| Folklorama On Tour |
For the first time, Folklorama is going on tour to visit six cities and give everyone a taste of what we're all about. We're bringing together six of our top world-class performing groups to present an extravaganza designed to demonstrate why Winnipeg is the place to be in August. Join us in a city near you! Here's the latest!FEBRUARY 26 - Folklorama On Tour made it home safe and sound yesterday evening, pulling into Winnipeg around 7pm. A big thank you to everyone who helped out along the way, including Beaver Bus Lines, our driver Jack Graff, Canad Inns Polo Park, the Canadian Tourism Commission, Destination Winnipeg, Manitoba Homecoming 2010, Kevin Pistilli of the Raphael Group, Proforma Pure Promotions and Travel Manitoba. And a very special thank you to all of our performers, and our llama, without whom none of this would have been possible. Not only did they put on an amazing show night after night, they also pitched in and helped out wherever they could, preparing gift bags, putting up signs and loading up the bus. Thanks again! FEBRUARY 25 - After departing from Milwaukee, Folklorama On Tour made its way to its sixth and final stop in Minneapolis, Minnesota. And what a way to end the tour! At the reception we hosted tour operators representing a wide range of groups, including seniors, student groups, fully independent travellers and travellers looking for year-round activites. All of the tour operators were eager to find out more about Folklorama's ability to host groups of all ages and sizes. The show for the general public was held in the largest staging area available in the Mall of America and over 500 people took it in. In addition to the seating area in front of the stage, people were watching our performers sing, dance and play their instruments from all four floors in the mall. As Japanese drumming group Fubuki Daiko opened the show with their high energy rhythmic drumming, people came in droves to witness the cultural extravaganza. And the Barley Mow Band, an Irish duo, kept everyone entertained throughout the show with their humourous tunes. FEBRUARY 24 - Folklorama On Tour's next stop was Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where both the reception and show were a rousing success. At the largest reception of the tour so far, over 45 tour operators had the opportunity to learn more about Folklorama while enjoying cultural food and entertainment. During the show that followed, Brazilian group Viva Capoeira brought their performance from the stage to the centre of the crowd to get the audience even more involved. Over 110 people, many of whom saw Folklorama's print ad and visited our website, took in the amazing show, which included some exciting footwork from the Brady Academy of Irish Dance. Folklorama would like to send a special thanks to Holiday Folk Fair in Milwaukee, who assisted in securing a venue for Folklorama On Tour and getting the word out about the show. Folklorama met Holiday Folk Fair through the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Art (CIOFF), where they are a fellow member of the North American sector. FEBRUARY 23 - Folklorama On Tour put on its fourth reception and show in Chicago yesterday, and the group was joined by Lou Macaluso of the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC). Lou was very impressed with the event and commented that Folklorama On Tour truly showcased the best of what Canada has to offer. 38 people attended the reception, including some top tour operators that have been working with the CTC. After getting a taste of Folklorama, the tour operators, including Vidovic Travel Service who is very interested in bringing a tour to Winnipeg in August, definitely want to learn. Troyanda, Folklorama On Tour's Ukrainian group, closed the show for the general public with a high energy piece full of jumps and spins. People in the audience enjoyed Folklorama On Tour so much they asked if we were coming back next year. FEBRUARY 21 - Saturday was a travel day for Folklorama On Tour, with the group making their way from Kansas City to Chicago, Illinois. Sunday is a free day in Chicago, so all the performers should have the chance to rest up, see some sights and maybe even enjoy some famous Chicago deep dish pizza! FEBRUARY 20 - It was an early morning for the Folklorama On Tour bus on Friday, as we braved some snowy weather on the way to Kansas City, Missouri. After arriving and checking into our hotel in downtown Kansas Ctiy, the group prepared for the next reception and show. Tour operators at the reception, greeted by some of our Irish and Ukrainian dancers, were treated to delicious cultural foods. The intimate and interactive show that followed was enjoyed by all and included a special guest in the audience, Nan Delwiche of Country Tours. Nan, who organizes group tours for people from all over the United States, will be bringing a tour to Folklorama in August. Brazilian group Viva Capoeira once again put on an entertaining spectacle of drumming, dancing and martial arts, and the Folklorama Llama also made a special appearance on stage, to hand out prizes to audience members who correctly answered Folklorama trivia.
FEBRUARY 19 - After packing up in Sioux City, Folklorama On Tour was back on the road and heading to Omaha, Nebraska, with the beat of Brazilian drums keeping the bus ride lively. On Thursday afternoon, tour operators at the reception mingled with some of the performers and had a chance to hear Murray Greenfield, Director of Tourism, give a short presentation about bringing group tours to Folklorama. Following the reception, there was a great turnout at the show, with groups attending from Fun Tours and York Fun Group. The energy and enthusiasm was contagious and all the performers sang, danced and played their hearts out. As they received their Folklorama gift on the way out, many in attendance commented on how fabulous the show was and thanked Folklorama for making a stop in Omaha. FEBRUARY 18 - Folklorama on tour made its first stop in Sioux City, Iowa yesterday, where we received a warm welcome from the city. Clyde Herrah played the steel drums and our guests enjoyed delicious cultural food at the reception for tour operators, with a couple of operators driving over 40 miles to attend. The high energy show that followed truly represented the multiculturalism of Folklorama, with Irish, Japanese, Ukrainian, African and Brazilian performers all taking the stage. A highlight was African performer Evans Coffie bringing audience members on stage to learn his dance moves. Those who experienced the show were overjoyed with what Folklorama presented, and many people commented on how much they enjoyed the show. Everyone in attendance also received a free Folklorama gift. Check back for more updates and photos! Sioux City, Iowa Omaha, Nebraska Kansas City, Missouri Chicago, Illinois Milwaukee, Wisconsin Minneapolis, Minnesota Call 1.800.665.0234 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
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