Come to Reno for a day of ethnic dancing, world music, drumming, free workshops, poi-spinning (fire dancing), parades, and a multitude of creativity for the whole family. This free event gets bigger each year, said Holly Johnson, event organizer. Last year a record-breaking estimated 6,500 people attended with even more expected to come this year.
‘It is a wonderful opportunity to express these ancient and beautiful art forms for the community,’ said Johnson who is an Asha Belly dancer, a local award winning dance troupe performing at the festival. ‘This event continues to strengthen the community and would not be possible without its support.’
Four stages will be kicking with performances happening throughout the day. Highlighting the festival on the main stage starting at 7 p.m. is Solace, a band with classical middle-eastern sounds mixing world beats with electronica. The Asha Belly Dancers will be moving and grooving on stage with Solace and through the night. A performance by David Blonski, a master Didgeridoo player, will bring a taste of the Australian Outback at 8 p.m., and a culminating Poi Spinning extravaganza by Controlled Burn is not to be missed.
There will also be free workshops for World Fusion Belly Dancing, West African Drumming, Australian Didgeridoo lessons, Afro-Brazilian dance, and Poi Spin Dancing. A special treat will be driving ‘round town and offering free rides – the Art Cars of the Playa, a moving art motif courtesy of local Burning Man artists, will be sure to challenge your traditional sense of the automobile. There will also be an ongoing hands-on art booth for everyone to participate in creating masks, instruments and props for the afternoon parade.
For a detailed schedule of the Drum, Dance, and Didgeridoo Festival, visit ashabellydancers.com
This festival is a premier event of Artown 2007, a 31-day annual festival held in Reno that showcases art and music from artists near and far. It is a celebration of creativity and life. Its mission is to create a climate for cultural, economic and artistic rebirth in our region. With more than 300 events produced by 87 organizers at nearly 100 locations, it is truly a world-class event that should not be missed. This event is sponsored by the City of Reno, Reno’s Parks and Recreation Dept., The Nevada Arts Council, and The National Endowment for the Arts. Most importantly this event is made possible by local businesses, artists, and community members who wish to make their city the best it can be. Be sure and pick up the ‘Little Book of Artown’ to see the complete event schedule.
