Amid the music, dance, displays and exhibits, one theme will resonate during “A Night to Remember: Worcester’s Folk Guardians, ‘Connecting Through Culture'” at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on Nov. 13.
That is, “The beauty of Worcester, which is its people, its diversity and its culture,” said Vanessa Joga, co-founder and executive director of Guardians of Traditions, which presents “A Night to Remember” in partnership with Mechanics Hall.
The free event celebrates the richness and diversity of the city and shows that “we can maintain our cultural identity and diversity and be part of the community,” Joga said.
In particular, guests will go on a world trip to countries with African heritage and learn about the richness of African culture and its connection to countries such as Haiti, the United States, Mali, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Peru , Puerto Rico, Ghana, Colombia and Trinidad & Tobago.
“A Night to Remember” will have two components, Joga said.
The Hall of Cultures from 3 to 5 p.m. will feature immersive exhibits in the lobby, and Washburn Hall in Mechanics Hall will include “different themes and different locations,” Joga said. “You’ll be transported to cultures you’ve never been to.”
The stage performances in the Great Hall from 18-20 will have music, singing, drumming and dancing. Scheduled artists include Querencia Dance Company, Crocodile River Music, Son del Sol with Jack Bastante, Tribe Rise, Samba Viva, Tumbao Worcester Latin Dance, Worcester Youth Poet Laureate Adael Meja with Jayson Domingues, Ritmos Dance Studio, Movimiento Cultural de Lawano, and Keepers of Masquerade Traditions.
Joga, who is originally from the Dominican Republic, founded the non-profit organization Guardians of Traditions in Worcester in 2019. It began with the goal of showcasing the Dominican carnival tradition, but has evolved into an organization dedicated to creating fun and culturally relevant events. that reflect the diversity of the community, Joga said.
Guardians of Traditions will also display in Mechanics Hall the marionettes it made with Creative Hub Worcester for the Worcester Tercentennial Parade in June.
“I strongly believe in collaborations with other organizations,” Joga said.
The Guardians of Traditions and Mechanics Hall had intended to present “A Night to Remember” over a year ago, but the pandemic delayed matters.
“It’s been like a year and a half planning this,” Joga said.
Sponsors and partners include Cornerstone Bank, Country Bank, Creative Hub Worcester, Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, Monano: Creative Minds and Workshops and Worcester Arts Council.
“A Night to Remember” is “free to the public so members of the community can see it and be a part of it,” Joga said. “It’s free. It’s multicultural.”
‘A Night to Remember: The Folk Guardians of Worcester
When: November 13. 15:00 Hall of Cultures; Stage performance at 18.00
Where: Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., WorcesterHow much: Free. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.mechanicshall.org/guardians
