Do you think Los Angeles is no city for children? That’s not true! Especially on the second Sunday of August, when the annual free Children’s Festival of The Arts is usually presented at the Paramount Pictures. Last Sunday afternoon, in fact, the famed studios located in Hollywood opened their door to welcome fun-loving LA families.
Organized by the Hollywood Arts Council with the generous support of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and many other sponsors, the 29th edition of the Festival was a celebration of arts and culture, featuring eight live music, dance, and entertainment performances, readings, TV characters’ appearances, and ten art workshops – such as face painting, puppet making, musical instruments handcrafting, and much more – led by professional artists.
The event was attended by a great number of film and television celebrities, including children’s favorite Bugs Bunny, Italian American young Hollywood stars like Justin Tinucci and Brielle Barbusca (Modern Family), and The Amazing Dave, an Italian American magician. He started his career twenty years ago in High School and soon became a full time professional, now based in Los Angeles.
“I’ve always had a passion for entertaining people and for comedy in particular. Nothing is better than hearing an audience’s laughter. My family magic and juggling show is packed full of laughs and is a ton of fun to perform,” he says. And regarding his Italian origin, he adds: “I am half Italian. My Italian grandparents were born in Italy and immigrated to New Jersey, where I grew up. I really loved spending time with the Italian side of the family and eating my grandmother’s cooking!”
His participation to the Children’s Festival of the Arts was a huge success, adding a touch of magic to a very pleasant afternoon.
“This wonderful non-commercial event has become a family tradition,” said HAC executive director Shauna McClure. “People whose parents brought them to the festival in the past are now bringing their own kids.”
Founded in 1978, the Hollywood Arts Council is a non-profit organization that works for the benefit of the community through the arts. In particular, it is committed to promoting the artistic development of children, aimed at improving their quality of life. One of the programs implemented by the Council is Project S.O.A.R. (Students Overcoming All Risks), which brings free performing and visual arts instruction and performances to thousands of children and their families.
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