by Molly Walsh
Like a dazzling piece of artwork, MOSAIC: Tacoma’s Arts and Culture Festival, will gather many facets of the South Sound for a weekend of music, dance, cuisine and multicultural appreciation for all ages. MOSAIC is free to attend and will take place at Tacoma’s Wright Park on July 27 and 28.
MOSAIC has been a longstanding summer festival in Tacoma for more than three decades. Sophia McKee, regional parks, attractions and events manager for Metro Parks Tacoma, said the festival is currently a group effort and is primarily coordinated by Metro Parks Tacoma, with additional help from the event’s steering committee, the Asian Pacific Cultural Center, Bridge Latino, and a dedicated team of volunteers.
The diverse showcase of live music and dance at MOSAIC is primarily composed of local performance groups that are scheduled across the festival’s Main Stage and Community Stage. On July 27, Community Stage performances will begin with the groups Vision Step Team, Fearless Dance, Hearts for Kids and Baile Dior Studio. Later in the afternoon, attendees can look forward to the Indonesia Community Association as well as Bachata and Salsa Dancing.
On the Main Stage, attendees can take in a wide swath of performances, including Lucha Volcanica and Cambodian Classical and Folk Dance of the Northwest before the headlining act from longtime gospel, soul and funk singer, Lady A. McKee recalled Lady A as a headliner and crowd favorite in MOSAIC’s recent past, and she is looking forward to seeing Lady A return for another magnetic performance.
“I kind of became a bit of a fan when she was here last time, so I was really excited to see her back,” said McKee.
After the live performances conclude on July 27, the festivities will continue with a movie in the park, featuring the 1996 film Space Jam. The movie is set to begin around 8:45 in the evening, and attendees are welcome to bring camping chairs or blankets to lay out on the park lawn.
On July 28, Community Stage performances include Mariachi Monarcas and Vaipouli Dance Troupe. The Main Stage performances will kick off with Folklore Mexicano Tonantzin and continue with groups like Banda Sierra Azul. The Gospel Showcase has become an annual tradition for the festival. This year’s Gospel Showcase will include performances from Bethlehem Baptist Church Choir, DaNell Daymon and Greater Works Choir, Erica Walker and the TLD Celebration Choir, and many more.
Ahead of the event, McKee recommends that attendees look over the entertainment schedule, which is available online, especially if there is a particular performance they are interested in seeing.
Alongside live entertainment, MOSAIC will host a wide swath of art and food vendors who will line the pathways of Wright Park on July 27 and 28. MOSAIC attendees will have a chance to learn more about nations across Asia and the Pacific through the Asian Pacific Cultural Center’s International Village. The Kids Zone will present activities for young attendees, and according to McKee, the Wright Park sprayground will also be a popular draw for families. The festival will also see a visit from the Mobile Teaching Kitchen, which will provide a preview of culinary courses available through Metro Parks Tacoma.
According to McKee, festival attendees from all walks of life are able to customize their experience, whether they set up an outdoor chair and enjoy the live performances under the canopy of park trees, try out different cuisines, chat with art and craft vendors, or learn more about community organizations and causes at information booths. In addition, Wright Park is home to an arboretum, walking trails, as well as the W.W. Seymour Conservatory, and attendees are welcome to explore the park’s many attractions in addition to the festival.
“You can kick off your shoes, run through the grass,” said McKee. “The kids can, you know, play in the spray park while you’re like, listening to music or … watching the performances.”
McKee added that a year of logistical planning is required, including setting agendas, marketing, booking vendors and equipment and volunteer training to completely prepare for MOSAIC. Groundwork for this event also includes an evaluation of the previous year’s festival, and inviting fresh perspectives to enhance the festival experience for attendees.
“We have a small but mighty team, and we usually start planning the day after the event,” said McKee. “So, we give ourselves a full year, and it’s, you know, taking what we’ve learned from the event that just happened.”
The potential growth for this event has especially been highlighted after emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, when the festival’s name was updated from EthnicFest to MOSAIC.
According to McKee, the community has continued to show great enthusiasm for the festival over the past three years, alongside vendors and performers. And through input from Tacoma residents and discussions from the Steering Committee, there is added excitement over how the festival could be expanded in future years.
WHAT
MOSAIC: Tacoma’s Arts and Culture Festival
WHEN
Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 from noon to 7 p.m.
WHERE
Wright Park
501 S I St, Tacoma, WA 98405
Note: Wright Park is located near residential neighborhoods and parking may be limited. It is recommended that attendees use public transportation if possible. Shuttle services may be available through Pierce County to residents with accessibility concerns.
COST
Free
LEARN MORE
https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/event/mosaic/#what-to-expect-at-mosaic
MOSAIC photos courtesy Metro Parks Tacoma.