NOCHES DE RITMO PROGRAM WINS AWARD;
2015 SCHEDULE SET
The City of Allentown Department of Parks and Recreation’s “Noches de Ritmo” musical entertainment program has been awarded the Excellence in Recreation Programming Award from the Pennsylvania Recreation & Parks Society (PRPS). Recreation & Events Coordinator Christy Alvord accepted the award during the PRPS Annual Conference in Lancaster last month.
The Noches de Ritmo program series began in 2013, attracting more than 1,600 attendees in its first year. The program has continued to expand and attract new participants as the series enters its third season. The title of the program, which translates to “Rhythm Nights,” is accompanied by the tagline which defines the essential components of these events: “Music, Dance, Art & Community.” All Noches de Ritmo events are held in both English and Spanish, and include different elements of local culture through music, singing, dancing and artwork.
“I am so proud to hear of the city winning this award for such an outstanding program that encourages our local Allentown residents to come out and enjoy a free night with their families,” said Cynthia Mota, Allentown City Council Parks & Recreation Committee Chair. “Noches de Ritmo showcases elements of the Hispanic/Latino culture that are so important to many of our residents.”
The city will host the first 2015 “Noches de Ritmo” evening on Saturday, May 16 at Cedar Beach Park. The event will run from 4:00pm – 7:00pm and provide free, family-friendly entertainment featuring art, music and dance.
The event will include live performances by a variety of popular local groups whose rhythms range from merengue to salsa to bolero. Performing groups include Puertorrican Culture Preservation Organization’s folkloric dance group, HALA (Hispanic American League of Artists), XCAPE hip hop dance group, and Latin pop-star Jessy Rose. Guillo “El Lokillo” from La Ola Radio and Flor Velez from Puertorrican Culture Preservation Organization will host the event series.
The May 16 event will also include a free weaving art activity for families organized by the Allentown Art Museum called “Woven Welcome.”
The second Noches de Ritmo event of 2015 will be held on Saturday, September 26 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Arts Park.
For more information, call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 610-437-7757. “Like” the Department of Parks and Recreation on facebook to stay up-to-date on program information at www.facebook.com/allentownparkandrec.
Information Provided By:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610.437.7653
Fax: 610-437-8730
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
