WE TELL STORIES 4th annual HAUNTED HARVEST FESTIVAL AT HIGHLAND PARK’s OLD LA FARMERS MARKET

Featuring performances by the Grammy Award winning Mariachi Divas, We Tell Stories children’s theatre company, Taiko drummers, Folklorico dancers and more.

 

On Tuesday, October 27, 2009 We Tell Stories, LA’s multi-ethnic children’s storytelling theatre company—presents The 4th Annual Haunted Harvest Storytelling Festival at the Old LA Farmer’s Market at Ave. 58 and N. Figueroa Blvd. in Highland Park, California.  This outdoor festival is a great way for families to celebrate the harvest and enjoy Halloween in a comfortable, lively setting with fun for the whole family.  Hours are from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  Admission is Free.

 

We Tell Stories, performing since 1981, is known for bringing myths, legends, and literature from all cultures and times to extemporaneous life.  The Haunted Harvest storytelling whirlwind includes Aesop’s fables and folktales from Japanese, Mexican and American Indian traditions. From their seats or on the stage in costume, audience members are an integral part of the performance.

 

This years guest stars are the Mariachi Divas, the multi-cultural all-female Latin band and winners of a 2008 Grammy award for their CD, “Canciones De Amor.” In addition, Japanese Festival Sounds will feature the ancient art form of Taiko (Japanese drumming).  Young performers from Ballet Folklorico Maria Felix from Ramona Hall Community Center in Highland Park preserve Mexican culture through dance.  The troupe has performed at the LA County Fair and downtown LA’s Olvera Street.

 

The ever popular Costume Contest is open to all ages.   Participants are also encouraged to enter their already-carved pumpkins in the Carved Pumpkin Contest.  The Festival’s additional attractions include face painting, an arts and crafts table, fresh Farmer’s Market produce and prepared foods, trick-or-treating and more.

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The 2009 Haunted Harvest Storytelling Festival marks a continuation of the partnership between We Tell Stories and the North Figueroa Association (NFA). NFA voting members are property owners along the North Figueroa business corridor.   NFA organizes and supports the Old LA’s Farmers Market. Both non-profits are long-time residents of Northeast L.A. who see community events as a way to enrich the cultural, social, and economic prosperity of Highland Park and other communities in Northeast Los Angeles.

 

We Tell Stories has entertained and educated more than four million youngsters and performs at major art institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Getty Center and the Getty Villa. The company was shaken by the state’s economic downturn, which resulted in lay-offs and decreased work hours.  The staff--Artistic Director, Diana Tanaka; Program Director, Susan Devlin; Director of Education Programs, Joyce Lee; and Administrative Assistant, Jamie Hebert remain hopeful.  “We didn’t know if we would have the festival this year, but we decided if we did not pull together as co-producers, we would disappoint a lot of children,” says Joyce Lee. Misty Iwatsu, the Executive Director of NFA was glad with their decision.  She said, “The festival has become a Halloween tradition for the entire community, it would be a shame not to have it, and this year we expect to reach an even broader audience.”

 

The 4th Annual Haunted Harvest Storytelling Festival is located at the Old L.A. Farmer’s Market at Avenue 58 and N. Figueroa Blvd, Highland Park, CA 90042, adjacent to the Metro Highland Park Station, accessible from the Gold Line.  To plan the route that’s best for you, use the Metro Trip Planner at www.metro.net or call 1.800. commute.   Metro riders can show their metro ticket stubs and get a free One-Dollar Farmer’s Market Bill to spend at the farmers market.  To park enter the lot at Ave. 57.  Street parking is also available.

 

This project was funded in part by the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles and supported by Councilmembers Ed P. Reyes and Jose Huizar.

 

For more information, call We Tell Stories at 323-256-2336 or visit  www.wetellstories.org.