First Arts, Music and Culture Event in Port Washington on Saturday, May 19th to Celebrate the Community’s Diverse Talents and Fund More Arts Programs

First Port Washington Festival, “PortFest” to Celebrate the Community’s Diverse Talents and Fund More Arts Programs

Grassroots, Day-Long Celebration on Saturday, May 19^th Welcomes Local Artists, Musicians and Students in this Groundbreaking event

 Port Washington will hold its first community music, arts and cultural festival, PortFest on Saturday, May 19 featuring  performances by local school and resident bands; arts and crafts and other fun activities as well as galleries of artworks by local artisans and students  from 11 am to 5 pm.  Among the diverse array of participants are 25 artists, 15 performance groups and 15 interactive music/art activities representing the schools and the community.

Modeled after outdoor music and arts festivals, seven local bands will be appearing on two large stages in the field adjacent to Schrieber High School.  Within the high school auditorium, additional performances by student groups other organizations will take place throughout the day.

The event is being organized by a new community grass roots organization, Helping Enrich the Arts (HEARTS), with the full involvement support from countless local organizations joining together to enhance & support the music and creative arts programs in the Port Washington Union Free School District.

Activities abound for kids and parents alike at this novel artistic gathering with events for everyone.  Kids will be encouraged to explore musical instruments, get involved in interactive art and craft projects as well as interact with the artists and performers.  Many local merchants, sponsors and community organizations will be on hand to providing food, drinks and snacks for the thousands of attendees expected at PortFest.

“This exciting and incredibly inclusive lineup of talent is joining together to help celebrate and focus on supporting our school arts programs and curriculum,” explains HEARTS founder Damon Gersh.  “PortFest will not only raise awareness of the music, art and culture that exists in our community, but will also raise Port Washington’s stature as an arts center in Long Island today.”

While the initial focus is to raise a minimum of $25,000 for school programs longer-term projects include a summer music program for students and lending support for the renovation of the Schreiber High School’s auditorium.

“The students in our schools are fortunate to have the support of the community through HEARTS as together we strive to achieve the mission of Helping to Enrich the Arts in Port Washington," explains Sheri Suzzan, director of creative arts for the Port Washington Schools.  “PortFest is an exciting event that showcases the depth of the ARTS curriculum and student achievement fostered within our school system for the students in our community.”

For HEARTS online donation and sponsorship opportunities visit the organization’s website at http://www.heartspw.org/contribute  for more information, donation, sponsorship  or volunteer opportunities email the group at heartspw@gmail.com.

About PortFest

This year’s PortFest, organized by HEARTS (Helping Enrich the Arts in Port Washington) is the first annual inaugural event for this community festival conceived as a celebration of Port Washington's musical, artistic and cultural resources featuring local creative talent of all ages.

HEARTS is working in partnership with the Port Washington Union Free School District Public Schools to develop the music, art and cultural programs through PortFest and other fundraising events to provide program funding, scholarships and facilities enhancements.  

For more information contact HEARTS co-Founder and Director Damon Gersh at 516 472 2699 or heartspw@gmail.com

Music, Art & Community Festival Activities& Participants

Event Date: May 19, 2012

(Rain Date: Sunday, May 20,2012)

PortFest School Events

• 5th Grade All-District Chorus
• 5th Grade All-District Concert Band
• 5th Grade All-District Symphonic Orchestra
• Weber Drama Club
• Weber Chamber Choir
• Weber Technology Session
• Schreiber Jazz Ensemble
• Schreiber Chamber Choir
• Schreiber String Ensemble

Daly Interactive Experience Tent

Activity: “Music Animals” - Musical Instrument Petting Zoo – with support from Wright Music

Sousa Interactive Experience Tent

Activity: “Feel The Beat” –Community Drum Circle – with support from iSchool of Music & Art

Guggenheim Interactive Experience Tent

Activity: “Ductivities” – Duct Tape Creations

Salem Interactive Experience Tent

Activity:“Clayworks& Art” – Clay, Pottery & Mural – with support from Haven Art Center

Manorhaven Interactive Experience Tent

Activity: “Flip Out” –Flipbooks Photography – With support of

Weber Interactive Experience Tent

Activity: “Art Domino Necklaces” – Wearable Art

Berest Dance Center Experience Tent

Activity: “Dance Improvisation” – Dance & Movement

PortFest Silent Auction Tent

Activity: Silent Auction – Arts-Themed Auction Items

Weber Technology Experience Table

Activity: “Brain Teasers”

PortFest Cabaret Performers

• Ms. Klotz’ Dancers
• Spoken Word Poetry Club
• Port Summer Show
• Port Washington Klezmer Ensemble
• Weber Drama Club - Improvisation
• Schreiber Drama Club

PortFest Gallery Artists

• Aleta Crawford
• Alexandra Feigin
• April Sandler
• Barbara Stein
• Beth Spivak
• Burt Young
• David Wolin
• Dominic Comisso
• Graphic Eye Gallery
• Haven Art Gallery
• Jasmine Controis
• Marianne Hart
• Mario Tucci
• Rose Reeded
• Steve Moore

PortFest Live Concerts on Two Stages

• Decadence
• Empire Road
• Little Sammy and the Funked Up Daddies
• Only One Joe
• Rock Steady
• So Impossible
• Tiberius

• Participating Community Organizations
• Community Chest of Port Washington
• Cow Bay Community Theater
• Landmark on Main Street
• Nassau County Museum of Art
• Parent Resource Center
• Photography Club of Long Island
• Port Summer Show Theater
• Port Washington Education Fund
• Port Washington Fire Department
• Port Washington Police Department
• Port Washington Public Library
• Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington
• The Art Guild of Port Washington
• The Art Loft of Port Washington
• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts

Sponsors

• Maxons Restorations, Inc. – Platinum Presenting Partner
• City Cadillac, Buick & GMC – Gold Presenting Partner
• Berest Dance Center – Gold Presenting Partner
• Parisi Speed SchoolSponsor – Platinum Sponsor
• Freedom Boat ClubSponsor – Gold Sponsor
• iSchool of Music & Art- Merchant Sponsor
• School of Rock- Merchant Sponsor
• Wright Music- Merchant Sponsor
• Brain Core Therapy/Back to Life Chiropractic
• Jodi's Gifts
• PWFD/PWPD