Utah Cultural Celebration Center Announces Summer 2013 WorldStage! Concert Series

This year's WorldStage! Concert Series presents a vibrant and exciting cross section of entertainment deeply rooted in Utah's cultural communities, with performances by:

West Valley Symphony, July 15

This year the West Valley Symphony kicks off the 2013 concert season. Formed in 1991 by founder Ralph Baker, the symphony is an all-volunteer orchestra of around 80 musicians ranging in age from 17-90. Musicians come from all over the Wasatch Front. Bringing quality music to West Valley City and surrounding areas, the symphony just celebrated its 20th season.

Los Hermanos de los Andes, July 22

Los Hermanos de los Andes is an Andean folk music ensemble whose purpose is to preserve and share their rich and unique musical heritage, using authentic ethnic instruments dating back to the ancient Incan civilization. As a group, Los Hermanos de los Andes believe culture plays an important role in their lives. Because they also believe its beautiful power can cause great and positive impact in people's lives, they strive to educate by sharing their heritage and bringing people of all races together.

Close your eyes and let your imagination transport you to the highlands of the Andes Mountains. Imagine the sound of haunting winds and the chill that pierces your very soul. These sensations were captured by the ancient Incans in their music. Today you can experience these enchanting traditional melodies performed by Los Hermanos de los Andes. Using the modern guitar and native instruments including the charango (10-string instrument made from an armadillo back), quena (notched bamboo flute), wank'ara (goat skin bass drum), and many others, Los Hermanos de los Andes entice listeners to soar with the condor to the highest summits of the Andes.

The Mundi Project Piano Ambassadors' "Sunset Sounds in the Valley", July 29

The Mundi Project, founded in 2006, provides open access to pianos and innovative performance opportunities that incorporate all the arts. Their focus is on, but not limited to, the piano. Unique to the Salt Lake area, the Mundi Project provides a strong commitment to multidisciplinary arts outreach through concerts and workshops for the community.

In-Cahoots, August 5

Enjoy "Tunes and Tails from the Cowboy Trails", a nostalgic ride through the music that shaped the West. Small part lecture and large part music - performed live - and set to historical photography, Hired Guns will help you rediscover (or just discover!) songs like The Streets of Laredo, Ghost Riders in the Sky and The Marshal and the Outlaw and the stories behind them. It's 90 minutes of story and music you won't soon forget.

World Travelers, August 12

Since 2009 the WorldStage! concert series has presented folk musicians and dancers from around the world. The Utah Cultural Celebration Center is pleased to continue its partnership with Bountiful Davis Art Center in 2012 by presenting International folk music and dance traditions. Explore your world!

Asante African Performing Arts, August 19

Asante is a Swahili word that means thank you. Asante children and youth are thankful for their heritage and for the opportunity to share their heritage and culture with the community. Asante is made up of children ages 4 - 18. Each week they come together to learn cultural dance and drum but also to provide support for each other in their shared experience of growing up in a predominately white community, and for some with parents who do not look like them. The choreography comes from as far away as Africa but on occasion is also made up of hip hop and jazz. The main teacher of the current group is Kaytie Murray who was a dancer with the group when she was younger. Asante has become family, the children love each other and most people say you can see that love through their dance and drum.

Smiling Souls, August 26

Smiling Souls has diverse musical influences such as Jazz, Reggae, Hip Hop, Dancehall and old school Funk, mixing all of these to create their own unique sound. Live brass, experienced musicians, and smooth vocals create the sound that is Smiling Souls and gives you music from around the world. With their first album to be released soon, they are hitting the Salt Lake City club scene to treat music lovers to a true mix of musical culture that is sure to rock the spot.

Shows are Monday nights, July15 through August 26, 2013. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with performances starting at 8:00 p.m. at 1355 West 3100 South. Each performance is free.

For more information about this and other exhibits or events at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, please call 801-965-5100 or visit www.culturalcelebration.org.