RISE: We face challenges from all directions in life; this is when we choose to RISE above all, with ART being our superpower! The 2023 Festival celebrates self-determination and transformational creativity, powered by the ART we share in community.
Dive into the magical tones of one of African’s most prominent musicians, Angelique Kidjo, as she is joined by the incredible New Haven Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Alasdaire Neale. A Grammy winner five times over, Kidjo entrances listeners by seamlessly mixing genres and powerful messages in her music. A night of musical pleasure that’s not to be missed!
Leave your troubles behind with the help of this tropical Afro-Latin combo whose name literally means “to remove worries.” Their rhythmic songs remix the sounds of the 60s, 70s and 80s as they transport you to magical evenings in Angola, Peru, Colombia, Brazil and beyond. Using the healing mix of guitar, saxophone, keyboards, bass and lot of contagious percussion, these modern- day curanderos will keep you moving to the music all throughout their performance.
Keila Myles is a multidisciplinary artist based in Hartford, CT. She is best known for her work and performance as a musician. Her freshman project titled Just Add Water best sums up her ability to shape shift and aqueous to any genre and art form. Her style is a blend of R&B, soul, boom bap, classic rock and reggae. Keila draws from her American heritage in her lyricism and song-writing yet her delivery is reminiscent of classic reggae music. She will be performing with her band, The Moose Knuckles.
STOUT started her musical journey at the age of three in her grandmother’s basement in New Haven, Connecticut. Since then, she has shared the stage with Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Carlos Santana, Missy Elliot and Usher, thrilling audiences around the world. Come out for this hometown hero as she proves her title as the Queen of New Era Rock in an electrifying concert!
A Divine Homecoming is an intergenerational production honoring HBCU (Historically Black College and University) history and legacy through storytelling and step. The multi-disciplinary production creates an imagined experience of what could have been, and closes with headline performance by Toronto native, O’Sound.
Listen, sing, experience – the rich melodies and lush harmonies will be a feast for the senses! New Haven’s own Stefon Hawkins performs with New Hope Fellowship choir. His performance will be followed by a multigenerational community all-sing led by Jarron Taylor. All are invited to a Sunday morning masterclass with Jarron to learn the gospel techniques and later perform for the community on the Alexander Clark stage. Sign up today!
Piano phenom Matthew Whitaker is one of the most exciting talents in recent years. Playing in the jazz tradition with gospel roots, he will be joined on the Lyman Center stage by Kergyma, gospel artist Jarron Taylor & the Cross Bearing Nation and special guest Ohmaa in a Father’s Day evening that is not to be missed!
The KC Sisters have music in their DNA. The girls were raised by two musicians and introduced to multiple genres of music from rock & roll, country, gospel, folk, R&B, pop and jazz. Aside from their a cappella voices that harmonize on their repertoire of selections, each girl plays multiple instruments including piano, guitar, violin, bass, cello, ukulele, and drums. Each girl contributes to song arranging and the creation of new originals, which at times can be challenging, having so many cooks in the kitchen. Somehow they make it work and the song matures into something they all enjoy. They perform both covers and originals, many of which are recorded and produced themselves.
With a career spanning over three decades, three Grammy Awards, 20 million albums sold and starring roles on Broadway, the acclaimed, romantic sounds of Jon Secada have resulted in numerous hits in English and Spanish. The Cuban-born singer-songwriter will grace the New Haven Green with his band to share music from his pop catalogue, including megahits “Angel,” “Just Another Day” and “Do You Believe in Us,” interlaced with Spanish-language melodies.
Join us in honoring New Haven’s own Rohn Lawrence with a musical tribute that only Cool Breeze could produce! Featuring musicians Morris “Mo” Pleasure, Marion Meadows and Jabari Kersey, and punctuated by the rhythms of our top DJs, it will be an evening of remembrance, celebration and fellowship. Get ready to sway to the sounds of smooth jazz and R&B.
Let your heart & soul be serenaded by Connecticut based Haitian Neo Soul, R&B, jazz infused recording artist and songwriter, Berdine Joseph.
Join a Soca party on the New Haven Green! Trinidad’s own Mical Teja will bring his unique sound to close out the Caribbean Day Festival celebration. The man with the hottest pen in Soca music, Teja has written hits for artists like Machel Montano and Patrice Roberts, while putting out high quality music of his own. Teja’s fresh and exciting sound is popular in the annual Carnival catalogue. Don’t miss seeing this star in the Caribbean music scene!
A not-to-be missed musical experience! Brooklyn Rider is an adventurous string quartet that performs contemporary music with the energy of four young rock stars. Let the music move you as they bring to life the four elements of earth, air, water and fire as a musical metaphor for both the inner workings of a quartet — and the inter-related effects of climate change on our planet. Performing pieces commissioned by the Quartet as well as by other contemporary composers, they’ll deliver an inspiring musical call to action. Will you heed the call?
Led by celebrated producer, vocalist and conductor, Marika Kuzma, this unique multimedia performance conveys a portrait of Ukraine not limited to destruction and conflict, but as a country of great cultural beauty and breadth. Experience projected images of the varied Ukrainian landscape, paired with secular and seasonal folksongs and choral music. The 80-minute long concert is a true celebration of Ukranian creativity and resilience.
A fun and exhilarating day of dance on the New Haven Green, the Dance Exchange brings six choreographers of different styles to teach all-levels dance classes - salsa, modern, hip hop groove, street jazz, and ballet. Hosted by Frank E. Brady and music by DJ Dana Game.
Garba360 introduces the beloved Gujarati folk dances of garba and raas to new audiences; building strong community bonds and celebrating cultural heritage through movement. With live music and dance instructors, audience members have the chance to learn the steps and join in.
Guest are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to curtain for an on-stage experience. D.I.S.P.L.A.Y.E.D celebrates the unexpected. An art exhibit where the art is live and the audience can experience dynamic dancing as the performers break out of their stillness, it is a magnificent opportunity to experience inclusion. At the intersection of art and fashion, Heidi Latsky Dance disrupts space, dismantles normal, and redefines beauty and virtuosity through innovative performance and discourse. HLD brings rigorous, passionate, and thought- provoking work to broad audiences.
Inspired by the burlesque acting of silent films, this bold, brutal and bloody performance takes us on a wordless journey through the ruthless pursuit of power with humour and melodramatic gestures.
What happens when we go to sleep? Spellbound Theatre’s “Wink” is an imaginative and multi-disciplinary performance that explores dreams from the perspective of a young child and her bear. Blending shadow puppetry, physical theatre, and animation, this unique show is designed to engage and inspire the very youngest audience members. Inspired by the classic poem, “Wynken, Blynken and Nod,” Wink is ideal for kids age 0-7, but can be enjoyed by all ages.
A Divine Homecoming is an intergenerational production honoring HBCU (Historically Black College and University) history and legacy through storytelling and step. The multi-disciplinary production creates an imagined experience of what could have been, and closes with headline performance by Toronto native, O’Sound.
Through Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Hamlet, we explore these questions: What is the difference between seeking revenge and seeking justice? Is the cost of getting one’s revenge too high? What innocent parties get caught in the crossfire? After the play, the ensemble will share a trio of contemporary scenes inspired by real life experiences that offer tactics for violence de-escalation. Ice the Beef is a student-driven nonprofit, dedicated to empowering teens who want to end gun violence.
In her celebrated theatrical work, Kristina Wong crosses the aesthetics of campaign rallies and church revivals to tell her unique journey from performance artist to public official. She used to have a bright future in reality television, now she’s become part of the system that she used to ridicule! Don’t miss this unforgettable night of theater, politics, and comedy. Stay for a Talk Back following each performance.
Are flying cars, self-driving vehicles, and biomass-mobiles really in our future? Learn just how far — and how soon — technology will transport us into the future with this podcaster, author and frequent contributor to the New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine and NPR. Explore why speaker Jack Hitt says that “we are living through the most intense frenzy of transportation creativity since the 1890s.”
WORKSHOP: New Haven is home to one of only 100 Clean Cities around the country that brings together public and private stakeholders to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting the use of petroleum in transportation. We’ll explore options for alternative and renewable fuels that are available to the city — and how you can be part of creating the city’s clean transporation system of tomorrow.
The fight to save the planet begins with the drive to safeguard our towns. Learn how to do that in this discussion with climate change experts Brunilda Pizarro and James O’Donnell. Moderated by John Dankosky, this panel will break down big concepts like climate justice and migration patterns into the effects on sea levels and storm water across Connecticut’s cities and towns. Just the kind of environmental insights you need to take smarter local actions.
WORKSHOP: Join a talented group of data scientists, water scientists, AI researchers, and artists for an engaging workshop called “Talk to Me About Water.” Through music, games, and conversations, the workshop aims to encourage conversations about the global water crisis in a meaningful and playful way. You'll have the opportunity to learn from experts in their respective fields, including Martha Bearskin, Amelia Winger-Bearskin, Nour Batyne, Devin Ronneberg, and Eamon O'Connor. By the end of the workshop, you'll walk away with new insights and inspiration to help make a difference in the world.
Amelia Winger-Bearskin will showcase her art and science storytelling work and demonstrate how new technologies can help preserve and engage with ancestral knowledge. Attendees will discover how innovative formats can engage future generations. Additionally, Amelia will discuss how her collaborations with scientists have enriched her artistic practice.
Following this talk will be a reception and book signing event for those who purchased a Premium Ticket.
Artificial intelligence has been both idolized and demonized. Some have welcomed it into their businesses. Others fear it will destroy our lives. This lively presentation will help you take a fresh, informed, balanced look at how AI is impacting our lives now...and what we can do to ensure it will continue to be a force for good in the future. Moderated by CT Public’s Lucy Nalpathanchil.
Columbia University’s School of the Arts is pioneering a next-generation media lab that creatively integrates the arts, humanities and technology to tackle some of the world’s impossible problems. Experience the power of this approach through this innovative workshop and be prepared to have your imagination ignited and challenged as we explore the ideas of the speculative future.
Join author and journalist Ari Berman for a discussion on the history and contemporary relevance of voting rights. Berman is the author of Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America and Herding Donkeys: The Fight to Rebuild the Democratic Party and Reshape American Politics. He is also a political correspondent for The Nation and an investigative journalism Fellow at the Nation Institute.
Join us for Part 2 of the workshop presented by the Columbia University’s School of the Arts next-generation media lab. Now that you’ve been creatively inspired by this innovative approach to leveraging the humanities, arts and technologies to solve problems, you can turn your inspiration into activation. Your turn to become the story teller — and create your own vision of the future.
Talk about your consummate mutli-hyphenate! He’s the New York Times best-selling author of “How to Be Black.” An Emmy-nominated storyteller. Host of the PBS television series America Outdoors and the podcast How to Citizen with Baratunde. One of the greatest TED talkers of all time. Please join us in welcoming Baratunde to our festival to give us his perspectives on where our nation is — and where we can take it.
Following this talk will be a reception and book signing event for those who purchased a Premium Ticket.
How we tell the stories about ourselves, traumatic or otherwise, can be used to categorize us in ways that are not always equitable. Are marginalized groups expected to share traumatic experiences when dealing with institutions of power? Join social justice scholar Aya Waller-Bey and community engagement storyteller Mike Keo to explore what’s contributing to this issue, why it hurts us all, and how we can best address it.
WORKSHOP: How do we drive connections towards a more just world? By unpacking our own narratives, we can understand equitable barriers and use our story to drive connections and motivate community action. In this workshop with Mike Keo, we will learn and discuss how effective storytelling can become the gateway to local change.
A world without housing insecurity. A realistic goal? Only if we better understand the inter-related array of steps that can lead to its elimination. Deepen your understanding and broaden your perspectives of this critical issue with the help of panelists Kellyann Day, CEO of New Reach, social worker Antwan Nedd and New Haven Housing Authority Director Karen DuBois-Walton.
WORKSHOP: Spend time with the people and organizations dedicated to supporting the unhoused and addressing housing insecurity. Educate yourself on the resources for support and advocacy on this critical social issue.
Kick off the festivities us a special parade at 12pm! Then, stay and experience the Fair Haven Festival as the space comes alive with music, children’s programming, food, vendors, and community networking.
Headliner Kaeli Roselle lights up the stage at the Hill Festival! She’ll be joined by an afternoon packed with performers, DJs, food, children’s programming, community organizations, and vendors.
New Haven favorite, The Monk Family, are the Newhallville Festival headliners! Stick around for more programming, including children’s programming and activities, tabling, vendors, and food.
Join us for a day of music, food, and fun that features contemporary gospel singer and songwriter Latice Crawford! Neighborhood vendors and community organizations will round out the afternoon.
Get ready to party with Dixwell! Juan Castillo serves as MC for a line-up that includes Le Mixx Band, DJ Platinum, Xan Walker and Scheri Walker Line Dance Instruction, a fashion show with the legendary Donald Carter and more! The neighborhood village will be out with activities, tabling, and takeaways.
Artsucation Network & Juneteenth Coalition 10 Year Anniversary/6th Annual Hip Hop Conference.
The Official Juneteenth Coalition has collaborated with Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities in conducting a parade from the old Stetson Library to the New Haven Green.
A Divine Homecoming is an intergenerational production honoring HBCU (Historically Black College and University) history and legacy through storytelling and step. The multi-disciplinary production creates an imagined experience of what could have been, and closes with headline performance by Toronto native, O’Sound.
Listen, sing, experience – the rich melodies and lush harmonies will be a feast for the senses! New Haven’s own Stefon Hawkins performs with New Hope Fellowship choir. His performance will be followed by a multigenerational community all-sing led by Jarron Taylor. All are invited to a Sunday morning masterclass with Jarron to learn the gospel techniques and later perform for the community on the Alexander Clark stage. Sign up today!
Zainab Johnson, a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer is quickly being propelled as one of the most unique and engaging performers on stage and screen. Zainab’s comedy is based on her unique point-of-view, which was shaped growing up in Harlem as one of thirteen siblings in a black Muslim family. After getting a degree in Math and Education and taking a job as a teacher, she quickly learned that she had a different calling.
Sample multicultural taste treats served up with a side of history, as Lee Cruz takes you on the ever-popular Gastronomy Tour of one of New Haven’s most storied streets — Grand Avenue. As you eat your way down the avenue, you’ll learn about the past, present and future of the neighborhood and its many inhabitants over time. A feast for your mind as well as your body!
Raise a pint on the Green and enjoy a variety of beer from a ton of local breweries. Your ticket gives you access to sample the flavors of multiple breweries from around New England.
LIST OF BREWERIES:
Coming Soon
Hands-on class teaching the process of making one shaken drink and one stirred drink at Sherkaan. Participants will have all the supplies available to practice these techniques and make 2 of their own cocktails to sip on. Additionally there will be bites served in between making drinks.
Enjoy a unique tasting menu from Soul de Cuba Cafe combining exquisite traditional Cuban dishes and special story telling guests for a night of good food and special stories.
Thoughtfully delicious food excites taste buds even as it elevates the community of individuals who help bring it to fruition for the dinner table. Chef Hari Pulapaka specializes in thoughtfully crafted and globally inspired food. In this session, Chef Hari will demo a Sinfully Vegetarian B’steeya served with a Basil, Cilantro, and Cashew Chutney.
The dish demonstrates the power of fresh herbs, acidity, spices, and a global sensitivity in making food delicious, nourishing, uplifting, and transporting. Attendees will be able to sample the dish.
New Haven is truly a food-lover’s paradise. But sometimes you need a guide who really know the city well to uncover some of its tastiest treasures. Join host Stephen Ross for a tantalizing tour of some of New Haven’s best haunts, including Fussy Coffee, Ricky D’s Rib Shack, Orchid Café at ConnCat, Wing Madness and Dope N Delicious. A simply amazing menu of stops on this mark-your-calendar-for-food tour.
Don’t just learn to cook. Cook to learn in this delightful kids cooking class centered around environmentalism. Join New-Haven based lifestyle influencer, Tennille Murphy, leads this workshop that helps kids sample the benefits of plant-based cooking and taste the advantages clean, healthy eating.
The Ghost Net: An Environmental Musical of the Sea provides a powerful vehicle for promoting awareness of our planet’s rapidly depleting oceans and endangered marine life. The workshop prior to the show will provide participating children opportunity to be in the show!
ARTFARM will offer kids, ages 6–16, an opportunity to try some of the basic elements of circus arts in a fun outdoor workshop setting. Participants will try their hand at juggling, balancing, partner acrobatics, circrobatics, hula hooping and other simple forms of movement. Be ready to toss, tumble and spin on the grassy New Haven Green!
Walker Between Worlds is a journey into the world of Native American Stories. The oral history, natural observations, and culture of the First Americans is shared by Leland Faulkner a world traveler and performing artist who is a member of the Bad River Band of Chippewa.
Universal Sounds’ performers Nate and Marcus will perform current and historical Top 40 music, utilizing current music technology and devices such as digital keyboards, electronic drums and percussion and computers. The performance is a fun, entertaining and often danceable flow of music and demonstration.
What happens when we go to sleep? Spellbound Theatre’s “Wink” is an imaginative and multi-disciplinary performance that explores dreams from the perspective of a young child and her bear. Blending shadow puppetry, physical theatre, and animation, this unique show is designed to engage and inspire the very youngest audience members. Inspired by the classic poem, “Wynken, Blynken and Nod,” Wink is ideal for kids age 0-7, but can be enjoyed by all ages.
Calling all families! Come celebrate International Make Music day with members of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra in a fun performance on the New Haven Green. No special musical talents required, but the experience will be super interactive. You may have a chance to conduct, to direct the volume of the music, or to affect the speed of the professional musicians. A great way to get everyone involved in making music.
In this fun and energetic dance class, all ages can help adapt the story of Winnie the Pooh and bring to life its lessons of supportive communities, teamwork, shared goals and self-confidence.
Led by innovative dance teacher Masem Enyong of Afro Beat Fun, you’ll work with the group to practice new dance moves, develop a dance routine and learn how African dance has influenced popular culture — all to the joyous sounds of contemporary Afro beats.
Explore a buzzing, humming hive of activity, as three human-sized Bees busy themselves in the creation of a community alongside children who transform into bees as they play. Joyfully interactive, Polyglot’s BEES welcomes us into a world of community, wonder, and imagination!
New Inca Son is a renowned Andean Folk ensemble that has performed throughout Latin America, Europe and across the United States, for people of all ages and backgrounds. Its artists hail from the Andes regions of Peru and Bolivia and perform centuries-old music and dances that have been passed along from one generation to the next. We invite you to sing along with the choruses of our music, and if the Spirits move you, to dance with us as well.
Travel South on the East Coast Greenway to Silver Sands State Park in Milford. This section of the ECG incorporates the Vision Trail, the Harbor side trail, the Long Wharf Nature Preserve, and the Savin Rock Trail. A representative of ECG will lead the ride and provide information and background on the trails.
The Fair Haven neighborhood was once a small village whose residents depended upon the tidal river nearby – the Quinnipiac – for their livelihood as oystermen, coastal traders, sailors, and shipbuilders.
New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation (NCAT) Will take you on a journey to visit local LGBTQIA businesses such as Barracuda, The Pride Center and others. Riders are welcome, encouraged, but not required to ride in their most authentic, pride selves.
New Haven has it's share of mixed surfaces often creating a challenge for even the most seasoned rider. Learn techniques from one of New Haven's most prolific riders and skilled educators on the subject.
Two great archives are neighbors in New Haven: Grove Street Cemetery, the nation’s first chartered burial ground, established 225 years ago in 1797, and Beinecke Library, North America’s largest building dedicated exclusively to rare books and manuscripts.
History, technology and industry collide on this overview of New Haven's industrial heritage. How will this legacy impact tomorrow's New Haven?
During this 30+ minute introductory tour, participants will learn about the exhibitions and collections that are fully accessible to all.
Granite rubbing stones are scattered throughout New Haven Parks. Get your passport and start collecting your stone rubbings on this tour and learn some park history along the way.
Explore the stories in the exhibit Instants: Linda Lindroth's Polaroid Portraits with the artist and Museum staff.
Travel North from New Haven to Cheshire and learn about plans to connect the former rail trail to Northampton, MA. Visit historic Locks 12 and 14 before returning to New Haven. A representative of ECG will lead the ride and provide information and background on the trail.
Explore the design and fabrication facility of the world renowned climbing sculpture company Luckey Climbers. Tour will include descriptions of ongoing projects in various stages of production and a slide lecture of selected projects from our portfolio.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), established in 1875, is the first agricultural experiment station in the United States. The main mission of the CAES is research. Programs also exist to educate the public and to transfer new findings to people trying to solve agricultural, public health, and environmental problems.
The Intergalactic DRAGanza is a theatrical experience fusing Drag and Ball culture through a futuristic space adventure. Drag Queens across the universe must unite using the 5 elements of Vogue to RISE up and defeat an ominous threat to planet Earth. The show will feature a closing performance by American Idol top ten performer and Latina drag star, Ada Vox.
Join us on April 19th for the official kick off of our citywide reading revolution! NEA Big Read author, Rebekah Taussig and Executive Director of National Disability Rights Network Marlene Sallo will join us virtually for a keynote and conversation. Free copies of Sitting Pretty will be available for all attendees.
Kiomary Sotillo, Parent Consultant of the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center will lead on conversation on the current state of special education and her experience as a parent of children with disabilities.
Join Lucy Gellman, Editor of the Arts Paper, Justin Farmer, City Councilor of Hamden’s 5th District, and Elaine Kolb, activist & musician in a conversation on disability, dating, and love. Listen in as these community leaders dive into their own love stories and romantic journeys.
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, is a documentary film of a groundbreaking summer camp for teens with disabilities. This incredible film was executive produced in 2020 by Barack and Michelle Obama. A facilitated discussion will follow our film screening.
Join us for presentations and interactive demos of assistive tech from our partners at United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern CT, New England Assistive Technology NEAT An Oak Hill Center, and EastConn. Sign up for NEAT’s Bridging the Digital Divide Program – a program designed to help people access their community and tele-health.
Members of the Kulturally LIT Team & One City One Read Advisory Committee will use the themes of resilience, disability rights, and access in our NEA Big Read book as a springboard to discuss the disability justice movement.
Don’t miss a special evening with JJJJJerome Ellis as he performs an original musical response to Rebekah Taussig’s Sitting Pretty: A View From My Resilient Ordinary Disabled Body.
Learn, connect and join others in advocating for the rights and resources of our neighbors with disabilities. Highlights include tabling from community partners who serve the disability community, the demonstration of a smart home, food trucks with accessible accommodations, speakers and conversations. Join us!
Love a good story? Then you definitely won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event. It’s a storytelling mash-up featuring all styles of great stories told through all flavors of engaging formats — from spoken word and folktelling to personal narrative and rap. Each teller takes the stage for just a 10 minute performance...but no doubt, many will leave you with lasting memories of the stories they share.
The power of story. This workshop introduces storytelling and listening as pathways to reconnect to purpose; to help us fill in the blank. Together in community we will respectfully mine our stories for the buried insights which can both strengthen and enlighten us. Our process begins with prompts for reflection in solitude, followed by pair and/or small group sharing of our recalled stories. A guided discussion encourages us to recognize the gems unearthed in our remembering and their relevance to purpose. We end with appreciative listening as those who choose to, tell their story to the community.
Experience the power of live poetry with the top slam poets from throughout the Northeast. Equally skilled in their writing as in their delivery, the poets will engage and entertain guests while competing for a prize of $1000. Come cheer on these incredible performers as they battle for the top spot!
The Reinvention Rebels podcast shares stories of amazing women, 50-90 years young, who have boldly reimagined life on their own terms, to find new purpose and possibilities.
How much can you share in 20 slides, 20 seconds each? PechaKucha, in which performers tell a story on a subject of their choosing in a unique presentational format, began in Tokyo in 2003, and has captured the imagination of storytellers and audiences throughout the world. Show up and learn several new things very quickly!
This unique VR experience designed by Kit Hung (Hong Kong) and JLS Gangwisch (New Haven/USA) will bring you into the stories of people we encounter in everyday life; people who are seemingly strangers but who share with us common memories, histories, and feelings.
New Haven Day brings together organizations, partners, and individuals for an interactive community resource day on the Green happening simultaneously during Beerfest.
This carefully curated fashion show will take you on a chronological journey through the wardrobe of Ghana’s citizenry and royalty. Featuring a special performance by SĀHGE Academy's Contemporary African Dance Class, choreographed by Mariyama Shari Caldwell-Young, this cultural experience is perfect for youth, families and scholars of all ages.
Not unlike the isolated, cold, and dark environment of a quantum device’s dilution refrigeration tank, the darkness of the night on the New Haven Green is traversed by striking bright lights. Festival visitors are invited to circulate through this light installation as if electrons ruminating within a closed quantum system.
Arden Santana is an advocate for the healing and freedom of BIPOC people in her hometown. A native of New Haven, Connecticut, Arden founded SĀHGE Academy, a civic preparatory school. She is currently a Yale Access to Law Fellow to better serve her community and with aspirations of becoming a college professor. Also known as “Fire,” Arden is one-third of The Elements of Abundance, life style and culture curators whose vision is to lead New Haven’s return to its hub status. Of all the work she’ll ever do, being a mother of two daughters is the highest level position Arden holds.
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Carter Leonelli-Blain is a vibrant happy 8 year old boy who lives with his younger sister Gabby and two dads Jeff and Brian. Carter enjoys listening to music, watching his favorite shows and going out to eat at his favorite restaurants Cheesecake Factory and Bears SmokeHouse. Carter also loves going to the pool during the summer and for therapies. His smile lights up a room along with his giggles and personality.
Son of Iamele, Marino, Trunik & McGowen. Descendants from Italian, Austrian and Irish Immigrants.
Who left their countries, their families, to create their future. I am multi-ethnic, the result of immigrants that chose chaos and struggle and found love.
I strive to honor them, to know them and to learn their stories. I cook prayers for them, my ancestors, the shoulders that have carried me the arms that have held me, the lips that have whispered gently. Go on.
When I cook for them, if I get It right, I can travel back in time to their living rooms on the Amalfi Coast. Or to Fermanagh, North of Ireland. We rise together.
Shirley Chock, also known as "The Stressbender," is the owner of Aiping Tai Chi, founded in 1996 by Grandmaster Aiping Cheng. She is a national and international champion in Tai Chi and holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Chicago. Shirley has a successful background in finance and realized the importance of Tai Chi in managing stress in her workplace. In 2017, she took over the school and has since expanded into wellness programs and online content. She has rapidly growing YouTube and TikTok channels, introducing Tai Chi to a younger generation.
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Jeremiah "Feathered Wolf" Craggett is a two-spirit tribal resident, medicine keeper, and native businessman from the Cherokee Nation Eastern Band with ties to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe Nation. Feathered Wolf was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut. Feathered Wolf is proud of their New Haven Public School System education that led to Medaille College in Buffalo, New York, where Feathered Wolf majored in Animal Science. Feathered Wolf is a reconnecting Native who has served the Mashantucket Nation's tribal community, Mashpee tribal community, and the Paugussett tribal community educating on and engaging with traditional herbal and spiritual practices. The city of New Haven has commissioned Feathered Wolf to dance the traditional dances" that blend the masculine and feminine components to honor the two-spirit Identity that has been present in Indigenous communities since before colonialism. In 2019 Feathered Wolf gathered 10 of his tribal members and formed a dance company that focused on the history of Native American history, tradition, and dance named JSC Native American Dance Company. Former New Haven Mayor Toni Harp has recognized him with a proclamation as an "Herbalist in the Community" He also uses his ancestral knowledge and social media to educate on the intersection of Afro-Indigenous history and Identity.
