The InstigatorThe 2024 World Beat Festival returns this weekend to celebrate Ukraine … and food.
Eat your way around the world by sampling sweet and savory items at 19 vendors offering foods from 14 different countries. From African Jollof rice to Spanish paella to Terk Kork Chhus (Cambodian shaved ice), there is a delicious variety of culinary treats both savory and sweet. Some vendors may only accept cash so plan accordingly. This year’s countries with food representation include the Americas, Cambodia, China, El Salvador, Greece, Guam, Hungary, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Spain and Ukraine.
“Food is one of the most personal ways you can become familiar with a culture,” said Kathleen Fish, Executive Director of Salem Multicultural Institute and World Beat. “And sharing a meal is the ultimate hospitality.”
Incentive to get out and eat, the World Beat offers “Taste the World.” Each food vendor has created one special dish available only at the World Beat for just $5. It’s not a full meal, but a budget-friendly sample of cultural experience.
But the food isn’t the only draw…
The festival also features non-stop entertainment, from Taiko drumming to Scottish pipes. There is an immersive lineup of performers all weekend long and from the moment you enter the gates, you can hear live music, watch dance performances, see cooking demonstrations and more. Plus, there are vendors and children’s activities in each village.
This year’s theme focuses on Ukraine and cultural highlights include —
Inna Kovtun is a leading authority on traditional folk music, a performer, a cultural ambassador, a master of music, and a guardian of Ukrainian folklore, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, June 28 in the Amphitheater and 3:15-4:15 p.m. Saturday, June 29 in the Cultural Center
Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble performs traditional folk dances from various regions all around Ukraine, 2:30-3:10 p.m. Saturday, June 29 in the Amphitheater
Darka Dusty & the Borshch Beatniks perform a variety of songs, including originals, unexpected covers, and Eastern-European, klezmer-tinged melodies, 3:45-4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29 in the Amphitheater
Petrykivka – Ukrainian Painting: Artist Sonia Voloshinov will share the history and stories behind this traditional Ukrainian art form, 12:15-1:15 Saturday, June 29 in the Cultural Center
Tasha Huebner – The Bandura Player, 1:45-2:45 Saturday, June 29 in the Cultural Center
Zingaresca Ensemble interweaves classical Eastern European guitar heritage with the best traditions of the Romani, Jewish, and Ukrainian folk traditions, 6:45-7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29 on the Stepping Stage
Ukranian Borscht Demonstration: Dominika Pukay will demonstrate the way to make a delicious Ukrainian borscht, 2:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 30 in the Cultural Center
Miranda Coleman Ukrainian Folk Dance, 1:45-2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 30 on the Stepping Stage
Amelia Lukas & Ryta Slobodiana will capture daily life in Ukraine through music and art, 2:30-3:15 Sunday, June 30 on the Stepping Stage
Ivanna Oliinyk & Arina Parhomenco: Ukrainian folk and contemporary music, 5:15-6:00 Sunday, June 30 on the Stepping Stage
The World Beat Festival is a home-grown event that’s been happening for more than 25 years. “It is produced by a group of passionate volunteers and staff who create a place and event where people of all heritages can celebrate and share their cultures. By doing so, Salem becomes a better, stronger, more accepting community. Volunteers work all year long in various committees to create, plan, and manage the event.” The festival is the Salem Multicultural Institute’s best-known program, but they also operate year-round cultural exhibits in their World Beat Gallery.
See you at the Beat!
World Beat Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 29; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 30 (Plus Amphitheater only 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 28)
Where: Riverfront Park, 200 Water St. NE
Cost: $10 per day; $15 for weekend pass. Free for age 14 and younger and SNAP Card Holders. Buy tickets in advance here.
Info: worldbeatfestival.org
