International Music & Dance Festival Jets Back Into Town

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Once again, this summer, the New Rochelle Public Library is ready to explore the diverse cultures of the world with you — no passports required.

The New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) and The Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library just announced the return of the renowned International Music and Dance Festival on July 9. The highly anticipated festival will feature weekly live performances every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m., from July 9 - August 13, in the Ossie Davis Theater at the library.

The library says that the six-week festival will offer something for everyone, with a diverse lineup of traditional music and dance to "dazzle audiences of all ages." Attendees can expect "captivating performances, bright costumes, and unique insights into the rich cultural heritage behind each show."

"The International Music and Dance Festival has become a summer staple, allowing us to celebrate the diversity within New Rochelle and the surrounding area through incredible artistic expressions," Tobe Sevush, Programming Coordinator at NRPL, said. "We're excited to continue this beloved tradition again this summer."

Here's the schedule of the weekly performances:

July 9: Greek American Folklore Society will be "transporting audiences to the sun-drenched Greek isles through a vibrant medley of traditional folk dances from across Greece's diverse regions."

July 16: "Be immersed in the mesmerizing sounds and movement of Bali when the renowned Gamelan Yowana Sari ensemble performs traditional and modern gamelan works, accompanied by graceful Balinese dance."

July 23: "The infectious Brazilian rhythms of samba, baião and other celebratory folk styles from Nanny Assis will have you swaying."

July 30: "The joyful klezmer revival sounds of Elijah and the Not-for-Prophets evoke the Jewish diaspora."

August 6: "Prepare to be mesmerized by Aszmara and Souren Baronian’s Transition Ensemble. The world-renowned dance artist Aszmara will grace the stage in exquisite costumes, accompanied by the folkloric music of Armenia, Turkey, and Egypt, performed by master Armenian musicians Robert Boghosian on the oud, Souren Baronain on clarinet, kaval & dooduk, and Mal Stein on doumbek."

August 13: "Grand finale by participants in the Calpulli Summer Mexican Dance workshops. Adorned in colorful costumes, dancers of all ages will celebrate the rich and diverse regional dance traditions of Mexico's cultural history." Note: This program will take place outside on the library patio, next to Ruby Dee Park.

The first five performances will be in the Ossie Davis Theater of the New Rochelle Public Library, located at 1 Library Plaza. Admission is free, but registration is requested for each event, which can be done online here or by calling 914-813-3706.