June 24, 25, & 26 2nd Annual Latin roots & Rhythms Festival

The festival kicks off on Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at the Settlement Music School, Mary Louise Curtis Branch, 416 Queen Street with two major performances featuring critically acclaimed Kùlú Mèlé West African Dance Ensemble and then experience flamenco dance taken to new and exhilarating heights by the all-female, contemporary flamenco troupe Pasión y Arte. The festival continues on Saturday, June 25, 2011 from Noon to 10 p.m. with a full day of diverse outdoor and indoor theater entertainment. From Noon to 5 p.m., the Weccacoe Park's outdoor courtyard (next to the Settlement Music School) will be transformed into a festive, family-friendly, Latino street fair featuring crafts,food vendors, dance and music performances and workshops by artists representing the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Panama, Argentina and Spain. Come share a beautiful spring afternoon with your family experiencing diverse cultures, foods, music, and dance. At 7:00 p.m., the first of Saturday's two major indoor theater performances will include Casa de Venezuela, a troupe influenced by Venezuela's Indigenous, African, Caribbean, European, and Middle Eastern cultures and nuevo flamenco favorites Flamenco Olé featuring choreography created by Spain-based artist and internationally acclaimed flamenco dancer Carmela Greco. On Sunday, June 26, 2011 join us at 3:00 p.m. for dazzling performances by Familia Rojas/Raíces de Borinquen representing the music and dance of Loiza, Puerto Rico and KanKouran West African Dance Company representing Senegal and based in Washington, D.C.Festival tickets are $5 for Saturday's outdoor caseta events at Weccacoe Park, $12 for each of the two evening and matinee performances, or $30 for an all-inclusive 3-day pass (a savings of $11). Tickets are available online at www.LatinRootsandRhythmsFestival.com up to 48 hours before the festival begins and at the Settlement Music School box offices during the festival. Major support for the 2011 Latin Roots & Rhythms Festival is provided by the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage through Dance Advance, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, Mega 1310 AM Radio, 6 abc and Univision. Please visit the festival Web site at www.LatinRootsandRhythmsFestival.com for up-to-date information about schedules and performances, or call 215-425-1390 to purchase tickets.