COME TO THE FESTIVAL NOW, JUNE 8-22, IN NEW HAVEN

SCENES TO TEMPT YOU TO ATTEND THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND IDEAS

For the 24^thyear, New Haven is offering the community a grand event to celebrate artists around the globe with a 15 day salute:  the International Festival of Arts and Ideas. Encouraging you to stimulate your mind, engage your spirit, expand your senses, the Festival will run from Saturday, June 8 to Saturday, June 22 and you’re invited to take a front seat for the exciting activities.

Grab your calendars and make plans to attend free concerts on Saturday and Sunday nights on the New Haven Green under the stars with acts like Thabisa (June 8), Marion Meadows and Rohn Lawrence (June 8), Garba 360 (June 9(, Force MDs (June 15), Vivian Green (June 15), The Carrie Ashton Band (June 16), Gina Chavez (June 16) and Tiempe Libre with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra (June 22).

Looking for something more cerebral?  A plethora of lectures and conversations abound, like “Confronting Identity: An Arts and Ideas Fellows Town Hall” (June 8), “Cities of Peace: Healing the Trauma of Conflict Through Art” (Jine 11) and “Stonewall at 50” June 13), among many others.

Sign up for a walking or bike tour, a class or workshop, or relax on the water.  If you’re a foodie, many gourmet experiences await your palate like a State Street Wine Walk (June 11), a tour of Gastronomy on Grand Avenue (June 15 and 21) and a Friday Night Beer Garden (June 21).  Explore the Hill, Fair Haven and Dixwell Avenue for Neighborhood Festivals, a Wordfest: Citywide High School Jam (June13),  “I Am” Slam Poetry Competition (June 16) and a Two Night Gala Harbor Bash at the new Canal Dock Boatworks on the water with food at night with plenty of atmosphere (June 10 and 11).

While 85% of the exciting events are free for the taking, you are encouraged to buy tickets for the troupe Dorrance Dance (June 11), the theatrical conversation No Kids (June 12-15), Circa (June 12-15), Quantum Sound (June14), Knonos Quartet (June 18), HOME (June 19-22), Tanya Tagaq (June 20) and the Yale Choral Artists (June 21).

Don’t forget the grand number of Documentary Films, many with lectures, that will be screened, the gospel music, the jazz, the circus tricks, the children’s activities, the Elm Shakespeare Company Teen Troupe production of “Twelfth Night,” stories of India and Africa and dozens of activities from morning to night all over the city.

Make a list of your favorites and go to artidea.org or call 203-498-3772. Ideas Fast Pass is available and volunteers are needed.

Identity and diversity earmark the more than 200 performances, conversations and special events that are

yours for the taking.  ENJOY!