By Mary Owen
From the soft plunking of harp strings to yoga demonstrations, historic downtown Silverton will come alive with talent on April Fool’s Day.
More than 30 shops and businesses are expected to host gifted performers from a variety of cultures at the city’s First Friday event, said Doreen Kelly, program coordinator with Silverton Together.
“Each store selects what cultural aspects they wish to highlight,” Kelly said. “Some will display the music, food and art from various ethnic cultures. Others will celebrate the contemporary expressions of culture.”
Silverton Together is partnering with the Silverton Chamber of Commerce, Silverton Art Association, several high school organizations, clubs and downtown merchants to organize the Celebration of Cultures. The mini-festival takes place 6-9 p.m. April 1 at various locations throughout downtown Silverton.
Friday, April 1, 6 – 9 p.m.
Downtown Silverton
“What makes this event so special is that it is done on a shoestring,” Kelly said. “The musicians, artists and performers all donate their time and talent. Many of these groups are then approached to perform for pay at other events.”
To date, performances include: Karen Almquist on the harp at O’Brien’s; Raymond Rios and the Blue Gardenia, Brazilian jazz, at Green Store; Dick Moles, accordion, from Germany, at First Citizen Bank;
Tate Shadburn, African drumming, at Palace Theater; Muddy River Band at Creekside Grill; Italian Guitarist Duo at The Clothing Garden; Ballet Folklorico Tlanese at Elks Lodge; Belly dancing, Flamenco demonstration, Children’s Choir at the American Academy of Performing Arts; Tribal dancing and drumming with Raks Sarama and Raks Zealot at multiple locations; Jose Dela Rosa, jazz music, at Allison & Israel Jewelers; Jason Franz, skate/bike demo, at Fall Line; Chad White, self-defense demo, at Silverton Self Defense; Ahmed Aluazadi, Yemen performer at Silver Creek Coffee House; and Junko Kiajiro, Japanese performer at Pomegranate.
Kiajiro, an exchange student from Gunma, Japan, will share about her country, provide Japanese music for everyone’s enjoyment, and offer tastes of sushi and sake. She is a junior in her own country and senior at SHS.
Kiajiro is also excited to have an opportunity to learn about other cultures at the Silverton cultural event.
“To know about other cultures will change my mind or thinking,” she said.
At her presentation, Kiajiro will collect donations for those whose lives were devastated by the recent earthquake and tsunami in her homeland.
“I am still so worried about Japan,” she said. “I appreciate people who are helping Japan.”
Kiajiro hopes visitors at the event will stop by her U.S. “mom’s” store, Pomegranate, and give to the cause.
“A combined Silverton High School drama/band activity has also been submitted,” Kelly said. “We are still hearing back from committee members and merchants regarding all the activities that will take place.”
Assisting with displays, presentations, preparing food samples and more are the exchange students at Silverton High School, she said.
“This year we have three students from Germany, one from Japan, one from Italy, and one from Yemen,” Kelly said. “Attendees will have an opportunity to talk with the students and learn more about their countries.
In addition, Kelly said The Gathering Spot will host many groups that work with parents and families. Sheldon Traver will take free family photos, Silverton Together will offer face painting, the Children and Families Commission will give away free books, Momaroo’s will display various baby carriers from around the world, and much more, she added.
“There is so much to do and see on this evening – the entire town becomes alive with art, music, dance, food and much more,” Kelly said.
Parking will be at a premium, and event goers may want to arrive early to secure a spot nearby the venue sites, she added.
For information, call 503-873-0405.
