Hunterdon Culture & Heritage Commission Hosts World Music Day

Hunterdon Culture & Heritage Commission Hosts Successful

World Music Day Event, At No Cost To Attendees

Hunterdon County’s third annual World Music Day event at Deer Path Park, held on September 30, was a great success with more than 700 people in attendance. Presented by the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission, the free event promotes musical art and cultural awareness among all sections of society.

Cultural & Heritage Commission Director Carrie Fellows, on October 2nd, reported to the Freeholder Board, “World Music Day featured three interactive world music workshops with Andy Wasserman who offered Native American music and dance sessions, middle eastern drumming and playing along in a “Voyage to Bongoland.”

Two participatory jam sessions were also held, and several activities were geared toward children. Jim Davidson hosted a West African Drum Circle, and the Bluegrass Jam was led by Daniella Fischetti and Tim Ryan of the local group Hub Hollow.”

Board of Chosen Freeholders Deputy Director Suzanne Lagay, the Liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Commission, attended the event and stated, “The blend of world music, locally delivered in a family picnic atmosphere, while offering interactive workshops, make this event the trifecta of Hunterdon County culture delivered free of cost to County and regional aficionados. It’s definitely a Win-Win-Win!”

Ms. Fellows reported to the Freeholders, “Additional performances included Tony Trischka, banjo master, Michael Daves, legendary bluegrass guitarist and vocalist, Jacob Jolliff, mandolinist and Erik Albar, bassist.

Also featured on the main stage were Aurelio Martinez, one of Central America’s most gifted performers, who had the crowd up and dancing; Karavika, a critically acclaimed chamber quartet that blends Indian and European classical music with American folk music; Eco Del Sur, Latin American artists who perform ancient Andean and contemporary music of Latin America; Anthony Carrera, a world music multi-instrumentalist specializing in classical/flamenco guitar, handpan, and sitar; and Justin Nawn and Bronwyn Bird of The Birdhouse Center for the Arts (Lambertville), mixing traditional Swedish tunes with American roots music.”

Ms. Fellows added, “The Cultural & Heritage Commission is grateful for the partnership of the Division of Parks and Recreation, as well as the support of numerous County Departments and Divisions.

The Delaware Valley Composite Squadron of the U.S. Navy Auxiliary assisted with parking. Local businesses supported the program with donations and Unity Bank provided two hours of entertainment with free rides in their hot air balloon – and a wonderful view of the stage.”

The annual festival is funded primarily through a Local Arts Program grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Cultural & Heritage Commissioner Alan Rigoletto, a professional guitarist, produces the event.