All On the Plaza Events are Free
POPS
in the Arena
Thursday, July 3
Program starts at 6:30,
doors open at 6:00PM
Broome County Veterans
Memorial Arena,
downtown Binghamton
Title Sponsor: 
On Thursday, July 3, 2008, Southern Tier Celebrates! in
partnership with Senator Tom Libous and title sponsor BAE Systems, presents the
annual Pops concert, featuring the Binghamton Philharmonic, taking place
this year in the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. Guest conductor
Timothy Perry and the Binghamton Philharmonic present a spectacular musical
celebration of America from Sousa to Sondheim plus the Independence Day favorite
Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.
The Philharmonic will be joined by guest artist Timothy
LeFebvre.
Pops in the Arena begins at 6:30pm with performances by
local favorite, Cobblestone Crossing, and a quartet featuring four
vocalists from Vestal High School’s select choir, Vestal Voices. The
Binghamton Philharmonic takes the stage at 8:00 pm for a rousing, patriotic
celebration.
In partnership with:
2nd Annual
World Fest on the Plaza –
a global music & dance party!
Sunday, July 27
Flamenco dance lessons at 1:45pm,
with music beginning at 2:30
Forum Theatre, 236 Washington Street, downtown Binghamton
Around the World and Home Again! We’re visiting Spain, the
Middle East, Africa & Colombia, featuring a whirl of fantastic music that will
have you dancing and feeling good!
Flamenco Ole!
When Spanish native Julia Lopez arrived in the United
States, she brought with her what she knew and what she loved - flamenco!
Founded in 1986, Flamenco Ole! is the only company in the region dedicated to
flamenco. It is known for seeking and exploring new trends and influences in
flamenco while celebrating the tradition of classical dance. Whether performing
in concert or at a festival, Flamenco Ole! strives to capture the essence of
flamenco each time they perform. Flamenco Ole! will kick off the program at
1:45pm with a flamenco dance lesson for all!
Atzilut
Atzilut: Concerts for Peace celebrates the common
roots of Arabic and Jewish music and shows the potential for creative
collaboration that so many hope for in the Middle East. Featuring Arabic and
Hebrew singers, four percussionists, 'oud, nai, violin, flute and bass, Atzilut
will perform a selection of cross-cultural music in both Hebrew and Arabic for a
truly eclectic performance that’s not to be missed!
Folklore Urbano
Folklore Urbano is a proud leader in the realm of
“contemporary folkloric’ music. Bandleader/pianist Pablo Mayor – a former music
professor in Bogota - composes music deeply rooted in centuries of Colombian
culture. Lively, traditional rhythms are paired with cutting edge jazz harmonies
and orchestrations to produce a wildly fresh sound which engages audiences of
all backgrounds. The 12-piece orchestra features powerhouse horns, joyous
percussion and stunning vocals. The group tours throughout the US and
internationally. Folklore Urbano is sure to get you movin’ and shakin’!
Kaissa
Cameroonian vocalist Kaissa is a major rising star on the
World Music scene. Powered by electrifying Afro-Pop, Reggae, Caribbean and
Western R&B grooves, Kaissa’s music breaks barriers. Featured on 4 Putumayo CD
compilations, her gorgeous voice is clear, strong, fragile, joyous and
inspiring. Engaging vocals, pulsating rhythms and lively dancing are the
backdrop for Kaissa’s soulful lyrics -- about the human condition, profound
family lessons, fighting against war and injustice, and calling gloriously to
her native Cameroon for its love of life and the human spirit. She was recently
featured with legendary songwriter Paul Simon in his week-long “Under African
Skies” celebration at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Kaissa has also performed
with such giants as Manu Dibango, Salif Keita, Cesaria Evora, Papa Wemba – and
Diana Ross!
The evening will end with a musical jam session! Ethnic
foods and beverages available for sale by local community groups. Limited
seating available, or bring your own lawn chairs.
Want to know more?
www.flamencoole.org
www.atzilutmusic.com
www.kaissa.com
www.folkloreurbano.com
www.smacdance.com
www.commcom.com
World Fest is sponsored by Southern Tier Celebrates in
partnership with Senator
Libous This project is supported by the National Endowment for the
Arts. The performances of Flamenco Ole! and Atzilut: Concerts for Peace are
additionally supported in part by Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour.
Latin Fest on the Plaza
Sunday, August 10
3–9PM
Government Plaza, downtown Binghamton
Charanga, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue & More! This year’s
Latin Fest features 3 fabulous groups that each offer a very different look at
various Latin rhythms & beats.
Sofia Koutsovitis Group
Simultaneously folkloric and cutting-edge,
vocalist/composer Sofia Koutsovitis offers vibrant, powerful music. In a highly
original style, Sofia fuses traditional South American rhythms like chacarera
and zamba from her native Argentina, Afro-Peruvian festejo and lando, Brazilian
samba and bossa nova with contemporary, innovative Jazz harmonies. Singing in
Spanish, Portuguese and English, Sofia’s gorgeous voice is captivating – whether
caressing lush melodies or delivering high-energy, fresh improvisation. She has
performed at major theaters and festivals throughout North and South America,
Europe and Asia.
Sofia’s debut album Ojala was named a Top 10 selection by
the Jazz Journalists Association. She will be featured with vocal giant Bobby
McFerrin in May, 2008 at Carnegie Hall in Instant Opera – an exciting
collaboration with nearly two dozen masters of a wide range of vocal traditions
from all over the world.
Latin Fiesta
Get out your dancing shoes, it’s time to get down! Rarely
does one hear a crossover concert that shifts from a hot salsa tune to a
classical work by Albeniz, and then incorporates a contemporary Latin version of
a Baroque Concerto Grosso, or a recent commissioned piece by Oscar Hernandez,
Carlos Franzetti, Arturo O'Farrill or Tania Leon, ending with the audience
rising out of their seats to join in an Afro-Cuban conga line. Latin Fiesta
combines a wide range of styles to create a diverse and energetic sound. Latin
Fiesta will also conduct a Latin dance lesson, completely FREE to the public
between their performances!
This ensemble has won wide acclaim as a pioneer in the
presentation of crossover concerts. The ensemble is led by award winning
performers Maria del Pico Taylor, Cuban born pianist and Raymond Taylor, English
born violinist.
Charansalsa
Highly danceable with modern harmony and rhythms and that
good old latin swing, Charansalsa is fresh and yet as comfortable as an old pair
of dancing shoes.
Flautist and co-leader, Joe has been a member of many of
the New York Latin scene’s most prestigious bands. Mostly known as a trombonist,
he has performed and recorded with Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Celia Cruz, David
Byrne’s Latin Band, among many, many, others. After 16 years living in England,
Joe has returned to the New York Scene with Charansalsa, a new concept in Latin
sound combining the best of Charanga and Salsa.
Rueda demos, Salsa, Charanga, Merengue & Bachata Dance
lessons by SMAC – Salsa Music Appreciation Club will have you up and dancing!
Children’s Hands-On Craft activities from various Latin cultures. Latino food &
drinks available for purchase. Limited number of seats available, or bring your
lawn chairs.
Rain location: BC Forum Theatre.
Want to know more?
www.sofiamusic.com
www.latinfiestainc.com
www.charansalsa.com
www.commcom.com
On the Plaza events are a partnership between Southern Tier Celebrates &
Senator Tom Libous. Our heartfelt
thanks to our friends and advisors at
SMAC, who work tirelessly to help our Latin Fest grow each year!
Gracias!
The performance of Latin Fiesta is
supported in part by Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour.
