SATURDAY, August 4
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Chinese Music Ensemble of New York
Founded in 1961 this ensemble is the oldest and only full Chinese orchestra in the United States and the Americas. Its present membership of nearly 50 musicians plays practically every type of Chinese music on Chinese instruments, both ancient and modern. In this performance a smaller ensemble plays a selection of their repertoire. www.chinesemusic.org
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies
Lions and Dragon Dancing Teams with Percussionists welcome all and, together with invited dignitaries, officially kick-off the 22nd annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York.
1 – 2 pm
The Bailen Brothers
Twin brothers, vocalists and instrumentalists, David (on drums) and Daniel (on bass), lead the band with their pop, R&B, and rock music. Their albums focus on achieving great songs with singable melodies that are both stimulating compositionally and lyrically. www.thebailenbrothers.com/
2 – 3 pm
Shaolin Masters
Warrior monks from the Shaolin Temple perform martial arts. In the history of the Shaolin Temple, founded in 495 AD, generation after generation of monk generals and soldiers protected the temples from wars and riots of society.
3 – 4 p.m.
Diana Leong and His Music, with IIISpokinn
Composer/cellist/trombonist Dana Leong blends jazz, classical and pop to create a signature sound. Dana’s pioneering collage of musical styles has garnered critical acclaim and wowed audiences around the world. He has collaborated with top jazz artists including Paquito D’Rivera, Christian McBride, Dafnis Prieto, and Henry Threadgill; and has worked with such diverse artists as Ray Charles, Barry White, Kanye West, Wynton Marsalis, Bjork, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yoko Ono and Lila Downs. www.danaleong.com
SUNDAY, August 5, 2012
10 – 11 a.m.
Mariachi Agulia y Plata
This popular mariachi band will welcome all to the second day of the festival and set the tone for a lively, energetic day.
11 a.m. – Noon
New York Chinese Cultural Center, Dance China NY
The resident company from America’s premier traditional Chinese dance company, which includes international renowned artists, performs traditional and folk dances transporting audiences to a world of colorful myths, historical drama and timeless beauty.
Noon – 1 p.m.
Brave New World
Multi talented composer/playwright/performer Napua Davoy embraces the 21st century with a hybrid of influences and of her recent award winning musical Stella Rising. Backstage writes, “Davoy composes gorgeous music, plays a sensuous piano and has an exquisitely expressive voice.” Performing original and pop/jazz gems, she is joined by guitarist Dave Moreno and bassist Gaku Takanashi. www.napuadavoy.com
1 – 2 p.m.
Shaolin Masters
Warrior monks from the Shaolin Temple perform martial arts. In the history of the Shaolin Temple, founded in 495 AD, generation after generation of monk generals and soldiers protected the temples from wars and riots of society.
2 – 3 p.m.
Ballet Folklorico Nuevo Amanecer de Jesus Cortez
Ballet Folklórico combines elements of Latin American culture, history, folklore, and religion with rhythm and body movement. In the customary dances of Mexico, performers wear traditional dress, often with ornate beading, embroidery, weaving and ribbons. Their dancing tells stories which often involves flirtation, love or jealousy.
