Experience the Wonders of Ancient Mexican Dance and Music at Ohio Festivals
IMPACT Presents America Indigena
by Jami Goldstein

Traditional music of the Mayan civilization and Aztec dances will be presented at Ohio festivals this summer through the performances of America Indigena. America Indigena is touring the state as part of the Ohio Arts Council’s Summer International Music and Performing Arts in Communities Tour (IMPACT).

America Indigena will perform six shows, June 11 - 26. Performance locations include Nelsonville, Coshocton/Warsaw, Cincinnati, Ashland, Warren and Columbus. All performances are free and open to the public.

The IMPACT tour is presented by the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) in partnership with the Ohio Arts Presenters Network (OAPN) and Arts Midwest. Each of America Indigena’s instruments is handmade by master musician Xavier Quijas Yxayotl. Most are authentic replicas of ancient instruments. This is a rare opportunity to hear these instruments and to learn about their importance to Mesoamerican cultures. Quijas has worked for 30 years researching ancient musical traditions.

Quijas also works with a troupe of Aztec dancers, who have mastered both the art of intensely physical dances and the craft of the exquisite, colorful costuming. Each performer makes their own costumes and the costume designs for each performance are unique, employing feathers up to four feet in length and vivid cloths. The dances depict various aspects of Aztec religion and daily life, including prayers to the Gods, hunting and the ultimate expression of faith, the Fire Dance, in which the dancer’s elevated emotional state makes him impervious to the effects of the fire on his skin.

The combined result of the ancient music, dances and costuming is a compelling stage spectacle with unique sounds and sights.

Summer IMPACT will feature educational outreach programs in addition to the performances at several site. For more information visit the Ohio Arts Council website at www.oac.state.oh.us, call 614/466-2613 or e-mail kathy.cain@oac.state.oh.us.

Since 1998, IMPACT has been bringing international artists to Ohio each fall for a statewide tour of places of worship. Because of its popularity, the OAC, OAPN and Arts Midwest have partnered to create Summer IMPACT. Summer IMPACT will continue the tradition of exposing new audiences to art forms from around the world through festivals that unite communities around the state each summer. IMPACT is designed to bring the best international performing arts groups to audiences in Ohio.

The Ohio Arts Council and the Ohio Arts Presenters Network began their unique partnership in 1998 with the presentation of Barocco Andino, a Chilean music ensemble. In following years, the OAC brought international artists Ragamala Music and Dance Theatre, Viva Quetzal, Cuerdas de Fuego, Real Tango, Eblen Macari Trio and El Arranque Tango Orchestra to Ohio for a statewide tour of churches and synagogues. Last year the OAC initiated the Summer IMPACT tour with performances of Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre at festivals and performing arts series throughout the state.

The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.

America Indigena
Schedule of Performances
June 2005

All performances are free and open to the public.

Nelsonville, June 11, 7 p.m.
Stuart’s Opera House
Presented by Stuart’s Opera House, Hocking College and Nelsonville Square
www.stuartsoperahouse.org
www.hocking.edu
740/753-1924
1-877/462-5464

Coshocton/Warsaw, June 14, 7 p.m.
River View High School in Warsaw Soccer Field
Presented by Pomerene Center for the Arts, Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum and Coshocton Performing Arts Center
www.pomerenearts.org
www.jhm.lib.oh.us
740/622-0326

Cincinnati, June 17, 7 p.m.
‘Hood Tour, Kids, Cultures and Crafts Festival Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Avenue
Presented by Learning Through Art, Inc.
www.learningthroughart.com
513/242-6028

Ashland, June 23, 8 p.m.
Summer Concert Series
Myers Memorial Bandshell
Brookside Park, Parkside Drive
Presented by the City of Ashland
www.ashlandarts.org
419/281-9836

Warren, June 25, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday Night Special Series
Warren Community Amphitheatre
303 Mahoning Avenue
Presented by Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County
www.trumbullarts.org
330/399-1212

Columbus, June 26, 3:45 p.m.
Comfest
Live Arts Stage
Goodale Park
www.comfest.com
614/299-0221 (Ohio Arts Presenters Network)

PHOTO AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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