An innovative multicultural music group aimed at giving children – and even adults – new perspectives on history is among performers at the Spirit of the Sea Festival’s Kidzone Saturday and Sunday at Semiahmoo Park.
Richie Castro’s History Hunter project – featuring former Semiahmoo Strings member Kristina Jessen on violin and backup vocals – will also perform in concert on Monday (Aug. 6) at 2 p.m. at First United Church, 15385 Semiahmoo Ave.
Guitarist/troubadour Castro – the History Hunter – and his costumed non-profit ‘edutainment’ team take audiences on journeys to interesting personalities of the past (such as Cleopatra, pirate Anne Bonny, Picasso, gypsy jazz artist Django Reinhardt, Persian mystic poet Rumi, Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa, Aztec emperor Montezuma, Jamaican slave rescuer Granny Nanny and Thao Suranaree, heroine of Thailand) in search of facts that are then woven into songs.
Some 24 people from 11 countries, including four from Canada, were involved in the making of the History Hunter CD and sing-along comic book, as well as the live performance group.
The aim of the project, according to Castro – an 18-year entertainment veteran – is to introduce world cultures in an “encouraging” manner, using art, music and history.
“From the very beginning, I have stood in awe and watched History Hunter take on a life of its own,” he said.
“What started out as a small idea has become the biggest thing I’ve ever been a part of.”
For more information and video, visit www.historyhunter.org
Tickets for the Monday show ($10 per family) are available from Tapestry Music, 1335 Johnston Rd., or by calling 604-786-4711 or emailing pjbutterfly_99@yahoo.com