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Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.
Visit Venice at Elk Grove Regional Park
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Strauss Island in the Elk Grove Regional Park will be the site of the annual Strauss Festival this weekend, bringing the best of the “Waltz King,” Johann Strauss, Jr., to life.
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By Linda Le Park
Staff Writer
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The 21st Strauss Festival will take place this weekend, beginning Thursday, July 24 and continuing through Sunday, July 27 at Elk Grove Regional Park.
Visitors can come to the free event with a picnic, blankets and lawn chairs, relaxing while they take a peak at a couple as they travel through “Carnival in Venice,” this year’s theme.
The event begins with a prelude at 7:45 p.m., where people from the audience will have an opportunity to meet some of the dancers. Performances will begin at 8:15 p.m.
There will be new gowns and costumes as the dancers dazzle the audience with their exquisitely choreographed waltzes.
The festival will take place on Strauss Island in the park, which is where the island got its name.
In addition to the lovebirds, dancers include the Polka Troupe, Quadrille Troupe, Venetian and other waltz and polka dancers.
Keeping to tradition, Jay DeWald will be conducting the live orchestra, just as he has since 1987. The 32-piece professional orchestra features a wide array of instruments, both string and wind.
Living up to the festival’s name, all pieces performed are creations by Johann Strauss, Jr., the “Waltz King.”
Another treat for the audience is a solo performance of the classic Italian song “O Sole Mio,” written by Eduardo di Capua more than 100 years ago. Longtime performer Cameron Doyel will be singing the song.
Although this is Doyel’s first time performing at the festival, he has performed for many productions, including multiple shows for California Music Circus, Sacramento Opera, Sacramento Civic Theatre, Light Opera Theatre of Sacramento, and he is also a member of the Valley Choral Society.
The event, which costs $130,000 to produce, consists of all volunteer efforts, with nearly 300 volunteers and 45,000 hours of work. Even with the huge expense, the festival remains free for all attendees, with only a $10 fee for parking.
Keeping to tradition, the event ends with fireworks every night.
The banners are up throughout the city, and once again the music of Johann Strauss, Jr., the Waltz King, comes to Elk Grove for the 21st Strauss Festival that opens Thursday, July 24 at Strauss Island in Elk Grove Regional Park. Accompanied by a 32-piece professional orchestra, dancers will portray “Strauss presents: Carnival in Venice” for four nights through Sunday, July 27. The prelude begins at 7:45 p.m., followed by the show at 8. Admission is free; however, there is a $10 parking fee.
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