Pasadena ARTTalk March 20, 2010

ARTTalk, PASADENA'S SPOKEN WORD FESTIVAL
- Sixteen Eclectic Performances, Two Stages, Six-Hours of Programming, All Free -

Dubbed as one of San Gabriel Valley's largest spoken word events, ARTTalk is sure to rattle the literary senses. This unique festival features avant guard performances showcasing award-winning performers, literary authors, storytelling, music, dance and more. ARTTalk represents a cross-section of artists exploring the spoken disciplines featuring some of Los Angeles most established and emerging performers all tied to the theme of "Communication."

A highlight of this year's event is the addition of American Sign Language (ASL) to the program. Two new performers that will debut the ASL performance spectrum are Deaf West- ASL Story Time, a popular children's theatre group and Elaine Muray, a children's folktale storyteller.

Author readings at this year's event are Los Angeles playwright and author, Luis Alfaro, local Pasadena anthropologist, Roberta Martinez, and Los Angeles Times best selling author, Jervey Tervalon.

The raconteur of song and story Clark Branson and Grammy award-winning folk artist, Ian Whitcomb, will share their celebration of words and music in a traditional storytelling style.

Dance troupes set to perform at ARTTalk include the Pasadena's leading contemporary dance company, Lineage Dance who will perform "The Brain in Motion" a dance which moves effortlessly between the right and left brain--playing intuition off rational thinking and back again. As well as, award-winning flamenco group, Mojácar Flamenco who will energize the crowd with their rhythmic dance pieces.

The music portion of the program will include performances by Los Angeles-based women's folk chorus group Nevenka who will perform songs from Eastern Europe.

The festival will also include the return of Japanese style drumming, Taiko and Wicked Literature, a Halloween inspired theatrical experience that you will never forget. Wicked Lit involves the creation of new stage adaptations of classic literature in the thriller genre.

Official Website: http://www.playhousedistrict.org/arttalk