The Emandal Chorale presents Viva Nuestra Alianza, a multi-cultural celebration, on Sat. June 2 from 1 to 5 at the Little Lake Grange in Willits.

Children of all ages are welcome–this will be a family-friendly event to benefit Nuestra Alianza of Willits, which has recently lost their funding–donation at the door.

Our guest artists, Peter Baird and Juana Saludado, are both veterans of the United Farm Workers’ organizing movement in California.

Peter grew up in Mexico City, and worked as a journalist for the UFW before settling into a career as a singing bilingual teacher. He currently directs the Sacramento Labor Chorus. Peter and friends (Steve Baird, Will and Ellie Siegel) will lead a sing-along, in English and Spanish, of songs from the farmworkers’ struggle, with the Emandal Chorale.

Juana, coming up to join us from the Bakersfield area, was an early participant in the UFW, in the years of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. She has taught and led folklorico dances from Mexico for many years, and will be teaching some dances to us—all are welcome to learn and dance together. Women and girls–please wear a long skirt for the dancing.

And as an added bonus, the women of Nuestra Alianza will be showing us how to make tortillas by hand. Children can learn too!

Food will be available at intermission. Fun for all!