Games 16 times.
Cruising Of all the regions in all the world, the Easter Caribbean offers the most choice for cruising. Nearly every cruise line, major or minor, offers some type of itinerary that either concentrates on the region or at least touches a port or two.

10-Feb-10 9:00 AM

Listen to the KPFT Podcast of Marcia Ball Interview

Tracy Golden — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:00:00 GMT

In case you missed the Marcia Ball interview by Nuri Nuri on KPFT, check out the podcast for some great commentary and awesome blues music! Listen now!

5-Feb-10 7:00 PM

Remembering Rockefeller's with iFest

Tracy Golden — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:00:00 GMT

With the Houston International Festival practically right around the corner, and the "Mardi Gras Party" benefit for iFest's education programs - including the teacher's curriculum guide to the Caribbean the festival is sending to 1,500 area schools - two weeks from today at Rockefeller Hall with Marcia Ball and Texas Johnny Brown, Rocks Off asked iFest Director of Performing Arts Rick Mitchell to reminisce about the most memorable shows he saw at Rockefeller's during his tenure as the music critic for the Houston Chronicle. Read more

5-Feb-10 1:00 PM

Haiti Earthquake Relief: How You Can Help

Tracy Golden — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:00:00 GMT

An earthquake centered near the impoverished Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince caused the collapse of several buildings and an unknown number of fatalities Tuesday. The quake measured 7.0 on the Richter scale and at least 1.8 million people live within the area where the earthquake had its highest intensity.

The U. S. State Department Operations Center has set up the following number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747.

Your help is desperately needed to rush emergency supplies to children and families affected by the earthquake. The best way for you to help right now is to give through one of the organizations below.

•The American Red Cross is pledging an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by this earthquake. They expect to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. They are accepting donations through their International Response Fund.

•UNICEF has issued a statement that "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.

•Donate through Wyclef Jean's foundation, Yele Haiti. Text "Yele" to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of the earthquake and their families.

13-Jan-10 10:00 PM

iFest Mardi Gras Party with Marcia Ball & Texas Johnny Brown

Tracy Golden — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:02:52 GMT

22-Dec-09 8:02 AM

Top 10 iFest Music Moments

Tracy Golden — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Rick Mitchell’s Top 10 iFest Moments

I have worked with the Houston International Festival in various capacities since 2000. Prior to joining the iFest team, I covered the festival for ten years as the chief pop music critic at the Houston Chronicle. As a reviewer, I often found myself rushing from stage to stage, trying to take in as much of the action as possible. Now, as the performing arts director, I find myself rushing from backstage to backstage, trying to make sure the trains run on time and everyone gets paid. With eight to ten stages operating concurrently, I probably run the equivalent of a 10K on any given festival day. Consequently, I almost never get to hear a full set anymore, and there are many sets I don’t hear at all. But here are some of the most unforgettable bright moments I’ve experienced at iFest during the past 20 years.

Youssou N’Dour, 1992 – This was my first full realization of what the Houston International Festival means to the city of Houston. The setting sun reflected off the glass skyscrapers and African elders in full robes stood in rapt silence next to suburban soccer moms in running shorts as the Senegalese superstar sang Sufi hymns of love and peace from the steps of Houston City Hall. I remember thinking, “Why can’t downtown always be like this?” We have been trying to get Youssou N’Dour back ever since…
All-Irish Finale, 2001 – It opened with Paul Brady singing a trance-like “Homes of Donegal,” then segued into a Celtic hippie drum circle with the members of Belfast’s Different Drums of Ireland and climaxed with the Irish band Kila standing on one side of the stage and the Irish-American band Solas on the other side trading solos on a medley of traditional reels. On and on and faster and faster they went, long past the scheduled stopping time. Jim Austin and I looked at each other and shrugged. You don’t want to stop the movie in the middle of a reel.
Celtic-Conjunto Finale, 2009 – Eight years later and we are honoring Ireland again. Los Lobos, the last band on the World Stage, graciously invites conjunto accordion master Joel Guzman and Sean Graham of the Irish band Beoga to sit in on their closing number, “La Bamba.” The Wolves take a brief break while Joel joins Beoga and Irish fiddler Kevin Burke on a couple of traditional numbers, then Los Lobos returns to encore with a rocking blues featuring Houston zydeco man Lil’ Brian Terry on accordion. It looked smooth, as if it had all been planned in advance. Trust me, it hadn’t.
Burning Spear, 1998 – A contemporary of Bob Marley, Spear brings a fiery spiritual intensity to his performances rarely seen in contemporary reggae music. Judging from the scene in front of the stage, every dreadlocks Rasta between Austin and New Orleans turned out for the show, and they all fired it up at the same time. If Mayor Lee Brown, the former drug czar in the Clinton administration, had ventured back downtown on a Sunday, he might have declared a state of emergency on account of all the smoke. As for me, I was behind the stage dancing with Mr. Yellowman and his female entourage.
George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, 2007 – When we booked this, my main worry was that the show would not start on time. Instead, the Mothership landed in Sam Houston Park ten minutes early and kept the largest crowd we had ever drawn to one stage on their collective feet for more than two hours. At 10 p.m. curfew time, the police started screaming at us to shut it down. (Actually, it was only the white cops who were yelling; most of the black cops were too busy dancing.) Uncle Jam didn’t want to stop. He was singing every song he could remember – “Shake Rattle and Roll,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” World Stage manager Lupe Olivarez was frantically trying to get George’s attention from the side of the stage. I motioned to singer Gary Shider (who had changed out of his oversized diaper) to pull George away from the mic, which he did, leading to a chorus of boos from the crowd. By this time, the police were threatening to pull the plug, which might have resulted a tense situation. Fortunately, George relented, and social order was maintained.
Steve Earle, 2003 – Steve Earle has a favorite adjective, one that is not commonly printed in mainstream media contexts. Before he went on, I explained to him that the Houston International Festival is a family-friendly event, and that if he could refrain from using his favorite adjective, we would really appreciate it. So the first thing Steve says when he comes onstage is, “Hello, Houston, how the (bleep) are you?” Sure enough, we got a complaint or two from patrons offended that their young-uns had been exposed to such language. But you know what? I’m glad he said it, and the set (bleeping) rocked.
Johnny Bush and Don Walser, 2001 – At the request of the late Rory Miggins, these two legends of Texas honky-tonk music came together on the Texas Stage to duet on “Danny Boy,” the Irish-American standard that has found new life as a country ballad. When they finished, as some in the crowd wiped their eyes, I remember borrowing a cowboy hat and announcing from the stage, “I can die now.”
Super Rail Band and Maraca, 2001 – I have at times tried to orchestrate jam sessions among musicians at the festival. Some have worked better than others. But this one came about of its own accord, as the members of the Cuban band Maraca strode onstage carrying various horns and drums and shakers toward the end of the set by Mali’s Super Rail Band. Super Rail guitarist Djelimady Tounkara launched into pan-African soukous groove with chord changes similar to the Cuban standard “Guantanamera.” Before it was over, the Africans and Cubans were joyfully trading instruments and dancing the trans-Atlantic rumba together. Not long after this, the Bush administration instituted a policy of denying all Cuban performers entry into the US.
Grady Gaines and the Texas Upsetters, sometime in the early Nineties – I can’t remember what year this was, but in an inspired bit of programming by former festival artistic director Baraka Sele, Grady Gaines – the Houston tenor saxophonist who played with Little Richard in the 1950s and was working as an airport skycap when I arrived in Houston in 1989 – was playing ahead of the World Saxophone Quartet, the avant-garde jazz group from New York. I was standing next to the WSQ’s David Murray, who was listening intently to Grady’s blues-based honking and shouting. After the set, I introduced Gaines to Murray, who complimented him on his sound. Grady replied, “I’d like to stay and hear you but I gotta go play a wedding.” Such is the life of a local hero.
Drum Circle, 2008 – It was the final day of the 2008 festival, and we had dodged a bullet when a big storm that was headed right at Houston miraculously changed course at the last minute and veered to the north. I was passing through the Living Museum area in Upper Sam Houston Park, where Baba Ifalade (also known as Alafia Gaidi of the band D.R.U.M .) was leading one final Out of Africa drum circle on the Gullah Stage. Alafia had set his djembe drum at the side of the stage to join a posse of white-clad women in some inspired dance moves. Nature abhors a vacuum, so I picked up Alafia’s drum and joined the circle. Carried away by the layers of polyrhythm, of which mine was but one of a dozen, I sort of lost track of time. When I finally looked at my watch, I realized I was almost late for the World Stage, where Taj Mahal would soon be jamming with the Africans in the festival finale. But after all the hard work and stress of planning and producing a major music festival, what a liberating joy it was to get back to the basic act of making music.

These are just a few of the amazing musical moments over the years. We are sure that our iFest fans have their own that are not on this list. Come on iFest Fans, let us hear your favorite iFest moments musical or not!

18-Nov-09 12:00 PM

Ten Great Caribbean Secrets

Tracy Golden — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT

The Caribbean isn’t all just yachts and cruise ports (or souvenir hassle). Here are a handful of the region’s great experiences that don’t get as much press, but deliver unbeatable trips. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/caribbean/travel-tips-and-articles/42/18162.

18-Nov-09 9:00 AM

Marcia Ball Concert at Rockefeller Hall

noemail@ifest.org — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Wendy Slaton January 22, 2010 281-814-6384 wjslaton@aol.com iFest mardi gras party featuri ng Marcia Ball and Texas Johnny brown at HOUSTON’S LEGENDARY Rockefeller Hall HOUSTON – Austin’s piano boogie queen Marcia Ball and Texas Johnny Brown reunite for an iFest Mardi Gras party on Friday, February 12 at Houston’s Rockefeller Hall, 3620 Washington Avenue. Proceeds from the one-night only concert will benefit the education programs of the 2010 Houston International Festival. Doors open at 7 p.m. Concert begins at 8 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in festive Mardi Gras attire for a chance to win a four-day passport and general admission tickets to iFest. Ball and Brown are no strangers to the Rockefeller’s stage. Houston music fans have fond memories of the 1980s and 1990s, when Ball,...

iFest Gates Open at 12 Noon on Sunday April 19

noemail@ifest.org — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OPENS GATES AT 12 P.M. Festival is Geared Up For Sunny Weather on Sunday, April 19 WHEN: Sunday, April 19 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. WHAT: Despite the inclement Saturday weather, the 38th annual Houston International Festival has a schedule chock-full-of activity for Sunday, April 19. The Festival kicks off the celebration of Ireland with delicious food, fine arts and crafts and the best music from around the world. Not only has Plena Libre been rescheduled for 12 p.m. on Sunday, but festival-goers will also enjoy performances by Marc Broussard, Mavis Staples, CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band and more. See the music schedule below for performance times. Other exciting elements include the H-E-B Cultural Stage, which will feature dance performances, cuisines of Ireland and Irish dance costumes. Celebrity and local chefs will present cooking demonstrations during multiple daily performances. WHERE: Downtown...

iFest Closes Today & Resumes at noon tomorrow, Sunday April 19

noemail@ifest.org — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Due to inclement weather, the Houston International Festival has decided to close the event for the remainder of Saturday, April 18 in the best interest and safety of our patrons. Pre-purchased tickets will be redeemable for tomorrow and next weekend. The Festival will resume at noon tomorrow, Sunday, April 19 as scheduled."

iFest Goes On Despite the Rain

noemail@ifest.org — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

IFEST TO HOUSTONIANS: FICKLE TEXAS WEATHER WON’T RAIN ON OUR IRISH PARADE WHAT: Houston’s 38th annual urban multicultural event, The Houston International Festival Spotlighting Ireland (iFest), won’t let fickle Texas weather rain on anyone’s parade on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 when the Festival kicks off its two-weekend event featuring entertainment from around the world. Venues scattered across the Festival’s 16 city block radius of downtown Houston will provide entertainment, education and excitement while keeping iFest attendees dry. Recognizing Saturday’s BP MS 150 cancellation, all riders who choose to stay in Houston this weekend can bring their rider number to the iFest gates April 18-19 for half price admission. Downtown Houston will transform into an Irish countryside – complete with Ireland’s ever present rainy weather - for the 2009 Houston International Festival running April 18-19 & 25-26. Covered iFest venues flourish across the site: Sister...

iFest Transforms Downtown Houston into an Irish Paradise

noemail@ifest.org — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

2009 HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL TRANSFORMS DOWNTOWN HOUSTON INTO AN IRISH countryside iFest Spotlights Ireland, April 18-26 HOUSTON – Downtown Houston will be abuzz this April, as the 38th annual Houston International Festival spotlights Ireland April 18-19 and 25-26, 2009, with outstanding musical performances, art markets and craft demonstrations, interactive exhibits and plenty of food and fun for all. The Houston International Festival will continue its tradition as one of the largest presenters of world music anywhere on the planet. The 2009 event will feature hundreds of internationally acclaimed artists on 12 performance venues, the most stages to date, throughout the festival site. Stretching across 16 acres of downtown parks and streets including City Hall, Bagby Street, and Tranquility and Sam Houston Parks, this year’s event will feature seven international entertainment-themed zones including Ireland, International, Target Kids, Texas/Latin,...

iFest 2009 Fact Sheet

noemail@ifest.org — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

IFEST 2009 FACT SHEET The 38th annual festival brings the sights and sounds of Ireland to Houston W WHAT: Houston International Festival 2009 Spotlighting Ireland WHEN: Weekends April 18-19 and April 25-26, 2009 (Saturday, Noon – 10 p.m.; Sunday, Noon – 9 p.m.) iFest Free Preview Day: April 17, 2009, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Downtown Houston – Including City Hall, Upper and Lower Tranquility Park, Bagby Street and Upper and Lower Sam Houston Parks INTERNATIONAL MUSIC & DANCE: Featuring diverse and celebrated music and dance groups from around the world. Seven international entertainment-themed zones feature performers from around the world, from Cajun, zydeco, blues and rock, to country, folk, Latin and reggae. Zones include Ireland, International, Target Kids, Louisiana, Texas/Latin, Jamaica and...

iFest Announces Music Lineup for 2009 Event

noemail@ifest.org — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

IFEST ANNOUNCES MUSIC LINEUP FOR 2009 EVENT IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON SPOTLIGHTING IRELAND Headliners Include Ohio Players, Los Lobos, Mavis Staples, Hugh Masekela, Cherish The Ladies, Plena Libre, Marc Broussard, Marcia Ball, Flaco Jimenez, Rootz Underground, The Wailing Souls, Alpha Yaya Diallo, Little Joe Y La Familia, CJ Chenier, BeauSoleil, Keith Frank, Mariachi Los Arrieros, Beoga, Kevin Burke, Julie Fowlis, Step Rideau, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Soul Rebels, J. Paul Jr., Danny O’Flaherty, Jody Nix, Joel Guzman, Terri Hendrix, Jones Family Singers, Little Brian Terry, Chic Gamine, Houston’s Championship Irish Dancers And Much More! HOUSTON -- The 2009 Houston International Festival, honoring Ireland, is proud to announce the music lineup showcasing a host of top artists from around the globe. The 38th annual Festival returns to downtown Houston April 18-19 and 25-26, 2009, featuring continuous music, dance and cultural performances on 12 stages. Headlining the Bud...

iFest 2009 Spotlighting Ireland Fact Sheet

noemail@ifest.org — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:00:00 GMT

IFEST 2009 FACT SHEET The 38th annual festival brings the sights and sounds of Ireland to Houston WHAT: Houston International Festival 2009 Spotlighting Ireland WHEN: Weekends April 18-19 and April 25-26, 2009 (Saturday, Noon – 10 p.m.; Sunday, Noon – 9 p.m.) iFest Free Preview Day: April 17, 2009, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Downtown Houston – Including City Hall, Upper and Lower Tranquility Park, Bagby Street and Upper and Lower Sam Houston Parks INTERNATIONAL MUSIC & DANCE: Featuring diverse and celebrated music and dance groups from around the world. Seven international entertainment-themed zones feature performers from around the world, from Cajun, zydeco, blues and rock, to country, folk, Latin and reggae. Zones include Ireland, International, Target Kids, Louisiana, Texas/Latin, Jamaica and African/Caribbean. IRELAND ZONE: The centerpiece of this year’s Festival, the...

iFest Invites You to the 2009 Mayor's Gala

noemail@ifest.org — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:00:00 GMT

The 2009 Houston International Festival Invites You to the International Festival Mayor’s Gala What: International Festival Mayor’s Gala, a gala celebration of international culture and cuisine featured at the Houston International Festival. Next year’s spotlight is on the country of Ireland. When: Thursday, April 16, 2009 7:30-11:00 p.m. (Underwriters’ Reception: 6:30-7:30 p.m.) Where: Hilton Americas 1600 Lamar Houston, TX 77010 Benefiting: The Mayor’s Gala supports the Festival’s arts and education programs, which reach a potential 900,000 students at 1,471 campuses in seven Texas counties. Students will learn about the culture and history of Ireland through the Festival’s Teacher’s Curriculum Guide. Honoring: The event will be hosted by The Honorable Bill White and Mrs. Andrea White Co-chairs: The Honorable Edward M. Emmett and Mrs. Gwen Emmett ...

iFest Hosts Teachers Professional Development Workshop

noemail@ifest.org — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Houston International Festival Hosts Professional Development Workshop Educators to get sneak peek of 2009 Teacher’s Curriculum Guide Spotlighting Ireland WHAT: The Houston International Festival will host a free professional development workshop for teachers on Saturday, February 28, to introduce the 2009 Teacher’s Curriculum Guide themed Ireland and the Irish in America. The workshop is free and open to all Houston-area educators, and teachers in attendance will receive four certificate hours. The workshop will feature the following group of presenters including local scholars, teachers, writers and Festival staffers who contributed to the guide: - Dr. Joseph McFadden, retired history professor, founding member of the Irish Studies Program at the University of St. Thomas (UST) and former UST president, will lead workshops on Irish History and the Irish Famine. - Dr. Janet Lowery, professor and Cullen Foundation Chair in English at the University of St. Thomas,...

Music Line Up Just Released - See Who Is Performing at iFest

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:39:04 GMT

Superstars like George Clinton, Ozomatli, Eddie Palmieri, King Sunny Ade, Baaba Maal, Tab Benoit plus so many more!

Fun Facts About the Caribbean Islands

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:13:50 GMT

Learn ten fun facts about the area of the world iFest will travel to in 2010!

iFest 2010 Spotlights the Caribbean

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:10:20 GMT

iFest will turn downtown Houston into a Caribbean paradise April 17-18 & 24-25

iFest 2010 Zones - Travel the World in a Weekend!

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:13:33 GMT

An international focus on fun! Travel the world in a weekend! iFest features six entertainment zones featuring music, art and food. So you can pick a zone and zero in on one culture, or mix and match for a truly international experience! Visit: Caribbean Zone >> African Zone>> Target Kids Zone >> Latin Zone >> International Zone >> Louisiana Zone >> CARIBBEAN ZONE The Magic of our Spotlighted Country No time for a quick trip? No problem. Experience the sights, smells and sounds in the Caribbean Zone. Enjoy dazzling performances, breathtaking art, informative demonstrations and exhibits plus a fiesta of tasty treats. Don't miss these special attractions: The rich history and cultural influences of the Caribbean will come alive in this zone Upper Sam Houston Park will transform into the cultural heart of the festival in the Chevron Caribbean Living Museum Caribbean music and dance will be showcased on Center Stage, built over...

iFest 2010 Performers - So many to see, so little time...

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:54:17 GMT

We Are the World With a top-notch lineup of performers from Africa to Asia, the Houston International Festival has established itself as the center of the musical universe. - John Morthland, Texas Monthly Step right up to hear hundreds of great performers from all over the world. It's the best show in town! We've got two weekends jam-packed with entertainers you won't want to miss. A top-notch line up of performers only at iFest See funk legend George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic Dance to Latin legend Eddie Palmieri Jam with Jamaica's hottest reggae bands - Steel Pulse and the Mighty Diamonds Groove to the sounds of Latin ska/rock/hip-hop party boys Ozomatli Don't miss international superstars King Sunny Ade from Nigeria and Senegal's Baaba Maal Party with the world's best Zydeco bands J. Paul Jr. and the Zydeco Nubreeds, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Lil Brian Terry & the Zydeco Travelers and Curtis Poullard & the Creole Zydeco Band ...

VOLUNTEER PACKETS

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:11:19 GMT

Thank you so much for taking the time to volunteer for this year's Houston International Festival. We simply could not put the festival on if it were not for great people like you!

Volunteer Information including the Volunteer Pocket Guide, Siite map and parking pass will be avaiable for download after April 4, 2010.

iFest Happenings

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:45:42 GMT

There's a lot happening at festival time. Kick-off the festival at Opening Ceremony. Sneak a peek at this year's entertainment at the Free Friday concerts. Meet and mingle at the The Mayor's Gala or bid on wonderful one of a kind trips. There's a lot to see and do! iFest Opening Ceremony Friday, April 16, 2010 11:00am - 11:30am Center Stage at City Hall Official opening of the 2010 Festival, spotlighting the Caribbean. Event opens with the Sister Cities International Children's Parade followed by spectacular performances. Mayor of Houston, city officials and dignitaries from the Caribbean will attend. Special guests from the Houston media community will serve as emcees to provide an overview of the festival highlights and welcome dignitaries from the honored country. Houston International Festival: The Mayor's Gala Tropical Treasures: The Caribbean and Beyond Thursday, April 15, 2010 6:30pm - Underwriter's Reception 7:30pm - Dinner,...

Food

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:44:02 GMT

. . .as I nibbled on fried bananas and. . .as I wolfed down fish and chips, the full scope and substance of the Houston International Festival hit me. -John Morthland, Texas Monthly There's a reason we say coming to iFest is like an edible adventure. From Texas traditional to ethnic fare, variety can be found at iFest! With tons of great food and beverage booths serving delicious refreshments from all over the world, we have something for everyone's taste. Of course, we'll have plenty of great tropical inspired food from our spotlighted countries of the Caribbean. Plus we'll have Chinese, Japanese, Jamaican, Mexican and Greek cuisine, sweet treats from Marble Slab Creamery. . . and so much more. Fortify and refresh yourself with our Food Vendors' delectable array of entrees, snacks, and event beverages to please every palate. Bon Appetit Cooking Connection presents the Cuisines of the Caribbean And don't miss the amazing cooking demonstrations on the...

Grupo Kache

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:49:40 GMT

Tuyo Embarking upon an adventurous desire to combine traditional Latin flavor with modern rhythms, Rudy Rincon and the members of Grupo Ka-Che have taken their dream to greater heights, by embracing their heritage and sharing the spirit of a sound that has been passed from generation to generation. Founded in November ’96, this group has not only captured the heart and soul of Latin music within the Houston area, but they have begun to spread their magic nationwide. “We haven’t just had the honor of being named ‘Best Latin Band,’ by the Houston Chronicle, but we have also been asked to perform in various venues outside of the state such as Colorado Springs, Philadelphia, and Las Vegas,” Rudy and Grupo Ka-Che have been featured in several local festivals such as the Houston International Festival, Festival de la Salsa, and The PRC Festival among others. Also, they are a regular act every year on entertainment seasons series and local...

Strictly Street Salsa Dancers

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:49:45 GMT

Motivated by a passionate dream of sharing the Latin American culture and with 5 students in a small dance studio, what is now known as Strictly Street Salsa was born. That was 1998 and today, Strictly Street Salsa has instructed thousands of students across the state of Texas. Ranging from individual to group to corporate classes, our instructors have been committed to bringing audiences a taste of an authentic Latin American dance experience or as it’s called in Latin circles, “sabor”.

Stimulated by the rich heritage found in the melding of cultures from Africans and Gypsy music, to Native American and Europeans, we have set forth as our mission, to awaken in every person that comes to our program, an appreciation and love for Latin American music and movement, building bridges between people of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. The continuous support received fuels our enthusiasm, for which we are sincerely grateful!

2010 iFEST MUSIC SCHEDULE

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:29:15 GMT

View and print schedules by day: Saturday April 17th >> | Sunday April 18th >> | Saturday April 24th >> | Sunday April 25th >> | Complete Schedule >> FRIDAY, APRIL 16 CENTER STAGE 11:00 Official Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Festival 12:00 Mark Towns Latin Jazz Band 12:45 Strictly Street Salsa Dancers 1:00 Mark Towns Latin Jazz Band SATURDAY, APRIL 17 CENTER STAGE 12:30 Carnival Parade with Los Parranderos and Mocko Jumbie Stilt Dancers 1:00 Caribbean Dance Party with DJ Kasanova 2:00 Strictly Street Salsa Dancers 2:30 Caribbean Dance Party with DJ Kasanova 3:30 Carnival Parade with Los Parranderos and Mocko Jumbie Stilt Dancers 4:00 Strictly Street Salsa Dancers 5:00 Dance Party with DJ Kassanova 6:00 Bachata Roja Legends featuring Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic) with the Strictly Street Salsa Dancers 7:00 Caribbean Dance Party with DJ Kassanova 9:00 Caribbean Dance Party with DJ...

Chris Bell 100% Blues

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:40:51 GMT

Real Bluesman “Chris Bell delivers the real blues…lowdown and from the heart. He communicates naturally and gives us what’s on his mind, keeping the blues tradition near at hand with one foot planted firmly in the 21st Century” --- Jim Santella / Southland Blues Magazine. Guitarist/singer/songwriter, Silver Bridge Recording blues artist Chris Bell was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Massachusetts, and credits both his parents for introducing him to blues, jazz, rhythm & blues and gospel music. At the early age of nine, he picked up his first guitar and discovered his passion. During the 1980's, while majoring in art and music at the University of Massachusetts, Chris participated in jazz workshops with Archie Shepp, attended a summer session at Berklee School of Music, and studied under guitar great Tony MacAlpine. In 1990, Chris relocated to Los Angeles to further develop his musical career, and in 2000, went back to his roots and formed what...

Neutral Sister with Mr. Blacc Sheep and Yard Band

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:20:26 GMT

Hold on Haiti Born in Kenya East Africa to an English father and Jamaican Mother Kyra Noons grew up singing in the choirs at school while growing up in England, Jamaica and then America she joined with her sister Bianca to become the group Neutral Sisters in 1998 and the two began writing songs together. Soon after their song Live-N-Direct was entered in the Billboard Songwriters competition which won them first place in the Pop category during their eight years together as a group Kyra and Bianca/Neutral Sisters were known as a new wave in Reggae and graced many stages, they opened for Luciano at Tropical Insanity Spring break in Jamaica,opened for Bone Thugs and Harmony in Montego Bay Jamaica,performed on Sumfest in Jamaica hitting the stage right before Sean Paul and Sumfest in Miami hitting the stage right before Lady Saw. They also performed at the Rebel Salute in Jamaica hitting the stage right before Junior Gong/Damian Marley. They opened for Acon at the International Arts...

Test

noemail@ifest.org — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Objectives: test

Release Date: 6-May-09 2:00 PM
Expiration Date: 4-Aug-09 2:00 PM

Test

noemail@ifest.org — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Release Date: 6-May-09 2:00 PM
Expiration Date: 4-Aug-09 2:00 PM

iFest Survey

noemail@ifest.org — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Objectives: iFest is interested in obtaining a profile of visitors to the 2009 Houston International Festival spotlighting Ireland. We hope this survey will provide us with information to improve the festival for the future and allow us to serve our customers.

Release Date: 6-May-09 1:00 PM
Expiration Date: 4-Aug-09 1:00 PM
In order to serve our customers and to improve the Festival for the future, please complete the survey below.

Lorem ipsum survey

noemail@ifest.org — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:27:32 GMT

Objectives:

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Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci

Release Date: 31-Aug-07 3:27 PM
Expiration Date: 30-Nov-07 3:27 PM

Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci

Los Skarnales

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:07:48 GMT

Los Skarnales

SisterSister

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:07:48 GMT

Sister Sister

Los Pistoleros

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:07:48 GMT

Los Pistoleros

Karina Nistal

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:07:48 GMT

Karina Nistal

Norma Zenteno

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:07:48 GMT

Norma Zenteno

Tekumbe

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:07:48 GMT

Tekumbe

JoelGuzman & Sarah Fox

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:07:48 GMT

Joel Guzman & Sarah Fox

Mark Towns

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:07:48 GMT

Mark Towns

Sisters Morales

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:07:48 GMT

Sisters Morales

Sidewsho Tramps

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:07:48 GMT

Sideshow Tramps.

Lorem ipsum

2007-08-31T20:27:32Z

Instructor: Instructor

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