Latvian Song & Dance Festival set to take over Grand Rapids with 'rich culture and traditions'
With thousands from across the country and around the globe expected to flock to the July 1-5 festival in Grand Rapids for the first time, the festival will serve as a milestone celebration of the culture, music, dance, art, and theatrical flair of this Baltic country.
When organizers and participants in the Latvian Song and Dance Festival parade through downtown Grand Rapids on Thursday — followed by an opening ceremony and musical garden party at Rosa Parks Circle — it will mark a historic moment for Michigan’s Latvian-American community.
With thousands from across the country and around the globe expected to flock to the July 1-5 festival in Grand Rapids for the first time, the festival will serve as a milestone celebration of the culture, music, dance, art, and theatrical flair of this Baltic country.
Boasting a staggering array of events taking place at a bevy of Grand Rapids venues — including Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall, GLC Live at 20 Monroe, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, St. Cecilia Music Center, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and more — the landmark showcase will feature traditional as well as modern examples of Latvian artistry.
And as a bonus, Founders Brewing Co., in collaboration with Latvia’s Valmiermuiža Brewery, has brewed a special festival pilsner, Svētku Pils, that will be available at several different locations during the festival, including Founders, the Rendezvous Bar at the hotel and at the opening ceremony.
“This is an event that captures and upholds our rich Latvian culture and traditions, specifically as it relates to our strong history with song and dance,” said Anda Vizulis, president of the festival organizing committee.
“Song and dance are both universal expressions that can be enjoyed by anyone, while also enjoying the beautiful array of ethnic costumes that reflect the various regions of Latvia. The opening ceremony followed by the Garden Party is a community event that is open to all who may be interested.”
Vizulis said Amway Grand Plaza Hotel will also host a marketplace featuring Latvian arts and crafts, as well as an art exhibit and the American Latvian Association’s Latvian museum display, giving visitors “an opportunity to learn a bit of history and about the Baltic way to freedom.”
She called it “an important event for Grand Rapids, because the Latvian heritage and traditions have never been showcased in this fashion.” The last U.S. edition of the festival was staged in Minnesota in 2022. Latvia also hosts a mega-festival every five years.
About 4,000 participants and attendees are expected at this week’s festival, which kicks off with a reception, sacred music concert and jazz show on Wednesday. Some 300 volunteers have been involved in organizing the event over the past several years.
Standout events include the Daiļrade Dance Ensemble from Latvia performing at DeVos Performance Hall at 4 p.m. Thursday, the contemporary Bermudu Divstūris and Apvedceļš bands at GLC Live at 20 Monroe at 9 p.m. Friday, and the massive “Grand Folk Dance Concert” at Van Andel Arena late Sunday afternoon.
The kickoff parade at 7 p.m. Thursday will feature choir groups, folk dancers and organizing committee members participating in traditional costumes, joined by the Michigan and Latvian National Guard orchestra.
In all, the festival rolls out more than two dozen events and exhibits, wrapping up at 9 p.m. Sunday with a farewell party (featuring Apvedceļš and Adam Zahl) in the Amway’s Ambassador Ballroom and sing-along in the Atrium Room.
“It will be a challenge to attend every event, but it will be fun trying,” Vizulis quipped.
Check out the schedule and get ticket links for the various events at dziesmusvetki.us.
— Find more Michigan news and festival/concert listings at LocalSpins.com. Email John Sinkevics at john@localspins.com.
