by Joey Guerra
Staff Writer
The 26th Annual International Festival continues its salute to the Chinese Culture with lots more food, fun and music this weekend.
Artists and musicians from around the globe are taking part in the event, which winds down this weekend with two days of food, fun and music encompassing 20 blocks of downtown Houston. Six entertainment zones, including an American Zone, Asian Zone, Latin Zone, Kids' Zone and Texas Zone, will give visitors a chance to sample exotic treats and down-home cookin' and concerts.
Saturday, over 800 dancers will take part in the second annual Dancin' in the Streets Parade. Admission for the festival is $6 for adults and $2 for children. Children under 3 will be admitted free. You can call (800) 541-2099 or access the Festival at www.hif.org for more information.
The following is a list of selected concert highlights for the Festival. Not every performer is listed.
Cougar Pick:
Check out the Tejano sounds of Jennifer Peña y Los Jetz from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Sunday on the Latin Stage. Peña, a mere teenager, has the style and sound of a seasoned singer. The group's debut album, Pura Dulzura, is full of catchy cumbias like "Dulzura," and Peña is already being called the successor to the late Selena. Catch a star who's definitely on her way up.
SATURDAY
International Stage
Express Theatre's Monkey King from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Peking Opera Company from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Kids' Stage
TUTS on tour from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Latin Stage
Jay Perez from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Texas Stage
Mary Cutrufello from noon to 1 p.m.
Wayne Hancock from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Joe Ely from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
American Music Stage
Kevin Eagan from noon to 1 p.m.
Hollisters from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lee Roy Parnell from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
SUNDAY
International Stage
Peking Opera Company from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Latin Stage
The Yoyos from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Texas Stage
Breedlove from 4:45 p.m. to 6 p.m.