When a giant model globe was placed in Queen's Flushing Meadow Corona Park, it is unlikely that 1964 World's Fair organizers envisioned the 1255-acre park's transformation four decades later. Yet it was a sign of things to come: a multicultural, demographic transformation was about to hit the New York area. After a period of disuse, the park has become a regional hub for the area's burgeoning Latino and Asian populations.

The JPMorgan Chase Latino Cultural Festival -- presented by Queens Theatre in the Park and now in its eighth year -- has become an international springboard for the careers of Latino artists. Dozens of musicians, dancers, and actors have made their USA or New York debut at the Festival and have gone on to have renowned careers. Festival organizers walk the line between selecting performers with name-recognition and those on the cutting edge of contemporary performance.

 

Continuing the event's tradition of presenting powerful women in Rock en Espa-ol, the Festival brings songwriter Julieta Venegas-whose lyrics express her bi-cultural experience of living in border-city Tijuana and life as a Mexican woman.

At the same time, the Festival curators scour international festivals and showcases in Latin America and Europe seeking out performers who represent the latest artistic creations, from theater to dance. This year QTP has commissioned Producciones La Lagrima to present a world-premiere dance piece at the Festival.

 

Festival performers also include the folkloric music and dance ensemble Jocaycu, whose 25-member troupe will perform a wide range of styles from Colombia; the reinvigorated Venezuelan son of Sim-n Diaz; and the comic theatre of Colombia's Tola y Maruja. There is also Fusion Tango, who mix old and new tango; Super Uba, representing the best in modern Dominican bachata and meringue; and SonCafe, timbalero Ralph Irizarry's eight-piece powerhouse, whose exciting sound blends salsa pura, son cubano, and New York swing. Boston's Sol y Canto will perform a bilingual family matinee of toe-tapping, be-bopping arrangements from Latin America.

 

Activities for young audiences have become an integral part of the Festival. This year's events include a screening of "Music Works Wonders," from the Sesame Street folks, encouraging children to explore create and grow with music, followed by a visit with Elmo. Also, Solo y Canto will present their "family fiesta" of exuberant original and traditional children's songs.

 

For a unique form of entertainment that crosses cultural boundaries, the Latino Cultural Festival offers an opportunity unlike any other. The former World's Fair site is a fitting venue for this multicultural extravaganza.

Festival Schedule

Wedneday, 7/28 - Grupo de Danzas Folcloricas "Jocaycu" (Colombia). Traditional dance & music from 25-member ensemble.
 
Thursday, 7/29 - Julieta Venegas (Mexico). Rock "en Espa-ol."
 
Friday, 7/30 - Super Uba. (Dominican Republic/NY). Blends modern bachata with classic son, bolero and merengue rhythms.
 
Saturday, 7/31 - Matinee; Sol Y Canto's "El Doble de Amigos/Twice as Many Friends." Traditional music from Latin America for children. Bilingual program. Evening; Son Caf (Puerto Rico/Cuba/New York). 

Sunday, 8/1 - Tango Master Class with Fusion Tango (Argentina/NY); Performance by Fusion Tango. A unique combination of traditional tango, fast milonga, new tango, and romantic boleros.
 
Monday, 8/2- "New York Spin" (Spain/NY). Film directed by Pedro Valiente; multicultural portrait of 24 people of different ages, occupations and races.
 
Tuesday, 8/3 - Eva Ayllon, Lucia Pulido, Lila Downs( Peru, Colombia, Mexico). Latin music's female singing sensations. 

Wednesday, 8/4 - Commissioned dance piece from Producciones La Lagrima (Mexico). 

Thursday, 8/5 - Open Mic Night for poets and spoken word. 

Friday, 8/6 - Simon Diaz (Venezuela). Back by popular demand, he plays music of the Venezuelan plains.
 
Saturday, 8/7 - Matinee; Sesame Street Workshop. Maravillas Musicales/Music Works Wonders." Bilingual educational program. Evening; Tola y Maruja (Colombia). Comedy duo.
 
Sunday, 8/8 - Johnny Pacheco (New York). A Latin music legend (and member of The Fania All Stars that included Celia Cruz and Tito Puente), El Maestro Johnny Pacheco returns to the Festival stage by popular demand.

JP Morgan Chase Latino
Cultural Festival at Queens
Theatre in the Park

Wednesday, July 28 through Sunday, Aug. 8. Tickets range from free to $35, and are available from Queens Theatre in the Park. Flushing Meadows, Corona Park, Queens. (718) 760.0064 or www.queenstheatre.org.

[original article included pictures of Fusion Tango and Johnny Pacheco]