Do the tango
Your survival guide for iFest Argentina: Getting the most of Houston's musicstreet party
iFest is like traveling all around the world in one visit without jetlag.Photo by Ray Redding
The Austin Piazzolla Quintet performs music by the famed Argentinean composer.Austin Piazzolla Quintet/Facebook
Hailing from Chile, Chico Trujillo updates cumbia with global influences.Chico Trujillo
Hector Del Curto's "Eternal Tango" kicks off a yearly tradition of taking iFestoff site to other performance venues.Hector Del Curto' Eternal Tango/Facebook
Los Lonely Boys, though not so lonely, is one of the biggest bands to appear iniFest this year.Photo courtesy of Los Lonely Boys
Get ready to be tangofied.
The Houston International Festival is just around the corner and that means that the downtown takeover of the cultural fiesta, which runs this weekend and next, has begun.
In the recent past, iFest has traveled to the Silk Road, the Caribbean, Africa, Ireland, Thailand, India and Jamaica. This year, the saucy nation of Argentina is the inspiration for the 42nd annual gathering of music and arts.
To learn more about the featured country, an exhibit will morph part of Sam Houston Park into a South American district. The Chevron Living History Museum showcase will explore the arts, culture and history of Argentina by replicating streets typical of a neighborhood in Buenos Aires, an obelisk, the famed Cave of the Hands and an authentic street cafe.
But the fun doesn't stop there.
iFest feels like traveling all around the world in one visit without jet lag — unless you drink too much.
Courtesy of the 10 music stages, six international arts markets, seven entertainment zones, food stations, artist demos and interactive educational exhibits, a myriad of cultures that represent Houston's colorful spirit will suffuse every nook and cranny of the 14-acre street scene.
If you have never been to iFest before, it's as if Houston's diversity swathed City Hall, Sam Houston Park, Hermann Square and Tranquility Park. Think: Reggae, jazz, blues, global beats and Americana alongside tango entertaining 200,000 expected guests.
In essence, iFest feels like traveling all around the world in one visit without the jet lag — unless you drink too much.
Opening Ceremony
iFest begins with an opening ceremony, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, on the steps of City Hall during which a children's parade by the Sister Cities of Houston will usher in remarks from Mayor Annise Parker and performances by south-of-the-border groups, Latin Carnaval and Luna Argentina.
Food vendors surrounding the Reflection Pool will be on hand to feed hungry festival goers, so bring cash.
Festival Days
With more than 30 performances happening every day, you may be tempted to throw your hands up in the air and give up going all together when attempting to plan your visit. Though you can view the complete schedule here, read on for CultureMap's recommendations.
On Saturday, catch the Austin Piazzolla Quartet at 12:30 or 6:30 p.m., the Luna Argentina Folk Dancers at 4:30 p.m. and Los Lonely Boys at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday begins with Ambassadors International Ballet Folklorico at 11:30 a.m. Then check out Hadden Sayers Band or JJ Gray and MOFRO at 4:30 p.m. Finish the weekend with Galactic with Corey Glover and Corey Henry at 6:30 p.m.
Chico Trujillo headlines on April 28 at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Also try not to miss WAR at 6:30 p.m. and notable appearances by Bombino at 2:30 p.m., Rich DelGrosso at 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. and The Presidents at 1:20 and 6:30 p.m.
April 29 is a huge day with a show by Héctor Del Curto Tango at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., SOJA at 2:30 p.m., Cuadro La Tempestad Flamenco at 4 p.m., and Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 at 4:30 p.m.
Inaugural Concert and Social at Hobby: "Eternal Tango"
Bandoneon hotshot and chamber musician Héctor Del Curto will kick off what iFest officials hope is the beginning of an annual tradition. Taking the festival's raison d'etre off site and into the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts,"Eternal Tango" is slated for Saturday at 8 p.m.
With his orchestra and dancers, Del Curto's "Eternal Tango" promises an orgy of passionate and sensual Argentinean moves and grooves that paint a picture of the country's folklore tradition.
For the social party types willing to dish out a bit more cash, a Chairman's Reception and after party also offer an opportunity to try tango steps in the venue's Grand Lobby.
Tickets start at $25 for the performance and $150 for the charity reception.
Fashion Forward: "Alta Moda Voyage"
You loved it, so iFest brings them back for a second year. The "Alta Moda Voyage" runway shows produced by Zoë Jackson-Jarra of Chrizcera International & Fashion Square Houston feature fun, colorful fashions for men, women and children.
The headliner show is set for 5:15 p.m. Saturday with couture by Fashion Plate Lifestyle, Bengjof Couture and Robert & Lonnie's Dance Galaxy. Moreover, there's a fashion showcase at 2:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. every day of the festival. The runway is located in the African-Caribbean Bazaar Zone.
New this year: Village Green
A section of Sam Houston Park will highlight recycled arts and locally sourced wares. Ten stations featuring rotating eco-conscious artists and organizations showing off their goods and services validate that although Houston owes much of its economy to energy, the city's love for oil doesn't mean it can't be environmentally sound.
iFest runs this weekend and 28-29. Tickets are $15 in advanced for adults or $18 at the door and $5 for kids per day or for a VIP experience, a $30 ticket includes one parking pass and access to a lounge. A $100 Universal Passport grants admission anytime, a festival T-shirt and $25 off "Eternal Tango" admission.
Parking is available for $5 at Brookfield Parking Garage at Dallas and Clay and for $10 at the Heritage Clay Parking Garage on Bagby and Clay. On-street parking is free on Saturdays after 6 p.m. and all day on Sundays.
