Students Learn About The Yoruba Culture 
Steppin' Out
November, 2009

The Museum of Mobile, in collaboration with Mobile International Festival, presented the second annual Yoruba Cultural Festival on Friday, October 16.

This educational event brought students from Title 1 schools in Mobile County to the Museum of Mobile free of charge. While at the museum, they learned about the Yoruba, a significant West African cultural group.

The Yoruba culture was transmitted to the New World through the African Diaspora caused by the transatlanticslave trade. The number of Yoruba brought to Mobile is unknown. However, African captives known to be Yoruba were brought to Mobile as late as 1860 on the Clotilda, a slave ship believed to be the last to arrive in North America. Their descendants settled in the Plateu area just north of Mobile known as Africatown. Many children in the Mobile area are of West African descent, and some are descended from Yoruba ancestors.

This year's program included several components. Akbar Imhotep, a storyteller from Atlanta who sepcializes in African, American, and World stories, told Yoruba stories and legends.

Lhatsa Drums, a local drumming group, demonstrated West African rhythms. Estella Dorn, President of Mobile International Festival did a presentation on Yoruba art and culture. The Museum provided a Yoruba-style masks workshop for students. In additiona, school groups took docent led tours of a small exhibit of Yoruba artifacts from private collections. performances by dancers from Blount High School were also part of the program.

This year's program was made possible by funding from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and was a great success. Over 400 students attended the event. It is hoped that the children who came to this event learned that Africa is not only home to the Yoruba, but also to many other advanced cultures athat have rich musical, religious and artistic heritages.

To learn more about the Yoruba culture, please visit the West African boths at the Mobile International Festival at the Mobile Civic Center on November 19, 20, or 21, 2009.

 [back to top] 

November in the South
Southern Living
November 2009 

ALABAMA

Mobile

Mobile International Festival, November 21. Mobile has been a metling pot since the 1700s. This event celebrates that tradition with foods, music, and crafts of more than 70 countries. mobileinternationalfestival.org

The World In Musical Harmony
Steppin' Out
November, 2009 

Surround yourself with music when you come to the 26th annual Mobile International Festival. Prepare to have fun as you travel the world on Saturday, November 21st, at the Mobile Civic Center & Expo Hall from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. It will bring smiles to children and adults as they embark on their Passport to Adventure and experience musical harmony among nationals! See the Parade of Flags and Children's Chorus during Opening Ceremony.

Your adventure Starts as you enter our world! Visit the continents of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Make new friends. Shopping for unique souvenirs is more enjoyable. Enjoy musical sounds from instruments and learn how music makes the world sing and dance. have fun at the hands-on-art activities and Annette's Storytelling/Puppet Room. Visit the David McCann Art Gallery. This year, learn about pirates by following a Treasure Map that ends meeting look-alike Capt. Jack Sparrow. let your children dress up as pirates for un.

It is said that music is the soul of a culture! Non-stop entertainment from the Lobby, Main Arena and Expo hall stages will prove this. Matsuriza Traditional Japanese Drummers, Kenya Safari Acrobats, Guitarist John de Chiaro, Mithril Celtic Band, Get Rhythm with john Scalici, Aztec Indian Dancer John Jaramillo, Alianza Flamenca Dancers, Celtic Musician Red McWilliams, McGuire Irish Band, Didgeridoo Musician Tim Morris, Storyteller Akbar Inhotep, Accordionist Julie Council, Puppet Arts Theatre, and Beninese musicians are just a few of the performers!

What is a festival without scrumptious and delicious food, desserts and exotic drinks from 31 countries? head to the Main Arena and the Expo Hall where you will find a large selection to choose from that is guaranteed to satisfy your taste! Choose your favorite beer or wine from three concessions. Enjoy the fusion of international food and drinks plus non-stop entertainment in what many call as the incomparable "International Food Fest." Purchase food and drinks with cash. Food tokens valued at $0.50 each from previous years are also acceptable. No more lines to purchase food tokens!

The bigger, people-friendly Mobile International Festival promises a world of many cultures in an unforgettable must-see family experience sure to be remembered for a long time.

Visit www.mobileinternationalfestival.org or call (251) 470-7730. Admissions: Adults $8.00; Seniors 65 and over $7.00; Children 7-15 years, $5.00; Free 6 and under. advance tickets at $1.00 off from Mobile Civic Center Box Office at (251) 208-5812.

 [back to top] 

Festival brings 'Harmony' to Mobile
By Lawrence Specker
Press-Register
November 19, 2009

BayWeekend

 The cultural treasures of scores of nations will be on display, and the sounds of their music and the flavors of their cuisines will be available to every tourist wandering through.

Assuming the pirates don't loot all the goodies, that is.

The source of this wealth? The 26th annual Mobile International Festival, taking place over the next few days at the Mobile Civic Center.

Regular visitors know that the festival's entertainment lineup more than lives up to this year's main theme, "The World in Musical Harmony." But this year there's also a secondary theme, with students being invited to trace the history of the real-life pirates who inspired such latter-day fictional heroes as Capt. Jack Sparrow of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies.

The festival is open to students today and Friday; Executive Director Estela Doran and President joe Davis said they expect groups from as far away as troy, Ala., Montomgery and Birminghm.

On Saturday the general public is welcome to tour the globe. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for children ages 7-15 and free for kids age 6 and younger. Parking at the Civic Center lot is $5 per car.

The attractions of the festival are at least threefold.

Firstly, the festival's members operate cultural booths that inform visitors about the traditions of the lands from which they or their ancestors originated. Well over 60 nations will be represented.

Secondly, many participants also will serve food items representing their heritages. Food and rink are not included in the ticket prices Some booth do serve full meals, but a mix-and-match approach is encouraged and most serve sample portions for 50 cents or a dollar per item. Davis said that in general, a person "can eat very well" for between $5 and $10. Three biergartens will serve a range of international beers and wines, he said.

Thirdly, entertainment runs throughout the day on three stages. Dorn said that this year's lineup includes "our mainstays," the Matsuriza drummers, representing Japanese tradition, and the kenya Safari Acrobats. "They've got a following in Mobile now," Dorn said of the two repeat visitors.

Most of the festival's acts are based in the United States, but many do travel from the nations they represent. Some local acts appear, such as the Zuri Dance Company and the Celtic group Mithril. Others on the bill include the Brazil RX4 Steel Orchestra from Trinidad & Tobago; the McGuire Pipe Band, representing Ireland; didgeridoo player Tim Morris; and dancers representing Greece, India, the Philippines, Iran and numerous other countries.

"Like I always tell people, music is the soul of the culture," Dorn said.

Davis said the festival is a good time, but it "goes so much deeper than that. The festival is a family. It's a family party."

"When we talk about our members preparing, it's amazine what they go through," Dorn said.

As an example, she cited Sivaporn Nimityongskul, co-owner of the Bangkook Thai restaurant on Airport Boulevard and a longtime participant. As she returned to the United States recently, carrying authentic costumes for seven dancers and two ingers, her unusual baggage caused her a two-hour delay at customs.

"I asked the gentlemen, 'What happened, am I on the bad list?'" she said.

She missed a connecting flight, but she and the costumes made it home. The show will go on.

"We're still practicing," Nimityongskul said recent. "This year watch Thailand."

 [back to top] 

22. Travel around the world in a day at Mobile International Festival at Expo Hall November 21st at 10 a.m. Food, entertainment, shopping, art gallery, children's activities and parade of flags.

A Festive Scene
International Festival presents 'The World in Musical Harmony'
Press-Register 

Mobile Civic Center Main Arena and Expo Hall will host "The World in Musical Harmony" during the 26th annual Mobile International Festival from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Nov. 21.

The opening ceremony starts with the Parade of Flags from 70 nations, followed by the Children's Chorus.

The bigger, people-friendly festival will have nonstop entertainment from the Main Arena, Expo Hall and Lobby stages. Visitors are invited to explore, learn about different musical instruments and shop at the cultural exhibits from six continents.

Visit the art gallery, have fun at the storytelling/puppet room and hands-on-art activities. Enjoy delicious food, desserts and drinks from 31 countries found between the Arena and the more intimate Expo Hall. Purchase food and drinks with cash. Food tokens valued at 50 cents each from previous years will be accepted. No more lines to purchase food tokens.

Admissions is $8 for adults, $7 for ages 65 and older, $5 for ages 7-15, and free fro ages 6 and younger. Advance tickets get $1 discount at Mobile Civic Center Box Office. Information, call 251-470-7730 or visit the Web site: www.mobileinternationalfestival.org.

 [back to top] 

Mobile International Festival Celebrates "The World In Musical Harmony"
Bienville Club
Oct/Nov/Dec 2009

Mobile Civic Center Main Arena & Expo Hall will host the world celebration of musical harmony during the 26th annual Mobile International Festival on Saturday, November 21st from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Opening Ceremony starts with the Parade of Flags from 70 nations and followed by the Children's Chorus.

Visit www.mobileinternationalfestival.org or call (251) 470-7730. Admissions - Adults $8.00; Seniors 65 and up - $7.00; children 7-15 years - $5.00; free 6 and under. Advance tickets at $1.00 off from Mobile Civic Center Box Office. 

Arts Council Grant
Press-Register
October 11, 2009

Mobile International Festival has received a grant of $2,985 from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

The 26th annual educational and cultural event presents "The World in Musical Harmony" on Nov. 19-20 for students and Nov 21 for maily day at the Mobile Civic Center. For details, visit www.mobileinternationalfestival.org

 

 [back to top] 

The Catholic Week
August 14, 2009

Holy Family Vitale Center was the scene of a grand reunion of "Turkey-Trippers" to wish Dr. Abdullah and Emel Ficici a fond farewell as they move with their children, Kemel and Gulnihar, to Orange County, California. Pictured with the Ficicis are some of the travelers from each group and members of the Turkish community who have served as guides. Front row: Barbara Caddell, Robin DilSaver, Nancy Johnson, Bea Volkman, Emel Ficici, Gloria Greenspun, Estela Dorn, Mahin Ghavamian, Paul and Mary Filben; Back row: Sedat Kacar, Emir Dabak, Mark Johnson, Osman Kucuk, Dr. Abdullah Ficici, Dr. Kathleen Orange, Umit Gunebir, hank Caddell, Barbara Drummond, Meme Finnorn and Perilla Wilson. In honor of the occasion, Barbara Drummond, spokeswoman for the City of Mobile, presented Abdullah with a Proclamation from Mayor Sam Jones pronouncing that day as "Dr. Abdullah Ficii Day in the City of Mobile." Dr. Ficici has been instrumental in sending over 50 Mobilians to his native Turkey over the last three years in five groups for an enriching cultural and eduational 10-day tour. many parishes from the area have been represented including Corpus Christi, Holy Family, Spring Hill College, St. Ignatius, St. Mary, St. Joan of Arc, the Cathedral, Christ the King and Most Pure Heart of Mary. He was also the organizing force behind the successful annual Dialogue Dinner for Christians, Jews and Muslims for the past four years. As faculty representative, he promoted active participation by the Turkish Student Organization at USA in the Mobile International Festival each year. Members of this group have also taken part in the clean-up days sponsored by Friends of Catholic Cemetery and have annually distibuted noah's Pudding to neighbors and friends, especially senior citizens in Odyssey at USA during Ashure. (Photo provided by Perilla A. Wilson)

 [back to top] 

 [back to top] 

BIENVILLE CLUB

The presenters & orgainzers are left to right front row: Brigette Middleton,
Rose Peavy, Sarla Sharma, Ester de Aguira, Estela Dorn & Kaoru Oka.
Left to right back row: Tim Parker & Chris Barraza

Bienville Club recently hosted a Global Cuisine event that was collaborated between mobile Area Young Professionals Alliance, mobile Bay Young Professionals and Mobile International Festival.

 [back to top] 

Guide to Mobile
Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 

FALL

Mobile International Festival: Food, culture and entertainment from around the world - 470-7730 or www.mobileinternationalfestival.org

 [back to top] 

26th Annual Mobile International Festival
Mobile Bay 

8 a..m. - 2 p.m. Th-F Students Days.
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sa. Family Day, open to the public.
Art, music entertainment, ethnic cuisine. Mobile Civic Center, 470-7730 mobileinternationalfestival.org

Letter to the Editor 

Press-Register
May 4, 2009

Pilot committed to Mobile students

In February, I had the opportunity to inspire hundreds of students at the Mobile International Festival, where I discussed my historic flight around the world. I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Mobile community.

In 2007, I became the youngest person and the first black person to fly solo around the world. My goal is to not only motivate students but also to challenge them to pursue their dreams.

Many students are intimidated by science, technology, engineering and mathematics. I certainly have the attention of today's young people, and thanks to the Mobile International Festival and Teledyne Continental Motors, we are getting young people engaged.

I'm proud to be a friend of Mobile, and I look forward to continuing to help educate the future leaders of tomorrow.

BARRINGTON IRVING

President and Founder

Experience Aviation

Opa-locka, Fla.

Young pilot discusses solo globe-circling flight with students at Davidson High

By BRENDAN KIRBY
Press-Register
Saturday, February 21, 2009

Barrington Irving got a scholarship to play football at the University of Florida, which would have been a ticket out of his inner-city Miami neighborhood.

He turned it down — to wash airplanes.

Everyone thought he was crazy, Irving told a group of students Friday at Davidson High School in Mobile. A few years later, he became the youngest person and the first black pilot to fly solo around the world.

"I like to do things people say I can't do," he said.
Irving, now 25, gained international attention in 2007 when he made the 97-day journey in a single-engine Columbia 400 plane. His second-to-last stop before returning home to Miami was in Mobile, where Teledyne Continental Motors built the engine that it donated to the plane.

Irving's Friday talk drew students from area middle schools, high schools and the University of South Alabama. Several companies, including Teledyne, and the Mobile International Festival, served as event sponsors.

Giving up a football scholarship might have seemed unwise at the time, Irving said. But he stressed the importance of taking the long view of life.

Doing volunteer work to make contacts, Irving received other kinds of scholarships that helped pay for his $6,000 pilot's license at age 19.

Another important lesson, Irving told the students, is to have faith in yourself.

The Kingston, Jamaica, native said he gave little thought to aviation until a chance encounter with a United Airlines pilot. The pilot asked him whether he'd ever thought about learning to fly at plane.

Irving, just 15, told the pilot that he probably wasn't smart enough.

But the conversation stuck with Irving. He said he was surprised to meet a commercial airline pilot who was black.
After earning his license, he said, he won a scholarship to complete his pilot training. In 2003, he founded Experience Aviation, a nonprofit group that works with inner-city, minority youths to promote careers in flying and aerospace.

Irving said the cost of flying around the world, in direct cash and in-kind support, totaled $1.2 million. He built the plane with donated parts, and told the students that one of his first trips was to Mobile to persuade Teledyne to give him an engine.

He said he drove to Mobile in a rented car and managed to get a five-minute sit-down with the company's top executive.
Irving said that his around-the-world adventure covered 25,000 miles and 145 flight hours. He made 27 stops in 13 countries, including Greece, Italy, Egypt, India and Japan.

His flight included a snowstorm in Canada and a sandstorm 17,000 feet above Saudi Arabia.

After it was all over, Irving said, he was flooded with job offers. He said he turned down every one so he could focus on Experience Aviation and work with young people.

 [back to top] 

Pilot tells students in Mobile, Ala., about becoming first black person to fly solo around the world
By Brendan Kirby
February 20, 2009
Press-Register

MOBILE, Ala. -- Barrington Irving got a scholarship to play football at the University of Florida, which would have been a ticket out of his inner-city Miami neighborhood.

He turned it down -- to wash airplanes.

Everyone thought he was crazy, Irving told a group of students at Davidson High School in Mobile this morning. A few years later, though, he became the youngest person and the first black pilot to ever fly solo around the world.

"I like to do things people say I can't do," he said.
Irving, now 25, gained international attention in 2007 when he made the 97-day journey in a single-engine Columbia 400 plane. His second-to-last stop before returning home to Miami was in Mobile, where Teledyne Continental Motors built the engine it donated to the aircraft.

The company was one of several sponsors of Irving's talk, which drew students from area middle schools, high schools and the University of South Alabama. Several other companies and the Mobile International Festival also sponsored the talk assembly.

 [back to top] 

Barrington Irving, shown before making his historic solo flight around the world in 2007, spoke to a group of students in Mobile on Feb. 20, 2009.