We The People First Fridays Presents “Acts of Welcome” Art and Stories of Lancaster Refugees/Immigrants – FREE

We The People First Fridays

Acts of Welcome

Friday, May 5, 2023 | 6:30 P.M.

Steinman Hall | Ware Center

FREE

Arts at Millersville University We The People First Friday, in partnership with Church World Service and the Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program, will present “Acts of Welcome” the annual celebration of the artistry of Lancaster’s treasured refugee and immigrant communities, featuring performers from different cultures performing in a variety of genres.

The performances, emceed by Rachel Helwig of Church World Services, will take place at 6:30 P.M. in Steinman Hall. Artists include Ukrainian actress, singer and producer Anna Koziar who will sing, recite verse for a Ukrainian author, and provide a presentation about a fund she has created called the “Ukrainian Performing Arts Fund”. Additional performers include a Nepali youth dance troupe under the direction of Dilli Chapagain, singer and Columbian immigrant Ramiro Velasco, and Semukondo Olivier from the People’s Republic of Congo who will be performing two Afro-inspired songs.

An opening reception for an exhibit of paintings by Ayad Kalbosh, an artist who recently relocated to Lancaster from Iraq, will be held in the Regitz Gallery from 6-8 P.M. The exhibit will remain on display through May 26, 2023.

Irish Christmas in America

Back by popular demand! This wildly popular show features top Irish music, song and dance in an engaging performance rich in humor and boundless energy, with special guest singer Caitríona Sherlock – the very best of new Irish female vocal talent. 

Evocative photographic images provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions of Ireland for this family-friendly performance. Lively instrumental tunes on fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes and harp, along with thrilling Irish old-style dancing from Samantha Harvey will give a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas and a fun-filled start to the holiday season.

MU Students will receive up to one (1) free ticket with a valid MU ID at a box office location. Advanced ticket reservations are strongly encouraged. MU Student discount tickets are subject to availability at the door.

Sandeep Das & The Hum Ensemble: Delhi to Shiraz

Delhi to Shiraz is a celebration of the shared history between two megaliths of the ancient world, India and Persia, featuring a collection of new compositions and arrangements drawing on elements of both cultures. Voiced through iconic traditional instruments including the tabla and sitar, the repertoire incorporates devotional poetry by the great Amir Khusrau, classical Indian raags, classical Persian compositions, and other musical elements. Its transcendental music is a mesmerizing journey of new beginnings, exquisite poetry, faith, romantic yearning, and divinity. Running time: 75 minutes, no intermission.