TURNERS FALLS — An event that showcases immigrants’ artistic contributions to Western Massachusetts will return to the Shea Theater for its third year this April.
“Immigrant Voices: A Celebration of Arts” will host cultural performances including a Senegalese band that combines hip hop with West African music and a Massachusetts-based Latin fusion band. Other cultures represented at this year’s performance are from Haiti, Tibet, Mexico, and El Salvador.
The event begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 8.
“Immigrant Voices” was started by the Center for New Americans, which has served immigrants in Western Massachusetts for almost 25 years by offering free education and resources at its program sites in Greenfield, Turners Falls, Amherst and Northampton.
When Chris “Monte” Belmonte became president of the Shea Theater Arts Center, he wanted the arts center to be a community space. Also, Marilyn Sylla, a Five College dance instructor, offered to help the Center for New Americans put on the show since her stepdaughter learned English in the center’s Amherst location.
The first performance welcomed Senegalese drummers, Mexican dancers, Moldovan singers, and more.
“We had students who were amateurs and (also) professionals, like Grupo Tradiciones Folklorico, a dance troupe made up of educators from the Amherst Regional Public Schools,” said Center for New Americans Executive Director Laurie Millman.
The first year was a sold-out success, and thus the event was made a tradition.
“Sometimes we talk about not doing it because it is a lot of work,” Millman admitted. “Then we see our students on stage.”
She said many of the students work long hours, take classes, and care for family members but also perform.
“They get on stage and they are glamorous, professional performers who dazzle us with their talent,” she said. “And then we remember why we do this!”
Tickets are $10, and can be purchased on the Center for New Americans website. Half of the proceeds go to the Shea Theater. Donations are encouraged.
Reach Christie Wisniewski at: cwisniewski@recorder.com