Press Release
June 19, 2019
Hasiba Haq, program director
Arts & Democracy
(347) 963-3408
haq.hasiba@gmail.com
Emily Ahn Levy, program manager
Arts & Democracy
(917) 971-1441
emilyalevy@gmail.com
Celebration of Immigrant Cultures with performances at the Avenue C Plaza on Saturday June 29
As a culmination of Immigrant Heritage Month’s programming at Avenue C Plaza, the Kensington Cultural Council will be hosting its second annual multicultural concert celebrating immigrant communities and showcasing music and dance from around the world on Saturday June 29th from 6:00-9:00pm at the Avenue C Plaza.
June is nationally recognized as a time to honor and celebrate the many cultures that have contributed to the history and foundation of this country, and this concert and month long programming pays tribute to the diversity of Kensington and beyond.
Throughout the month of June, the Kensington Cultural Council (ArtBuilt Mobile Studios, Arts & Democracy, BIPA - Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts, The Singing Winds, and Casa Cultural) in partnership with The Kensington Stewards (TKS) and Naturally Occurring Cultural Districts NY have been hosting workshops at Avenue C Plaza that celebrate the many cultures of Kensington. Every weekend, community members have had the opportunity to work with local artists and cultural organizations to learn new skills, practice a new art form, and enjoy the breadth of heritages that make Kensington so special.
At this year’s concert, artists include multigenerational dancers from the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA) as well as returning artists like Yacouba Sissoko, a Malian instrumentalist who plays the mesmerizing and tranquil Kora, as well as Ballet Nepantla Sin Fronteras, an energizing dance group that combines modern and traditional Mexican dance.
The Kensington Cultural Council will also be welcoming two new groups to the showcase. Jenny Luna and Kane Mathis will introduce the audience to Turkish music while the Brooklyn Nomads, a modern day Arab music collective, will play their favorite songs from across the Middle East.
“We’re so excited to welcome these incredible artists to the Avenue C Plaza,” says Hasiba Haq, Program Director with Arts & Democracy. “The collective programming on the plaza this past June and the culmination of our work with this concert is a true celebration of what immigrants contribute to this country and to Kensington. Their customs, culture, and art reminds us of our shared values as well as the beauty of our differences.”
The concert is open and free for all to attend.
Location + programming info:
Avenue C Plaza is located at the intersection of McDonald Ave and Ave C in Kensington and is accessible via the F/G trains at Church Ave and the B67 bus.
Weekly program listings can be found on the Ave C Plaza Facebook page.
Twitter: #AveCPlaza Facebook: https://facebook.com/avecplaza/ Or @avecplaza.
Programming on the Avenue C Plaza is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, New York City Small Business Services, and Brooklyn Borough President Eric L Adams. It is also supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Special thanks to City Councilmember Brad Lander for his ongoing support.