Middfest includes National Geographic exhibit, Peruvian ‘edutainment’

At Middfest in 2009, the spotlighted country was Indonesia. In this photo, members of the Indonesian Dance of Illinois perform.

Pat Auckerman/File photo At Middfest in 2009, the spotlighted country was Indonesia. In this photo, members of the Indonesian Dance of Illinois perform.

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File photo David Johnson and Rose Harrison prepare a Greek chicken salad for a patron during the opening day of Middfest in 2008.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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Middfest International 2011 will feature about a dozen live performances underscoring Peruvian musical influence, including the rhythmic tribal percussion of Mecca Bodega.

Contributed photo Middfest International 2011 will feature about a dozen live performances underscoring Peruvian musical influence, including the rhythmic tribal percussion of Mecca Bodega.

By Andy Sedlak, Staff Writer Updated 12:37 PM Thursday, September 22, 2011

MIDDLETOWN — The Middfest International organizers want the public to know it isn’t just a festival, but an “edutaining” experience.

Filled with education and entertainment — “edutainment” — that includes lectures, school activities, exhibits and more, the Middfest week is capped by a three-day celebration Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 on Donham Plaza. All of the events are for the public, not just the festival.

The major Middfest exhibit is one loaned from the National Geographic museum in Washington, D.C.

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the rediscovery of Machu Picchu, the exhibit celebrates the photography of Hiram Bingham, an assistant professor at Yale University who rediscovered the ancient site in 1911. Machu Picchu has since become a popular Peruvian tourist attraction.

Bingham documented his experiences through his photography. In April 1913, National Geographic devoted an entire issue to Bingham’s work in Peru, publishing his photographs and bringing Machu Picchu to the world’s attention.

“It’s really what put Peru on the map and National Geographic on the national scene,” said Virginia Ritan, Middfest’s executive director.

The issue was a turning point for the journal, she said.

“It’s the photography that built the reputation of National Geographic,” Ritan said. “When they were able to break those photos and that story, it went from a small constituency to a national readership.”

The first two floors of Middletown’s city building will be devoted to Bingham’s photography.

Middfest also will feature a replica mummy of Señora de Cao, or the Lady of Cao. The ancient female warrior’s mummy, with intricate tattoos, was discovered in a ceremonial burial site and is believed to be 1,500 years old.

Entertainment and merchandising

Middfest also features about a dozen live performances underscoring Peruvian musical influence. Tones range from the rhythmic tribal percussion of Mecca Bodega to the vibrant dance of Inca Son.

Inca Son, originally formed in the streets of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Mass., operates under the sole value of instilling an appreciation of ancient Peru. Members look the part — sometimes wearing feathers and golden earrings, other times wool ponchos.

Inca Son is a group of 12 members, and tunes are comprised of pan flutes and self-made instruments.

The critically-acclaimed group is the recipient for the Boston Music Award for “Best World Act,” among other honors.

“People will get an imaginary window into the Andes,” said Clemente Leiva, musical coordinator for Inca Son. “They’re going to see a variety of colors and costumes.”

Inca Son will share stories about traditional Peruvian songs and original compositions. The music would been played for Harvest, Leiva said, or when a baby is born. It was played for spring planting and for other celebrations and rituals.

“People will learn about our culture because we’ll be explaining what our culture is about,” he noted. “They’ll be participating with us.”

It will be music to the ears of Carmen Ullmer, one of many who will set up at Middfest this year offering Peruvian merchandise to Middfest attendees. Items for sale will include jewelry from Peru, some sold by the people who custom-make the items; musical instruments including flutes and maracas; and clothing, such as sweaters and scarves, made from the fleece of alpaca, which is native to Peru.

But Ullmer, the owner of LaLama Place in Yellow Springs, said her real joy doesn’t come from merchandising, but from the opportunity to give a tangible glimpse of what her culture is about.

“It’s pride — to show the Peruvian items,” she said. “It’s (beneficial) to be able to demonstrate our culture, our background.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or andrew.sedlak@coxinc.com.

How to go

What: Middfest International three-day festival

When: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1; noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2

Where: 1 Donham Plaza in Middletown

Cost: $5 for adults the entire weekend. Children 12 and younger, along with parking, are free.

Directions, more info: (513) 425-7707; www.middfestinternational.com

Other Middfest activities

2:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25: Machu Picchu exhibit opening

Friday, Sept. 30: Business activities, times to be announced

5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30: opening ceremonies

9 a.m. Sat., Oct. 1: Registration for Super Saturday for Kids (program at 10 a.m.)

6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2: Peru finale

Fast facts: Peru

Geographically, Peru is the third largest country in South America behind Brazil and Argentina. The world’s largest rain forest, the Amazon, covers nearly half of Peru. The second highest mountain range in the world runs through Peru. These peaks, called the Andes, are so tall and forbidding that the ancient Inca people thought they were gods.

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