Every Saturday after July 20th Maria’s Café celebrates
Colombian Independence with a massive festival. The event that
started in 2000 is now one of Twin Cities’ most attended
international celebrations. Colombia’s Independence on
July 20th is a day of great national pride for people in and
outside this Latin American country. Maria’s Café
is always proud to share this sentiment with the growing Latino
community of Minnesota. The festival includes an afternoon of
live music, Colombian dance groups, authentic Colombian food,
exhibitors, children's entertainment and more.
The festival draws a diverse crowd including regular patrons
of Maria’s Café and Latinos from a wide range of
countries. This year over 1,500 attendees are expected to come
to the celebration on July 21st. For this occasion Maria’s
Café is inviting other businesses and organizations to
partake in the festival and its marketing benefits. The festival
will take place at the Ancient Traders Market Plaza at 11th
Avenue and Franklin Ave. in Minneapolis from 3:00 to 9:00 pm.
At 3:00 the festival begins with DJ Henry "El
Caleño" (from Cali, Colombia), playing Colombian
favorites to get you in the mood.
At 3:30 the well-known and widely appreciated
musical duo of Leo and Kathy Lara will take the stage and play
Andean Folk music from Ecuador, Colombia, and other Latin American
countries.
At 4:30 there will be contests and prizes given
out.
At 5:00 you will hear "Rumba Eterna"
playing a variety of dance music from Colombia and Cuba, including
lively musical styles like Salsa, Cumbia, and Son. You may have
seen and heard this group in the May Day festivities or Cinco
de Mayo celebrations.
At 6:00 The group of Colombian dancers "Fuego
Latino" will present two traditional Colombian dance styles
- bambuco y cumbia. With bright costumes and
unstoppable energy, this authentic ten-piece dance group has
been presenting Colombian Folkloric dances since 2002.
And at 7:00, our headlining band "the
Robert Everest Expedition" wraps up the night with heart-pounding
dance music from many Latin American countries, including Salsa,
Merengue, Cumbia, Vallenato, Rumba, Samba, Reggae, Bachata,
etc... Robert has performed with his ensembles at the Walker
Art Center, Orchestra Hall, and the Fitzgerald Theatre, among
other local venues.
All the while there will be activities for
children, great food (Maria's famous appetizers - empanadas,
arepas, etc.) and great drinks served to your heart's content...
As you can see there will be something for
everyone!
Opportunities for Sponsors:
The main sponsor for the festival will have its logo featured
in the stage banner and in all the advertising material for
the event. Its name will lead the credits during the acknowledgements
presented by the master of ceremonies. In addition to this,
the main sponsor will enjoy VIP seating during the event.
Additional sponsors will enjoy a table and
an area previously designated to promote their businesses, and
the inclusion of their names in the advertising material.
For more information please contact María
Elena Hoyos at 612-870-9842 or by email at mariascafe@earthlink.net
Hope to see you on July 21st!
~ Maria’s Café/Robert Everest
