The Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame (IHHF) has revealed its cultural entertainment lineup for the 2024 Induction Ceremony & Gala, which will be held on Thursday, November 14, at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Connecticut. The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of immigrant heritage, showcasing a diverse array of performances that honor the cultural contributions of Connecticut’s immigrant communities and this year’s inductees.
The evening will feature the induction of four distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields:
Andre Blaszczynski: Professor of Business and Economics and former President of Solidarity International
Azita Emami: Dean of the Yale School of Nursing
James Michel: CEO of Access Health CT
Esaul Rodriguez and Family: Founders of Puerto Vallarta Restaurants and philanthropists
The ceremony will be complemented by a cultural program, including the following performances:
Cebastien Guirand: A Haitian-born Kompa Caribbean singer based in the U.S., Guirand has released several projects, including his popular song “I Am Ready,” available on YouTube and streaming platforms.
Polanie Song and Dance Ensemble: Founded in 2006 by Hanna Deja, Polanie celebrates Polish folk culture through dance, song, and traditional costumes. The ensemble has performed in venues across the U.S., Canada, and Poland.
Mariachi Laureles del Monte & Alma de Mexico: Based in Wallingford, Connecticut, these two groups celebrate Mexican culture through mariachi music and folkloric dance. The mariachi program was founded in 2010, and the dance program, Alma de Mexico, was added in 2021.
Parmida Ziaei: An Iranian multidisciplinary artist based in Seattle, Ziaei blends Classical Persian dance with contemporary movement to explore themes of resilience, culture, and sociopolitical issues in her work.
“These performances will entertain and educate our guests about the rich cultural traditions brought to Connecticut by our inductees,” said Demetrios Giannaros, president of the National Immigrant Heritage Center. “It’s a celebration of the diversity that strengthens our state and nation.”
The evening will also feature a keynote address by Chris George, former Executive Director of Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS), who will discuss the vital contributions immigrants make to American communities. The ceremony’s emcee will be Lucy Nalpathanchil, Vice President of Community Engagement at Connecticut Public and former host of WNPR’s Where We Live.
The gala will begin at 5:30 p.m. and include a formal dinner, video presentations on each inductee, and live cultural performances. The event serves as a tribute to the diverse immigrant heritage that shapes Connecticut and the nation.
The IHHF is presented by the National Immigrant Heritage Center (NIHC), a nonprofit organization that promotes research, lectures, and programs on the impact of immigration in Connecticut and across the U.S. The NIHC’s mission is to raise public awareness and understanding of the many contributions immigrants make to American culture and society.
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