FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Dave Amoroso • Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Inc.
(414) 354-0200, ext. 108 • dave@rspr.com
MILWAUKEE, WI – Dancers, vocalists, and musicians representing cultures from around the world will perform daily at the 79th annual Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premiere multi-cultural festival, to be held Fri., Nov. 18 – Sun., Nov. 20, 2022, at the State Fair Park Exposition Center in West Allis, Wis.
The All Nations Theater will host the opening and closing ceremonies along with dancing by more than 35 adult and youth performance groups, including African American, Asian Indian, Chinese, Lithuanian, Mexican, Polynesian, Scottish, and Ukrainian.
The Young People’s Showcase on Sun., Nov. 20, will offer performances at 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 a.m. in the All Nations Theater, with the dancing talent of children from 14 ethnic groups, including the Donauschwaben, Greek, Italian, Latvian, Polish Syrenka, and Slovak.
The Tanzhaus (Music Pavilion), presented by Mad City Windows and Baths, will allow attendees to dance and sing along to a variety of musical styles. New in 2022 will be Mariachi Garibaldi, a Mexican musical ensemble performing on Nov. 20. Returning to the Folk Fair Tanzhaus stage will be the Bob Breuer Polka Band; Paddygrass, performing Irish, bluegrass, and gospel; the Orkestar Sloboda, specializing in Serbian and Balkan music; Polish Fusion, a high energy polka band; and Prazna Flasa, featuring Balkan music.
In addition, adult, youth, and children’s groups will dance in the Tanzhaus throughout the weekend, including Armenian, Aztec, Filipino, Irish, Serbian, and Turkish dancers.
The Coffee House provides those in attendance the opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and baked goods while listening to talented musicians from throughout the world. Groups performing during Holiday Folk Fair International include Brian Bauman (German), Kapela Syrena (Polish), Michael Kotkin (Klezmer/Jewish), Michelangelo (Variety), Peasants Abroad (Variety), and a group performing traditional Rohingya music.
A program of the International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), Holiday Folk Fair International celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in Wisconsin. The 2022 theme, “Celebrate the Culture of Living Heritage,” will allow Fair-goers the opportunity to explore traditions, customs, practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills through the instruments, objects, artifacts, and cultural spaces that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
Special attractions in 2022 include invited international performers and artisans, cultural murals produced by Milwaukee Public Schools Fine Arts Department students, photographic exhibits, the Artisan corner, the Dirty Kettle Native American interactive display, the Wisconsin Woodturners, a bonsai exhibit, a Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation tournament on Sat., Nov. 19, and an interdenominational religious service Sun., Nov. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Tanzhaus.
The three-day event also features Heritage Lane, presented by Everdry, with unique traditions and customs through interactive exhibits; the International Bazaar sponsored by Bath Fitter, where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience; the Children’s Area, presented by Leafguard, where young people explore their heritage; and the Callen Chefs Stage featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine.
Hours are 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 18; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 19; and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 20. In addition, some Folk Fair activities will be shared live via the event’s Facebook page.
Advance tickets are $12 each, with family four-packs for $44. Admission at the gate will be $16 for adults; $8 for children ages 6 to 12; with children five and under admitted at no charge. Those 62 and over will be admitted for $12, and all military personnel with a military ID card will be admitted free.
For more information on the 2022 Holiday Folk Fair International, visit www.folkfair.org or call 414-225-6225.