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2008 Austin Interfaith Arts & Music Festival The Interfaith Arts & Music Festival is an event sponsored by Central Presbyterian Church of Austin and Friends. The Festival is held with the intention of bringing people together of all faiths. It is our hope that we can promote an understanding between people, through art and music, and thereby generate a common feeling of spiritual unity among us all as inhabitants of this planet. Friday evening, October 17th, from 8pm to 10pm, the Festival will present an Interfaith Concert, featuring Beth Nielsen Chapman, performing hymns and inspirational pieces from her nine language multi-faith offering, as well as many of the hits from her songbook including This Kiss, which was Grammy nominated and recorded by Faith Hill, and Sand and Water which is performed by Elton John in his concert tribute to Princess Diana. Beth is one of the most celebrated songwriters in the country. The festival proper will be held October 18 and 19, from 10:00 am to 5 pm on Saturday and noon to 5 pm on Sunday. On Sunday morning, beginning at 11am, Central Presbyterian's Sunday morning service will feature Austin singer-songwriter Sarah Hickman!) There will also be live music and entertainment throughout Saturday and Sunday, special foods and nourishments along with a children’s bazaar. Featured musical groups include Kamran Hooshmand and the 1001 Nights Orchestra, Bereket - The University of Texas Middle Eastern Ensemble, Dancers from the Hindu Temple, Gospel Artist Grace Andre, and CCM Artist Rachel Keagy. Proceeds generated through the festival will be used to establish regular assistance programs for the poor and homeless. The first festival was held in the fall of 2004, with a subsequent one in 2005, under the very capable guidance of Mr. Tom Escandell, for whom the Tom Escandell Interfaith Service Award is named. |