Tone Branson Host World Stage
Armin Hasanagic Host Heritage Stage
Katelyn Mason Host Diversity Stage
Performing Artists
Academy of Flamenco Arts • Armin Hasanagic & Friends • Arora’s Bollywood Fusion • AruMaru Martial Arts • Barrenhart • Bhutanese/Nepalese Dance • Burma Nationals Organization • BG Mexican Folkloric Group • Cheryl Pan • Gabriela Guadalupe Vargas Berroa • Guerreros Quetzalcoatl Aztec Dancers • Halfway Home • Las Damas • Liam’s Fancy • Mizo Dancers • Pareja Veracruz • Rachana Pasupuleti • Roux du Bayou • San Rafael Band • Sankofa African Drum and Dance Company • SKYCYONA • Shresta Meduri, SLB KK • SOKY Dance Arts Performance Troupe and Dance Ensemble • Tuatha Dea • Tula Tribal Belly Dance • Zomi Music & Dance
Tuatha Dea
Celtic, tribal, Gypsy rock with an Appalachian steampunk edge. Their rhythmic groove and interaction naturally inspires audience participation, a staple of their performances. They mesh the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland with their own bold blend of mainstream rock, mountain drumming and Appalachian blues to produce a truly unique sound with universal appeal!
Tula Tribe Belly Dance
Tula Tribe Belly Dance is a FatChance Style® dance troupe based in Nashville, Tennessee founded on the sacred tenets of promoting the creative arts, freedom of expression, feminine self-empowerment, community support and Love. Our members and students are from all walks of life with no regard to age or body size.
We are certified teachers and performers of an American style of belly dance created by Carolena Nericcio in San Francisco in the 1980’s. While FatChance Style® is an American interpretation of belly dance our art is inspired by Egyptian, Folkloric, Classic Indian & Spanish Flamenco movements, all performed using improvisational lead and following in group formations.
Shresta Meduri, SLB KK
Kuchipudi is a dance-drama performance from India, with its roots in the ancient Hindu Sanskrit text of Natya Shastra. It developed as a religious art linked to traveling bards, temples and spiritual beliefs, like all major classical dances of India. Evidence of Kuchipudi’s existence in an older version are found in copper inscriptions of the 10th century, and by the 15th century in texts such as the Machupalli Kaifat.Kuchipudi tradition holds that Tirtha Narayana Yati – a sanyassin of Advaita Vedanta persuasion, and his disciple, an orphan named Siddhendra Yogi, founded and systematized the modern version of Kuchipudi in the 17th century. Kuchipudi largely developed as a Hindu god Krishna-oriented Vaishnavism tradition, and it is known by the name of Bhagavata Mela in Thanjavur. The traditional Kuchipudi was performed by all males troupe. A dancer in a male role would be in Agnivastra, also known as Bagalbandi, wear a dhoti (a single pleated piece of cloth hanging down from the waist). A dancer in a female role would wear a Sari with light makeup.
Mizo Dancers
Khuallam: A dance for the guests and Ekhai Hlim Rawh u: A dance of encouragement and happiness for the youth.
Guerreros Quetzalcoatl Aztec Dancers
Danza Guerreros Quetzalcoatl from Nashville is a traditional Aztec dance group, we represent our beautiful Mexican culture. We make our own music using a drum. Our beautiful regalia (outfits) is full of wonderful colors, our headpiece is a work of art. Each of our members spend about 3 hours placing each individual feather to create them.
BG Mexican Folkloric Group
Local children performing Jalisco dance and other traditional hispanic dances.
Cheryl Pan
From props and costumes to signature moves and cultural personalities, the various styles of Chinese cultural dances exhibit wonderfully distinct qualities of the Chinese people. Kentucky Chinese Dance Troupe presents the audience with authentic Chinese dances, performed with beautiful costumes, colorful props, and festive Chinese music.
Cheryl Pan, the troupe’s art director, is an experienced dance artist and teacher. Her talent and expertise in Chinese dances are well respected and widely recognized by many individuals and organizations. Performances by Ms. Pan and her students have been sought after by organizers of many events and festivals. She specializes in teaching different Chinese ethnic dances, some of which are not easily seen in the United States, such as Tujia, Zhuang and Qiang dances. She is a master of over 20 styles of ethnic dances, representing not only the majority Chinese Han people but also minority groups such as Tibetan, Mongolian, Uygur, Korean, Dai, Yi, Bai and Miao people. The troupe has won high praise for traditional Chinese dances such as the Fan Dance, Ribbon Dance, Double Ring Dance, Umbrella Dance, Flower Ball Dance, Lantern Dance, Bamboo Dance, Hat Dance, Scarf Dance, Bell and Drum Dance.
SKYCYONA
Bamboo dance, 9 dancers, 8 people handling bamboo in Chin, Myanmar traditional attire
Pareja Veracruz
Traditional dance from Velacruz wearing white, red, black traditional dance wear from Velacruz.
Barrenhart
Barrenhart plays a mix of classic celtic tunes and Appalachian bluegrass in a fusion that we call Celtic Grass. The band consists of Masako Jeffers on fiddle, Greg Cutcliff on bass , bagpipes, and vocals, and David Foster on guitar and vocals. Mandolinists Hazel Johnson is the remaining long time member of the band, however, for health reasons we will have Nashville mandolinist/fiddler Holly Odell sitting in with us for this show. We will be playing a mix of tunes from our Celtic Grass album release as well as other traditional Scottish and Irish tunes.
Burma Nationals Organization
Local dancers from five ethnic communities of Burma (Burmans, Shan, Karen, Chin, Karenni) will perform traditional dances.
Zomi Music & Dance
Traditional music & dance of the Zomi culture.
Sankofa African Drum and Dance Company
Sankofa African Drum and Dance Company is a Tennessee based performing arts company whose mission is to rally communities around the beat of the drum to unify, heal and inspire.
The symbol of Sankofa is that of a bird whose head is faced in the opposite direction of its body. Even though the bird is advancing, it periodically makes it a point to examine or return to its past, since this is the only way for one to have a better future.
Sankofa African Drum and Dance Company was founded by Maria Estes Hall in 2007 after receiving a call to organize the best of the best African Drummers and Dancers in the Tennessee area for a showcase. Little did she know, that show would birth a performing arts company that has now developed into the premier African Drum and Dance Company in Tennessee.
In addition to self-producing an annual Kwanzaa concert (since 2013) to sold-out crowds each year; Sankofa performs throughout the City of Nashville and the surrounding area frequently, at festivals, schools, community events and private events. They also host weekly community classes for adults and children in Nashville.
Sankofa is firmly rooted in educating and cultivating an appreciation for African culture and music. Sankofa understands the power of Unity and utilizes the medium of African Drum and Dance to tear down barriers that tend to divide communities. Sankofa believes that a community that drums and dances together stays together.
Armin Hasanagic, Emsud Delkic & Mensur Mujanovic
A mix of traditional Bosnian sevdah songs as well as gypsy and folk music from the Balkin region. Instruments include guitar, prim, veillette and gryphone.
Liam’s Fancy
Dan Cummins sings a lively variety of Irish Ballads to honor his family Heritage. Beverly Buchanan is a top-notch button accordion player in the style of the great East Galway tradition. Dublin-native, John Walsh, plays a variety of plectrum instruments along with Beverly’s accordion. John Walsh also accompanies Dan’s songs as a singer. The group also features an Irish Sean Nos Dancer
Las Damas
Las Damas have been a performing and practicing traditional Mexican dances for over 6 years. Their goal is to showcase their culture and keep the tradition alive, while having fun as a team and learning new dances.
Academy of Flamenco Arts
Academy of Flamenco Arts is a dance organization located in Louisville (KY) that offers flamenco classes for different levels to all ages. The Academy of Flamenco Arts prides itself in its vast diversity, with expertise from Argentina, Venezuela, Cuba, Peru and other parts of the world bringing authentic flamenco style to the academy from each respective country. In addition to classes, it also provides opportunities to perform in the community with events and festivals like Bowling Green to more intimate settings including restaurants and cafes.
Roux du Bayou Cajun band
Roux du Bayou Cajun Band plays authentic cajun, zydeco, swamp pop, mardi gras accordion and fiddle music.
Arora’s Bollywood Fusion
Manisha & Aanyaa Arora perform Indian Bollywood fusion dance representing various dance forms of Indian culture
Rachana Pasupuleti
Rachana Pasupuleti was 8 years old when she began peforming at the Bowling Green International Festival in 2009. She has studied Bharatnatyam, a Classical form of Indian Dance since she was three years old.
Bharatanatyam is one of the most ancient and exquisite dance forms in the World. It is one of the seven major classical dance forms of India and the most widely known. It is the classical dance style native to southern India, particularly the state of Tamil Nadu. Bharatanatyam is a sublime artistic experience both for the performer and the audience. In addition to being an exquisite dance form, Bharatanatyam teaches concentration, physical and mental discipline and is an excellent physical activity for all ages.
Halfway Home
Robin Duckett and Dale McCubbins perform traditional Irish/Scottish music, including popular folks songs of the region, also tunes like jigs, reels, even sea shanties!
SOKY Dance Arts Performance Troupe and Dance Ensemble
Four routines that all exemplify different styles of ballroom dance. We want to represent the great influence that Latin America has had on the world of dance. Each routine is a compilation of salsa, cha cha, and mambo dance moves.
Bhutanese Community
Nepali ethnic cultural dances from the local Bhutanese Community.
Gabriela Guadalupe Vargas Berroa
This show demonstrates the joyful culture of Peru through emblematic traditional rythms, “Marinera Norteña” and “Festejo”, which are performanced by a peruvian dancer. Having performed in many Peruvian festivals since she was 14 years old, she learned the varied folklore music from her home-country. Now this dancer continues expressing her love towards her culture by showing it to others, dancing wherever she goes.
AruMaru Martial Arts
Taekwondo demonstration of kicks, self-defense, weapons and board breaking.
Free Children’s Crafts
The Children’s Activities area features free make and take projects including: stamp making, Celtic brooches, mosaics and totem poles.
Piñata Bursts
Every hour on the hour kids can line up to burst a handmade piñata by local artist Ronnie Jaggers.
Jamming & Karaoke at Celtic Nations
Look for various musicians from our Celtic groups to jam throughout the day. The area also features karaoke, darts and more.
Stage Schedules
Diversity Stage [host: Katelyn Mason/Ambush Sound]
- 8:45-9:00 Opening Ceremony – Awards, recognition for K-12 Poster Contest winners, T-Shirt Designer
- 9:00-10:15 Roux du Bayou Cajun band – Cajun & Zydeco accordion & fiddle music
- 10:25-10:30 Gabriela Guadalupe Vargas Berroa – Traditional Peruvian dance
- 10:32-10:47 Rachana Pasupuleti – Bharatnatyam classical dance from India
- 10:49-10:54 Gabriela Guadalupe Vargas Berroa – Traditional Peruvian dance
- 10:56-11:01 Arora’s Bollywood Fusion – Indian Bollywood Fusion
- 11:15-12:15 Tuatha Dea – Celtic, tribal, Gypsy rock with an Appalachian steampunk edge
- 12:17-12:27 (in front of stage) Mizo Dancers
- 12:40-1:25
Ras Alan & The Lions – Appalachian ReggaeCancelled due to Covid. - 1:35-2:05 Academy of Flamenco Arts – Flamenco style dance from Argentina, Venezuela, Cuba, Peru
- 2:20-3:30 Barrenhart – Celtic Bluegrass
- 3:45-4:30 San Rafael Band – Latin Jazz
- 4:45-6:00 Tuatha Dea – Celtic, tribal, Gypsy rock with an Appalachian steampunk edge
Heritage Stage [host: Armin Hasanagic/Ambush Sound]
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9:00-9:20 SOKY Dance Arts Performance Troupe and Dance Ensemble – Salsa, Cha Cha, and Mambo ballroom dance
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9:22-9:27 Gabriela Guadalupe Vargas Berroa – Traditional Peruvian dance
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9:30-9:42 Mizo Dancers – Traditional Mizo Dance
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9:44-9:49 Gabriela Guadalupe Vargas Berroa – Traditional Peruvian dance
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9:52-10:02 Bhutanese/Nepalese – Nepali cultural dances
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10:15-11:15 Liam’s Fancy – Irish Ballads featuring an Irish Sean Nos Dancer
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11:20-11:30 SKYCYONA – Traditional Bamboo Dance
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11:35-12:35 Armin Hasanagic, Emsud Delkic & Mensur Mujanovic – Bosnian sevdah songs as well as gypsy & folk music from the Balkin region
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12:45-1:20 Sankofa African Drum and Dance Company – African drum & dance
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1:25-2:00 Guerreros Quetzalcoatl Aztec Dancers – Aztec Drums & Dance
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2:05-2:20 Sreshta Meduri, SLB KK – Kuchipudi Indian dance-drama
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2:25-2:40 Tula Tribe Belly Dance – Belly dance inspired by Egyptian, Folkloric, Classic Indian & Spanish Flamenco movements
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2:45-3:00 Las Damas – Traditional Mexican Dance
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3:02-3:12 BG Mexican Folkloric Group – Jalisco & Hispanic Dance
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3:14-3:18 Pareja Veracruz – Traditional Velacruz Dance
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3:28-4:10 Halfway Home – Irish Folk, Jigs, Reels & Sea Shanties
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4:15-4:20 Gabriela Guadalupe Vargas Berroa – Traditional Peruvian dance
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4:22-4:37 Rachana Pasupuleti – Bharatnatyam classical dance from India
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4:40-4:55 Tula Tribe Belly Dance – Belly dance inspired by Egyptian, Folkloric, Classic Indian & Spanish Flamenco movements
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5:00-5:12 Zomi Music & Dance – Traditional Zomi Dance
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5:14-5:18 Gabriela Guadalupe Vargas Berroa – Traditional Peruvian Dance
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5:20-5:24 Pareja Veracruz – Traditional Velacruz Dance
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5:26-5:41 Sreshta Meduri, SLB KK – Kuchipudi Indian dance-drama
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5:43-5:48 Gabriela Guadalupe Vargas Berroa – Traditional Peruvian dance
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5:49-6:00 Mizo Dancers – Traditional Mizo Dance
World Performance Area [Host Tone Branson/Ambush Sound]
- 9:00-9:12 AruMaru Martial Arts – Korean Taekwondo
- 9:14-9:20 Gabriela Guadalupe Vargas Berroa – Traditional Peruvian dance
- 9:22-10:12 Burma Nationals Organization – Ethnic dance, song, and fashion from the Burmans, Shan, Karen, Chin, Karenni cultures
- 10:14-10:19 Pareja Veracruz – Traditional Velacruz Dance
- 10:22-10:57 Guerreros Quetzalcoatl Aztec Dancers – Aztec Drums & Dance
- 11:00-11:20 SOKY Dance Arts Performance Troupe and Dance Ensemble – Salsa, Cha Cha, and Mambo ballroom dance
- 11:22-11:34 Zomi Music & Dance – Traditional Zomi Dance
- 11:36-11:51 Rachana Pasupuleti – Bharatnatyam classical dance from India
- 11:53-12:08 Tula Tribe Belly Dance – Belly dance inspired by Egyptian, Folkloric, Classic Indian & Spanish Flamenco movements
- 12:10-12:20 BG Mexican Folkloric Group – Jalisco & Hispanic Dance
- 12:22-12:37 Las Damas – Traditional Mexican Dance
- 12:40-1:40 Cheryl Pan – Authentic Chinese dances
- 1:45-2:20 Sankofa African Drum and Dance Company – African drum & dance
- 2:25-3:15 Burma Nationals Organization – Ethnic dance, song, and fashion from the Burmans, Shan, Karen, Chin, Karenni cultures
- 3:20-3:50 Academy of Flamenco Arts – Flamenco style dance from Argentina, Venezuela, Cuba, Peru
- 3:55-4:07 Zomi Music & Dance – Traditional Zomi Dance
- 4:15-5:00 Liam’s Fancy – Irish Ballads featuring an Irish Sean Nos Dancer
- 5:02-5:10 Gabriela Guadalupe Vargas Berroa – Traditional Peruvian dance
- 5:12-5:22 SKYCYONA – Traditional Bamboo Dance
- 5:24-5:32 Gabriela Guadalupe Vargas Berroa – Traditional Peruvian dance
- 5:34-5:46 AruMaru martial arts – Korean Taekwondo
- 5:48-6:00 SOKY Dance Arts Performance Troupe and Dance Ensemble – Salsa, Cha Cha, and Mambo ballroom dance