he 2014 Sydney Koreatown Festival opens on the 1st of February on Pitt Street transforming the heart of Sydney city into a Korean culture hub. The festival promises a day of exhibitions, food stalls and performances both traditional and contemporary inviting all Sydney siders to take part in an exciting day of celebrations!
The festival was made possible by the Sydney Koreatown Committee and the Korean Cultural Office with the support of the City of Sydney as part of the Lunar new year celebrations for 2014.
Pitt Street, one of the most bustling streets in the Sydney city for Korean cuisine, shopping and services has been named ‘Koreatown’ by the City in 2012. On the 1st of February, the street will make way for a large outdoor stage inviting various bands and personalities to adorn the day with delightful performances.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore and NSW Premiere Barry O’Farrell have confirmed their attendance and will be opening the festivities at 11am with the official proceedings. Prior to this, Sydney Live Jazz will open the morning from 9:30am with free coffee being served by the Korean café association adding to the calm yet charismatic start to the festival morning.
Following suit are several performances including a cross cultural collaboration between Digeridoo player Kristian Benton and a Korean traditional performance team ‘U-HEE’.
A lot of interest has been placed in a special calligraphy performance by Sang Hyun Lee. The calligraphist has been widely known to spread knowledge about Hangeul, the Korean alphabet.
He has often been dubbed the actionist with a writing brush and is a true pioneer of Korean calligraphy who adds expressions and sensitivity to the Korean alphabet, his performance is one not to be missed.
Teddy Kim the professional PSY impersonator will be making a guest visit on the day to hype up the crowd. Teddy has recently appeared in X-factor and has been labeled the Australian PSY.
Hot Potato Band are another interesting stage prepared for the festival. An environmentally friendly roving outfit with interactive acts that have been known to cause a severe case of happy fever, they are known widely for their on-street antics and are sure to put a vibrant mood into the festival vibe!
Synergy Percussion, Australia’s finest classical percussion ensemble formed in 1974 have commissioned and performed works particularly by Australian composers, all over the world for 40 years. More recently the group have developed a love of Korean traditional music and have collaborated with Korean percussion master Chul-Ki Kim to prepare for an exhilarating performance.
The performances and guests have one goal in common, to find a respectful mix between Korean and Australian cultures to represent the multicultural respect between the two countries.
On top of the performances there will be a special exhibition on the day showcasing Korean calligraphy from Sang Hyun Lee, delicious food stalls and various events. Just when you thought it couldn’t be any more packed, KPOP flash mobs, raffles and various programs to engage the city and its audience will surely add another element to the ongoing festivities.
The motto of the 2014 Sydney Koreatown Festival is ‘A festival for all to enjoy’ and the line-up and activities prepared definitely seem to be accommodative of that caliber.
A day not to be missed! Make your way down to the festival between 9:30am to 8pm and share in a celebration of what makes us a multicultural country!