Welsh-American social network AmeriCymru has partnered with A Raven Above Press to bring the West Coast Eisteddfod from Portland, Oregon to Los Angeles, California in its third year: three days of entertainment and activities at the site of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House at Barnsdall Art Park, in Hollywood.
The West Coast Eisteddfod will be held at the Barnsdall Art Park, in Los Angeles, California ( 23rd-25th Sept ). This location was chosen for its beautiful vista of Griffith Park, named after Griffith J. Griffith a Welsh philanthropist. The park sits atop a hill with a home built by Frank Lloyd Wright, an esteemed Welsh American architect, and is open for tours. Isolated from the urban sprawl, the Barnsdall Art Park is a quiet getaway with a historic theater amidst the Art Nouveau scenic grounds.
Opening ceremonies begin with a Friday night concert featuring performances by Paul Child, official singer of the WRU; Michael Aston, of Gene Loves Jezebel; Monica Richards and the Welsh Choir of Southern California. The eisteddfod competitions take place on Saturday, with performers in Poetry, Storytelling, Voice and Comedy, and live music by California acoustic Tom Jones tribute band, Sex Bomb. On Sunday, Welsh films will be screened in the theater, hosted by Aparna Sharma, Assistant Professor of the Department of World Arts and Cultures at UCLA.
Ongoing outdoor activities throughout the event include interpretations of traditional Welsh dishes by Alex Catering and libations and entertainment in Oberon’s Welsh Pirate Bar, rugby, performances and lectures by Crwth composer and performer Dr. Marshall Bevil and harpist Nerys Jones, Welsh language lessons, lectures, the Welsh Mythology and Legend Art Show featuring 29 artists from around the world, activites for families and children and more.
Joint Eisteddfod organizer Ceri Shaw of AmeriCymru said:-” It has been a stimulating experience working with our partners to bring this event to L.A. this year. We believe that this is yet another milestone in our campaign to ‘rebrand’ Wales as the Celtic nation that recognizes and rewards excellence in the arts. It will be our most successful event yet. Hope to see you there.”
For dates and further info follow the link below:-
http://americymru.net/page/west-coast-eisteddfod-sat-24th-sept-2011
