The city of Brookhaven is gearing up for its second International Festival on the Peachtree Creek Greenway to highlight the rich heritage and diversity found on Buford Highway’s cultural corridor.
The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20. A 5k walk/run to benefit We Love Buford Highway will be held on Oct. 20.
A lowrider car show is new this year. Tito Puente Jr. and The Itals are the concert headliners for the weekend of global music, dancing, art, and cuisine.
The Itals is a Jamaican reggae vocal group formed in 1976 by Alvin “Keith” Porter, Lloyd Ricketts, and Ronnie Davis (formerly a member of The Tennors), all of whom had previously also recorded as solo artists.
Latin and jazz musician and percussionist Tito Puente Jr. has become an audience favorite in casinos, performing arts centers, symphony halls and jazz festivals worldwide, performing in more than 300 shows over the past five years.
Rounding out the international lineup, performers include African women empowerment dance group Giwayen Mata, Colombian Salsa musician Brayan Caceres, Matsuriza Japanese Traditional Taiko Drummers, Atlanta-based world-music group Surya Ensemble, World of Lucha Libre wrestling, and more.
“Last year we watched this important celebration for the corridor, all of Brookhaven, the region, and state come to fruition, and I am proud that we are bringing back an event aimed at strengthening ties amongst the many different cultures,” said Brookhaven City Councilmember John Funny.
We Love Buford Highway Executive Director Lily Pabian said, “There’s literally no 10-mile stretch like Buford Highway – immigrant communities are here for its sense of belonging through authentic representations in languages, cultures, and commerce; preserving this place takes coalitions, partnerships, and yes, celebrations. This weekend is a giant step in that direction.”
The 5k is a qualifier for the AJC Peachtree Road Race and is a USATF-certified course. It takes place along the Peachtree Creek Greenway and adjacent parking lots, making it safe for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.
Visit www.BrookhavenGA.gov/intl-fest for the full schedule and to register for the 5k.
