SacWorldFest 2012 Performance Schedule Unveiled | Arts & Culture

With more than 40 lively and inspiring  performances planned on six stage areas throughout Old Sacramento on October 6 & 7, 2012, the complete SacWorldFest 2012 schedule is now available online at www.SacWorldFest.org.  Designed to embrace the region’s rich and remarkable cultural diversity, the annual event offers an impressive and eclectic line-up of live musical performances, visually-exciting ethnic dance, engaging storytellers, a dynamic Global Village and much, much more. In fact, since the inaugural festival in 2008, SacWorldFest has hosted more than 120 performances from more than 500 performers reflecting more than 40 ethnicities, cultures and nations.

SacWorldFest 2012 kicks off the first Saturday evening in October with a very special international headliner performance by Band H'sao during a high-energy “Spotlight On: AFRICA!” outdoor event.   Band H’sao draws from gospel, traditional African music, as well as their Chadian roots for a unique sound that displays clear soul, pop, and R&B influences.

Then on Sunday, Old Sacramento is transformed into an elaborate and sprawling multi-cultural center complete with multiple stage areas offering free public shows by talented performers, a sampling of which includes the following:

• Z’Amico -- Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean beats, soulful songwriting and inter-community action for social change;
• Halau 'o Keikiali'i of Sacramento & San Francisco -- Traditional Hawaiian hula kahiko (or ancient dance) performances with chants, songs, stories and more;
• Rasa Vitalia -- a powerful multi-disciplinary artist, professional music & dance performer focused on celebrating life through art;
• Charged Particles -- crosses stylistic boundaries and blends multiple traditions to create vital new sounds in the electric jazz arena;
• Jodama Drum & Dance -- extensive group of drummers and dancers with an electrifying delivery of incredible energy, stage presence and exquisite costuming;  
• URBANFIRE -- an accomplished California Reggae band with a unique style that plays a wide range of music and has a strong fan base in Northern California.

In addition to the energizing music and dance, there is a lot more to do at this family-friendly multi-cultural celebration all day Sunday such as watching free entertaining children’s theater performances, participating in hands-on activities, watching a fun fashion show and visiting a Global Village complete with entertaining cooking and dancing demonstrations.  A special highlight this year is a new “Instruments of the World: DRUMS!” area near Front and J Streets.  Plus, visitors of all ages will also enjoy visiting booths with innovative and interactive educational opportunities to learn about different cultures. 

The Saturday evening “Spotlight on: AFRICA!” opening performance runs 6 to 9 p.m. at Waterfront Park and the cost is $5 per person.   Sunday’s free activities run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and happen in five performance areas in Old Sacramento, including Waterfront Park (Front and L Streets), Global Village (Near Front and J Streets), Passenger Station Stage (Front and I Streets), Old Eagle Theatre (Near Front and J Streets) and Fats City Performance Area (Front and J Streets).  

SacWorldFest 2012 is produced by a dedicated volunteer board of directors, collaborative local business owners and generous sponsors such as Wells Fargo, Fat’s Restaurants & Catering, Visions In Education, Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bank of America, Russian American Media, Old Sacramento, State Parks, California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento News & Review, Artober, SacTown Magazine, Sacramento Magazine, Crossings TV/Comcast, Telemundo 33, Parent Magazine and City Girl.  

For updated performance schedules and more information about the SacWorldFest celebration, visit www.SacWorldFest.org.  For sponsorship inquiries or vendor participation information, please call 916-549-2749.