The Birmingham Multicultural Association (BMA) is hosting an International Street Fair May 12, 2012 on 3rdAvenue North in the Birmingham City Center from 11am-7pm. The goal of the Street Fair is to highlight and celebrate the diversity present in our city. This family friendly and pet-friendly event includes Birmingham residents from a variety of backgrounds sharing music and dance from around the world.
The day will kick off with dancers from the Chinese Cultural Association and conclude with reggae from "B-Law" Riddimwise. The other performers throughout the day will include Corazon Flamenco, Katie Cox School of Irish Dance, Celtic Folk Singer Marc Gunn and dancers from the Indian Cultural Association of Alabama. The featured dance company is world renowned dance theater Umdabu, the Birmingham-based group is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of traditional and contemporary South African history and culture. Featured musician is Colombian-born classical Latin guitarist Carlos Castilla.
Performance Schedule*:
Noon- 12:45 Marc Gunn- Celtic Folk Singer
12:55-1:35--Dancers from Indian Cultural Assoc. of AL
1:30-2:30--West African Dance classes from Nathifa and Salsa lessons from Rumba Latino Birmingham
2:20- 3:05 Corazon Flamenco-Flamenco Dancers
3:15-4:00 Carlos Castilla- Classical Latin Guitar
4:10- 4:55 Umdabu- Zulu Dancers and Drummers
5:10-5:45 Katie Cox School of Irish Dance
6:00 “B-Law” Riddimwise- Reggae band
*Times may vary slightly--just join us for the day and you won't miss anything!!
The Street Fair will also contain educational vendors to learn about global issues and how to get involved in local efforts and area cultural groups.
Learn dance steps, participate in a “game show” to test your global and cultural knowledge and enjoy the Traditional Parade of Dress (fashion show).
Food Vendors providing a variety of dishes from around the globe
While the event is free, event organizers are encouraging a $5 donation to help underwrite this vital cultural component. BMA Board Chair Melissa Kendrick said they are “also including a variety of artists and food vendors to compliment the musical line-up, as well as inviting local non-profits to have a presence and raise awareness of their causes and engage participants throughout the year in their work.”
The Birmingham Multicultural Association has no paid staff and all efforts are shaped by volunteers who serve on various committees. These committees help bring life to our programs and are the driving force behind the Street Fair. The Street Fair is supported in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts, The City Center Neighborhood Association, Sojourns Fair Trade store and WTTO. “It is our hope that the International Street Fair will become an annual event and serve to educate, inspire and entertain the citizens of Birmingham while highlighting the international aspects of our city and state”, said Kendrick.
For information on volunteering, becoming a vendor or sponsoring the Street Fair contact BhamStreetFair@yahoo.com or call 205.994.4902
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