New York, NY (Top40 Charts) From inspiring traditional dance to thrilling strength and agility, Rhythm of the Dance, along with Timber!, headline the 15th anniversary of Dollywood's Festival of Nations (Now - April 20) and provide guests an international experience which transports them around the world.
Countries throughout the globe are represented in this cultural celebration through diverse entertainment showcases, exotic cuisine and authentic craftsmanship. Exciting traditional displays give park guests a fascinating look into cultures worldwide.
"I've been all over this big world, and as an entertainer, I love nothing more than to see truly talented performers from every corner of the globe traveling to Dollywood to perform during my Festival of Nations," exclaimed Dolly Parton. "I can't wait to share these fascinating treasures with the families at Dollywood to celebrate the kick off of our 30th anniversary season!"
Returning to help Dollywood celebrate 30 years of entertainment, as well as the 15th annual Festival of Nations, is the visually stunning show, Rhythm of the Dance. Showcasing traditional Irish dance and music with state-of-the-art technology, Rhythm of the Dance marries the contemporary and the ancient to present a thrilling and rich performance which highlights the journey of Irish Celts through history.
This year's Festival of Nations also brings an exciting new entertainment offering to the lineup. Timber!, from Quebec, Canada, co-headlines this year's entertainment roster and features incredible acrobatic feats inspired by the exploits of the first North American loggers and farmers. To perform this high-energy show, the group utilizes unusual equipment modeled after the forestry resources available on their real-life family farm. Guests can experience this show along with all other Festival of Nations shows with park admission.
Dollywood's 2015 Festival of Nations lineup also includes the following shows and acts:
Los Pampas Gauchos- This exciting, fast-paced show blends the traditional folk dancing of Argentina with the thrill of modern showmanship and comedy. A unique and entertaining show, Los Pampas Gauchos paints a beautiful visual of this fascinating culture.
Invaders Steel Orchestra- Trinidad's oldest steel drum band, Invaders Steel Orchestra, celebrates 75 years of creating festive music in 2015. As part of their 75th anniversary tour, the group returns to Dollywood to bring the tropical sounds of the Caribbean to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Alash Ensemble- A new addition to this season's Festival of Nations, Alash Ensemble are masters of Tuvan throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. This impressive group, which comes from the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia, uses traditional Tuvan instruments, along with their own unique style, to create a fresh take on the Tuvan musical heritage.
Atahualpa- Hailing from Ecuador, Atahualpa combines Native Incan instruments with contemporary backups to celebrate the history and culture of the Andes Mountains. Atahualpa's mix of songs includes contemporary music, South American dance rhythms, as well as the traditional music of the Andes. Through their sharing of music, culture and heritage, Atahualpa hopes to promote brotherhood, friendship and peace to all the people of the world.
Zebra Stelzentheater-German stilt dancers in original costumes perform high-spirited routines while roaming the streets of Dollywood. During Festival of Nations, guests should be on the lookout for fun as this lively troop is always on the search for new friends.
In addition to world-class entertainment offered to guests of Festival of Nations, Dollywood has cooked up some of the most diverse dishes from around the world. A myriad of exotic recipes, available throughout the park, send guests' taste buds on a trip during each visit to Dollywood's award-winning food locations.
Guests can learn more about Dollywood's 30th anniversary or the 15th anniversary of Dollywood's Festival of Nations by visiting www.dollywood.com or calling 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
About The Dollywood Company: A highly awarded and widely recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 150-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood's Splash Country; Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Cabins; and Dollywood's DreamMore Resort, opening in 2015. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry's highest accolade; winner of nearly 30 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 24 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment (more than any other theme park in the world). In 2014, Dollywood was named a top three theme park by USA Today. Dollywood, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2015, is open nine months a year (late March through early January) and offers rides and attractions, shows, and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood's Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the country's most beautiful waterparks and named 2009's Must-See Waterpark by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Cabins offers luxurious cabin accommodations overlooking Dollywood. The 307-room Dollywood's DreamMore Resort provides guests spectacular mountain views and family-friendly amenities next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood's Splash Country.
