Clarion University is once again co-sponsoring four Cultural Nights in front of the Clarion County Courthouse as part of the 63rd annual Autumn Leaf Festival™, sponsored by the United States Army.
The opening Community First Bank and Clarion University Cultural Night will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26.
The evening will feature a Mariachi band with traditional Mexican folk music incorporating amazing sounds including but not limited to: vocals, violins, trumpets, guitarrons and vihuelas, all while performing in beautifully crafted Charro outfits.
The second Community First Bank and Clarion University Cultural Night will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27.
The evening will feature Saakumu Dance Troupe, one of the leading traditional/contemporary dance and music groups in Ghana, West Africa. With professional performers who are experts in African traditional music and dance, they provide concert performances, educational programs and lecture demonstrations. Together, they bring the art, culture, values and feeling of Ghana, Africa, to their audiences.
Led by master musician, Bernard Woma, the group's repertoire include a range of spiritual, ceremonial, recreational genres to contemporary African dance forms. Their music and dance is joyful, expressive and highly participatory.
Night three of the Community First Bank and Clarion University Cultural Night will feature Russian Dancers from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28.
This dance troupe presents Russian, Cossack, Ukrania, Jewish, and Gypsy Roma traditional dance, songs and solo performances on instruments like the balalaika, garmoshka, and the balalaika contra bass.
The fourth and final Community First Bank and Clarion University Cultural Night will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29.
This final night of multicultural entertainment features Polynesian Dancers.
For more information about any of these performances, contact the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry at +1 814 226 9161 or email info@clarionpa.com.
Also, don't forget to bring along a non-perishable food item to benefit the Clarion County Community Bank "FoodStock!" at any of the Cultural Nights.