See International Funfest on July 12-13

The International Funfest is a chance for kids to enjoy performances by different local ethnic groups. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13.

The free performances will be in the grand hall of the Missouri History Museum. That's located in Forest Park.

Also, magician Terry Richison will perform between the music and dance acts. He also will be there both Saturday and Sunday. Kids take note: One of his specialties is calling on volunteers to help with the magic illusions.

Face painting, caricatures drawing, balloon animal-making and other kid-friendly activities also will be available.

Barnes Bradshaw is the special events coordinator for the Missouri History Museum. He said the Funfest acts are "representative of the many different groups now living in St. Louis."

All the way back to frontier days, St. Louis has been home to many different nationalities. That started with the French and Spanish adventurers who first settled here.

Bradshaw said, "In recent years, St. Louis again has been the destination for many immigrant groups from around the world." Funfest reflects this international diversity.

Here is a rundown on the groups that will perform:

On Saturday, July 12:

* Noon, Stars of David perform klezmer music and folk dancing.

Key musical performers are Elsie Parker on clarinet and vocals; Mike Carosello on piano and Bob Lowe on bass. Among the tunes will be a Russian folk song, "Turn Balalyka (Play, Balalyka)." Also, the group will perform Yiddish favorites such as "Der Heyser Bulgar (The Hot Bulgar)" and "Abi Gezunt (If You Have Your Health)."

* 1:15 p.m., the Brazilian music group Samba Bom Trio will perform.

Members of the trio are Carolyn Day, Moacyr Marchini and Blake Travis. Carolyn is a native of St. Louis who is studying jazz performance at SIU-Edwardsville. Moacyr is a native of Brazil. He specializes in playing the cavaquinho, a Brazilian guitar, and other traditional Brazilian hand instruments. Blake's musical roots are in soul music.

* 2:30 p.m., the Aalim Dance Company will perform Middle Eastern music and dancing.

The Aalim Dance Company was founded more than 15 years ago. Their dancers have appeared in many local and regional cultural events. Current director Lois Marshall goes by the Middle East name of Salwa. She has performed and taught Middle East dance for 21 years. Co-director Barb Nicholas, or Serena, has taught and performed for 17 years. If you're interested, you can learn about lessons by calling Salwa at (314) 576-6935.

On Sunday, July 13:

* Noon, the Niji Choral Group and Nami Folk Dancing Group will perform Japanese selections.

Japanese cultural groups have been well-known in the St. Louis area for many years. The two groups provide an opportunity for kids and families to see the best in both music and dance. Along with the costuming, the performances are distinctly Japanese.

* 1:15 p.m., Diadie Bathily will perform both African drumming and dancing.

Diadie Bathily is a professional dancer who specializes in African dance and costume design. His work reflects arts from Mali, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Senegal and Ghana. He's lived in St. Louis for the last four years. He teaches and performs locally at the Center of Contemporary Arts (COCA) and various local universities and colleges.

* 2:30 p.m., Mitzi MacDonald and Keltic Reign will perform Irish and Celtic music.

Mitzi has performed since she was 8 years old. Her early performing was in her native Nova Scotia, Canada. She moved to St. Louis in her mid-20s. She's recorded four CDs, ranging from country to spiritual. She has performed Irish and Celtic music a number of times with Keltic Reign.

Magician Terry Richison has been performing for 20 years. Much of his work has been close-up, stand-up magic. That's what he'll be doing at Funfest.

However, he's been branching out with "grand illusions." This fall, he's scheduled to try make the Gateway Arch disappear on national television.