Hunterdon County families can experience and interact with music from around the world at the third annual Hunterdon County World Music Day at Deer Path Park in Readington Township on Sept. 30.
World Music Day is not just a concert; it is a full day of musical experiences for all ages, including performances from world-class musicians, fun and interactive programs for kids, and jam sessions for musicians of all levels.
The free festival is organized by the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission in partnership with the Hunterdon County Division of Parks and Recreation.
The event features a full lineup of performances on the main stage and features The Tony Trischka Quintet. A United States Artists Friends Fellow, Tony is considered to be the consummate banjo artist and perhaps the most influential banjo player in the roots music world. For more than 45 years, his stylings have inspired a whole generation of bluegrass and acoustic musicians. Tony will be appearing with his band of extraordinary musicians.
The main stage also features Aurelio Martinez, aka AURELIO. Born in Honduras, the artist is known for his powerful and evocative voice and is one of Central America's most gifted performers; a major tradition-bearer of the Garifuna culture and music, he is considered the Cultural Ambassador of the Garifuna nation.
Also performing are Karavika, a critically acclaimed chamber quartet that blends classical music of the Indian subcontinent and folk music of the Americas with western chamber music; Eco Del Sur, Latin American artists who explore and perform ancient Andean music, as well as contemporary music from different Latin American region.
Anthony Carrera is a New Jersey world music multi-instrumentalist and student of classical/flamenco guitar, handpan and sitar.
Roxey Ballet, a contemporary ballet company based in Lambertville, will perform Celebrating Diversity.
Video clips of the artists are available on hcworldmusicday.org
World-music expert Andy Wasserman leads workshops for all ages in the World-Beat Pavilion (aka Cedars Pavilion), a fun, interactive way for kids to learn to play instruments and music of various cultures.
Wasserman will lead three, hour-long workshops on subjects including Native American music, Middle Eastern drumming and a Voyage to Bongoland.
In the Jam Pavilion (aka Overlook Pavilion) don't miss the West African Drum Circle with Jim Davidson, and later, a Bluegrass Jam hosted by Daniella Fischetti and Tim Ryan. Instrumentalists of all levels are welcome and encouraged to bring instruments and participate.
Food trucks begin serving at noon, so come hungry and have a picnic on the grounds of the 104-acre Deer Path Park, 120 West Woodschurch Road. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit on during the day.