Overture’s International Festival, the annual celebration of global cultures through the work of local artists, will take place throughout Overture Center for the Arts from 10:30 am until 5 pm on Saturday, January 9, 2016.

Now in its 35th year, the free festival features more than 30 performances by artists representing 25 cultures. All artists, however, currently live in Dane County.

“This is one day to experience the incredible depth of local artistic talent we have right here in Greater Madison, and also to explore and celebrate the heritage of the broad range of cultures and ethnicities represented among our friends and neighbors,” said Overture Center CEO Ted DeDee. “It’s one of my favorite days of the year.”

Among the more than 30 performances are two International Festival debuts: Spanish guitar duo Red and Black, featuring Gabor Szarvas and Miles McConnell; Balkan music quintet Intemperance Collective; and Sufi storyteller Ali Jamnia, sharing best-loved tales from Persia.

Also new this year is a display of traditional Hmong dress in Promenade Lounge, along with artisans creating traditional “story cloths” throughout the day. An interpreter will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the work.

The full list of performers is below.

◆ Swiss Alphorn Duet, traditional 12 foot long Swiss instruments to open the festival
◆ Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association, traditional Chinese lion dance in the style of Joksan of the Sar Ping lineage
◆ Yid Vicious, a dance set of traditional & contemporary Klezmer music
◆ Chris and Ann Plata, Tex-Mex music from South Texas and Mexico
◆ Daithi the Strolling Fiddler
◆ The Dang-Its Trio, roots-oriented Americana, bluegrass and hillbilly swing, folk and alternative country
◆ Sergio Rico Vacilon, Cuban Guajira son of the 1940s and 50s
◆ Atimevu Drum and Dance, traditional music from Ghana
◆ UW Russian Folk Orchestra, instrumental folk music of Russia and Eastern Europe
◆ Madison Chinese Cultural Association, performance promoting Chinese culture and traditions
◆ Charanga Agoza, Charanga music featuring chachacha, mambo and contemporary salsa styles
◆ Danza Tradicional Mexicana, presenting and representing the culture and traditions of Mexico through dance
◆ Tani Diakite, funk-blues fusion music from Mali featuring traditional Malian instruments
◆ Ali Jamnia, Sufi storytelling with best-loved tales from Persia
◆ Red and Black, classical guitar duo playing Spanish music, including classical, folk songs and flamenco
◆ Limanya Drum and Dance, traditional music and dance from Guinea and Mali
Mesoghios Dance Troupe, traditional Greek folk & city folk dances, & a dance referencing the Greek civil war
◆ Kioja Dance Team, step dances combining military drill & African Welly “gumboot” dances
◆ Tri Bratovchedki, a cappella songs in the beautiful rhythms & harmonies of Eastern Europe
◆ Veseliyka, Old World Bulgarian folk melodies & rhythms
◆ Boliviamanta Dance Wisconsin, promoting Bolivia’s rich culture through its dances and music
◆ Gaelic Fusion, tales of love told through traditional Scottish Highland & country dances
◆ Zaibas Lithuanian Dance, popular Lithuanian folk dances performed in authentic national costumes
◆ Tania Tandias Flamenco and Spanish Dance Company, Fiery dances from Spain including rhythmic footwork, castanets & colorful costumes
◆ Kalaanjali School of Dance, Bharatanatyam Indian dance performed with lively costumes and music from India
◆ The Handphibians, Maracatu Brasilian-style percussion from Northeast Brazil
◆ Roots of Brazil Capoeira, Afro-Brazilian cultural martial arts and dance of Capoeira, and the stick dance Maculele
◆ Madison Maennerchor, traditional German choral music including masters songs, hymns, festival & party songs
◆ Goongoo Peas, interactive Caribbean folk music & music from the African Diaspora
◆ Sadira and the Riad Dance Company, Joyful women’s dance of the Middle East with music, costumes and choreography from each region
◆ Intemperance Collective, Balkan folk music accompanied by cello, gadulka, accordion, bass domra and tuppon.
◆ Bi Dana, traditional Irish songs and dance played in the traditional styles
Last Gaspe, Contra dance band playing Canadian, Irish & American fiddle music that swings