Festival Beverly Hills 2024 to Showcase Global Cultures with Music, Dance, and Art on July 20

Beverly Hills is set to host the annual Festival Beverly Hills on July 20, running from 11:30 AM to 6 PM at Beverly Gardens Park. The event will celebrate an array of music, dance, and artwork from around the world, creating an immersive experience that highlights cultural diversity and community spirit.

This year, the festival promises to offer an exciting lineup, featuring more than 20 performances spread across three stages. Notable performers include Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno, the hip-hop collective Versa-Style Dance Company, and the Filipino-American a cappella group, the Filharmonic. The festival will begin with a vibrant performance by Naruwan Taiko at 11:30 AM in front of the iconic Lily Pond, followed by a ceremonial blanketing of the “Great Elephant Migration” installation at 11:45 AM.

Community Involvement and Activities

This year’s festival emphasizes community participation, with local organizations playing key roles in performances. The Debbie Allen Dance Academy and Everybody Dance LA will host community dance classes, providing a chance for attendees to engage in dance. Additionally, the nation’s longest-running Asian American improv troupe, Cold Tofu Improv, will conduct two family-friendly improv sessions alongside origami-making workshops.

Family-friendly activities will be in ample supply, featuring storytelling sessions, children’s dance classes, and large-scale backpack puppets courtesy of LA Commons. The Korean Senior Community Center (KSCCLA) Harmonica Ensemble, known for its viral performances, will also be part of the festival’s entertainment line-up.

Cultural Installations and Collaborations

Highlighting its commitment to promoting global cultures, the festival will showcase various cultural exhibits. The “Wrapped in History” textile installation will present 70 handcrafted blankets made by leading designers and Indigenous communities, available for viewing from noon to 2 PM. Additionally, consulates from Trinidad and Tobago, Senegal, Bulgaria, and Italy will showcase artists and crafts from their regions, enriching the festival’s diverse offerings.

The festival is being organized in partnership with the Farhang Foundation, which is bringing back the Kooban Ensemble for an engaging cultural experience, along with renowned Chef Mojdeh. New this year, Kinrose Creamery will present innovative ice cream flavors inspired by Iranian and Egyptian cultures, providing a unique culinary twist to the festival.

Final Thoughts

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian has emphasized the event as a beacon of unity, diversity, and community spirit. The festival aims to foster interpersonal connections, allowing residents and visitors alike to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures represented in the city. With performances including Dansa Azteca, the Qing Wei Lion & Dragon Dance Cultural Troupe, and the ZCC Brass Band, there will be no shortage of entertainment throughout the day.

For those looking to participate in this vibrant cultural celebration, further information about the festival can be found on the city’s official website, beverlyhills.org.