By Jennifer Ersalesi
On Sunday, September 8th, all are invited to attend the Rutherford Civil Rights Commission's 20th Annual Multicultural Festival. There is something for everyone at the Festival and all are welcome to enjoy a wonderful day in Lincoln Park. This is Rutherford spoke with the Secretary of the RCRC, Lori Rosario-Griffin, and the Chairman, Ginny Perrin to find out more about this year's festival.
TIR: This is the Rutherford Civil Rights Commission's 20th Annual Multicultural Festival. To what do you attribute the success of this festival?
Lori Rosario-Griffin: The Multicultural Festival is always a great family-friendly event, which celebrates the diversity of our community and surrounding communities. Lively music, delicious food, unique vendors, and community organizations all contribute to making the Festival a day not to be missed! Also with school back in session and summer vacations behind us, it is something fun to look forward to right at home that keeps the summer vibe alive!
TIR: Can you tell us about who will perform at the festival this year?
Ginny Perrin: We are excited by the lineup this year! We have Batalá NY, an all-women, Black-led Drumming Ensemble opening the event and setting the tone for a joy-filled day.
Most of the performers welcome and encourage audience members to participate making the event incredibly interactive. Montclair State University West African Dance Ensemble will incorporate the audience in a series of wonderful traditional West African dances.
We have Kulture Kool, a fan favorite over the years, not only doing their signature exquisite Indian classical dance but also bringing Bollywood fun to the event this year.
Just One Dance of Lyndhurst will be teaching salsa and other Latin Dance moves as we gear up for Cubeye performing salsa, Latin Jazz, and a variety of other Latin rhythms to get you on your feet incorporating your new moves.
Yee's Hung Ga Kung Fu Academy will perform a traditional Chinese lion dance that will bring luck and good fortune to all in attendance.
Another crowd favorite will be Dana McCurdy's Drum Circle where again audience members are the performers, drumming to a variety of rhythms and creating unity in music.
This will be followed by a true treat to the ears- Platinum One, a Reggae and R&B band that will completely bring summertime goodness to Lincoln Park in September.
Allegro Arts Academy will perform Flamenco and other traditional dances with beauty and grace.
The evening will close with Son de Brooklyn bringing Cuban sounds to Rutherford making you want to get up and dance until the lights go out.
TIR: Other than performers, who else will be participating in the Multicultural Festival?
LRG: We have various vendors and community organizations who will have tables at the festival this year. We also have food trucks, carts, and tables serving a variety of foods and desserts.
TIR: The Rutherford Civil Rights Commission plans and organizes this family-friendly event each year. What types of activities can families expect this year?
LRG: This year we have added a Kid Zone which will have an inflatable, face painting, and other kid-friendly activities!
TIR: Anything else you would like to tell us about this year’s festival?
LRG: This year we will be recognizing our past Commissioners at the start of the Festival to acknowledge the work that they have done to further the RCRC's mission of making Rutherford, NJ a place that supports and celebrates all of its community members.
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