You are invited!

Saturday, November 22 | 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
@Portage Lake District Library

Join us for the first Keweenaw International Children’s Festival, a joyful celebration of cultures from around the world! Enjoy music, stories, crafts, games, global food sampling, and cultural booths from over 20 countries.

Music performances, read aloud, and sing-alongs
Tastes of the world — from Thailand, Egypt, Mexico, and more!
Crafts, photo booth, and fun for all ages

FREE and open to everyone!
Traditional and festive attire is encouraged.

Presented by the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program and the Portage Lake District Library, with support from Copper Shores Community Health Foundation and the Keweenaw Community Foundation.

About the Performers

🎶 Meet Matthew Durocher!

Upright bassist, author, and librarian, Matthew will delight us with “Lampan Polska”, a Finnish children’s song full of joy and nature’s beauty.

He’ll also play “Mama Don’t Allow”, a lively traditional American tune—plus a story from the picture book! 📖🎵
Don’t miss this musical adventure!

🎶 Meet Lakshmi Ameya Malladi!

Ameya is a 1st grader at Houghton Elementary School who loves painting, singing, and playing with friends.

She’ll be performing Nakaya Vinayaka and Janani Ma, two devotional songs honoring Lord Ganesha and Ma Parvati in Hindu culture. 🌸🎵

Don’t miss this heartfelt performance from one of our youngest talents! 💛

📖 Meet Kelsey Gross!

Kelsey is a children’s author and songwriter who once taught at a bilingual Spanish-English preschool.

She’ll read Señorita Mariposa in both Spanish and English and teach fun songs like Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes and The Itsy Bitsy Spider! 🇲🇽🇺🇸🎶

✨ Fun fact: Señorita Mariposa celebrates the incredible 3,000-mile journey of monarch butterflies from Canada and the U.S. to Mexico!

Get ready to sing, move, and learn a little español together! 💃🦋

🎻 Meet Keweenaw Bluegrass and Old Time Jam!

This lively group meets monthly to play traditional bluegrass music and regularly performs at community events.

They’ll bring classic bluegrass and old-time favorites — including You Are My Sunshine — with guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, and dulcimer. 🎵

🪕 Fun fact: Bluegrass began in the Appalachian Mountains, blending Scottish, Irish, English, and African American musical traditions.

Get ready to tap your feet and sing along! 🎶

💃 Meet the Youth Folk Dance Band!

The Youth Folk Dance Band is a brand-new group formed through the Finnish American Folk School in Hancock.

They’ll perform cheerful Finnish and American folk tunes — the kind made for dancing! 🎶💫

This performance invites everyone to move, dance, and celebrate together as space allows. Come join the fun! 🇫🇮🎻

🎵 Meet the Strings Students from the Copper Country Suzuki Association!

Directed by Mr. Brian Wall, two violinists and a cellist will share their musical talent with us.

They’ll perform Dragon Dances, Come Together, Chorus from Judas Maccabaeus, and Minuet — a wonderful blend of classical and modern favorites, including a Beatles tune! 🎻🎶

A perfect mix of melody, harmony, and youthful energy! 🌟