Houston, TX, April 13, 2012; source: Medley Inc.- On Friday, April 20 the Opening Ceremony for the 42nd annual Houston International Festival spotlighting Argentina, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on the steps of City Hall located at 901 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002. Guests will also be provided a glimpse of the Argentinian entertainment to be featured during the two-weekend celebration with a lunch concert. The event is opened to the public.
Opening Ceremony at CIty Hall, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kim Stoilis, HIF CEO/President, will preview the special attractions and entertainment for this year’s Festival. Following, will be a welcome by Mayor Annise Parker, while schools representing the Sister Cities of Houston will also participate. Sister Cities will provide an opening parade and the launching of an international boat regatta on the Reflection Pond.
Highlighting opening ceremony will be performances by the Luna Argentina Dance Company & Eternal Tango’s champion dance couple.
Lunch Concert on Center Stage
Following the opening ceremony, from Noon to 2:00pm, will be a free lunch concert which will take place on Center Stage. presented by KHOU NEWS 11. The lunch concert will feature live performances by the South American band Latin Carnaval, and the Luna Argentina Dance Company.
Luna Argentina Dance Company is known for showcasing different areas of Argentina through vibrant spectrum of song and dance. Captivating audiences around the world, Hector Del Curto’s “Eternal Tango Dancers,” will grace the stage with the rhythmic beauty of the Tango. Hector Del Curto and Eternal Tango will also be performing at the Hobby Center’s Sarofim Hall on Saturday, April 21.
During the concert, attendees can enjoy a meal from select festival food vendors that will be open for business. Attendees can purchase lunch in the international food court surrounding the Reflection Pond featuring: Cupcakes & More, Lucia's Especialidades Argentina, Baines Family Concessions, Crepe Crazy, Kim Son Restaurant, Café du Qvondeyz Express, EZ BBQ, Baines Family Concessions, Sang Sang Foods, Chan's Concessions, Higher Taste, Papa John's Pizza, Vivian's Kitchen, Mint & Basil, Mi Pueblito & B's Roasted Corn!
FESTIVAL HOURS & ADMISSION
The Festival will take place two weekends, April 21-22 & April 28-29, 11a.m. - 8p.m.
Tickets are now on sale at the festival website, www.ifest.org.
- Adults $12 online (goes up to $15 on the 16th) and $18 at the door.
- Children $5 (ages 3-12), Free for children under 3 years old.
- Discount pricing for early birds, groups, and VIP tickets will be available online.
For more information about the 2012 Houston International Festival, visit: www.ifest.org
or call 713-654-8808. All proceeds benefit the Festival’s arts and education outreach programs.
"LIKE" HIF on Facebook.com/ifest and follow on Twitter @iFest hashtag #2012HIF.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Media interviews are available for Kim Stoilis, CEO/President of Houston Festival Foundation, Rick Mitchell, Director of Performing Arts & Education Programs. Interviews with other festival representatives and performers are upon request.
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