The Johnson County Library will host a Latino Festival on Saturday, September 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Oak Park Neighborhood Library, 9500 Bluejacket, Overland Park, KS.  The community is invited to attend and experience the Latin-American culture through art, music, dance and crafts.

There will be Latin American cultural tables and activities for children. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.

Schedule of events

11:00  CACHECANTO
From the heart of South America to the heart of America.  This musical ensemble will interpret Andean music using a variety of instruments including wind pipes.

12:00 LOS BAILADORES
This dancing troupe directed by Teresa Perez will perform dances from the regions of Mexico. Los Bailadores is a non-profit organization that provides traditional Mexican dance instruction in Kansas City.  Performers include youth ages 3- 18

1:00  TRIO AZTLAN
Trio Aztlan has been involved in the Kansas City Mexican/Latino music scene since 1992. The group performs all styles of Latin folkloric music, but has focused on the traditional “bolero” style of Latin romantic music. Trio Aztlan has been known to “rock out” acoustically, performing some mean rumbas and cumbias to get the fans dancing. Trio Azltan performs with traditional acoustic guitars, an upright bass and percussion, and all members sing in harmony, typical of the trio music of Latin America.
 

12:30 OLE Music and Dance from Spain
Dressed in native Spanish costumes La Garbancito and her troupe use castanets and footwork to demonstrate the colorful and lively dances of Spain.  The dancers are accompanied by live Flamenco guitar, violin, voice, and cajon. The group has been performing together since 1994.

Attractions
Explore the countries of Latin America from 12-3:00  
Visit tables representing  Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Peru and other countries. The Mexican table will display Latin-American dolls crafted by Catherine Reyes, a Kansas City resident, dedicated to the promotion of the Mexican culture.
 
Children games and crafts – playground from 12-2:30
Children of all ages are invited to enjoy a variety of games, face painting, and crafts.

Piñata breaking event at 1:45

Friends of the Library Table Top Used Book Sale 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A selection of adult and youth gently used books available for purchase at bargain prices.

For more information on this fun family event, visit www.jocolibrary.org/latinofestival or call the Spanish Help Line (913) 826-4248. All Johnson County Library programs are free and open to the public. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least one week in advance of the scheduled Library program.

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