The Portland LEP2011 festival organizing committee has been working diligently to create a profound and memorable festival, which we hope will take this 56 year old tradition into the hearts of the new generation of Estonian-Americans. We have many new events planned to spark the interests of our youth all the way to our elderly. We hope to rekindle Estonian passion in our West Coast communities, and also with the many Friends of Estonians among us!
LODGING
LEP2011’s home base will be the Doubletree Hotel in central Portland. We have arranged special convention pricing. Relax in one of the hotel’s 476 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites featuring large work desks, high-speed internet access, two phones, in-room coffee/tea, hair dryers, on-demand movies, and incredible views of either the city skyline or the Cascade Mountain range. The hotel also provides ATM, baggage storage, elevators, gift shop, laundry/valet service, lounge, luggage hold, news stand, room service, safety deposit boxes, fitness room, pool, and rowing machines.
The DoubleTree Hotel (1-800-445-8667) is now accepting hotel room reservations for participants of the West Coast Estonian Festival. Reduced room rates are available in accordance to the hotel’s agreement with the Estonian League of the West Coast. During your reservation request, please indicate that a) your reservation is for the DoubleTree Hotel at Lloyd Center in Portland, Oregon, and b) your reservation is part of the Estonian League group rate. Room rates are $104 to $119/night plus 12.5% tax.
INVITATION TO PERFORMERS
The LEP2011 organizing committee whole-heartedly invites West Coast performing groups to participate in cultural performances during the festival. Performance opportunities are available at Rahvapidu, Laulupidu and Tantsupidu, and also at other events.
Folk dance troupes, please contact liinateose@ LEP2011.com.
Choral groups, please contact katitamm@ LEP2011.com.
We invite all members of the clergy to participate in this celebration. The LEP2011 festival provides many opportunities for spiritual fellowship. These include an ecumenical outdoor worship service, prayer services, and several discussion groups. We are grateful that Bishop Andres Taul has accepted our invitation to attend the LEP2011 festival.
Members of the clergy, please contact kallemerilo@ LEP2011.com
PERFORMERS FROM ESTONIA
The folk band Kihnu Poisid was established in 1996 in Kihnu, a small island southwest of the mainland. The music group’s main focus is to restore old Kihnu sailor songs and bring these to their audience. “… the songs of the sea, the sailors and our brides who were left behind at the shore are particularly close to our hearts.” In the past 15 years they have performed at all major Estonian folk festivals and have released two CDs, which tell stories about the adventures of Kihnu sailors.
Pärnu folk dance ensemble Kajakas was founded in 1951 and its current director is Rita Mändla. The ensemble is composed of six dance groups with dancers aged 12 through 58. Of these six troupes, the advanced youth folk dance troupe will be coming to Portland. Kajakas has performed in Europe, in Africa and also in America. The dance group performs traditional Estonian folk dances, as well as theatrical and choreographed dance performances.
LEP2011 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
LEP2011 begins Wednesday evening with a gala Opening Ceremony with a regal procession of LEP emblem banners from 1953 to date. The ceremony will feature an orchestral and mass choral performance composed by the Estonian composer, Cyrellius Kreek, and directed by our own Lonnie Cline. The next day, we travel by buses to Alderbrook Park to celebrate Rahvapidu within the old-growth forest of the Cascade Mountain range. Numerous fun-filled activities for children and content-rich events for adults will keep everyone entertained. On Friday, we prepare for the evening’s performance of “Hoissa, Pulmad!”, the laulupidu and tantsupidu musical interpretation of Tuljak. Saturday starts with an outdoor ecumenical worship service at The Grotto, a beautiful natural sanctuary. We then continue at the DoubleTree Hotel with numerous performances and workshops, ending with the traditional LEP Ball. On Sunday morning, the LEP2011 festival culminates with the Closing Ceremony, which reflects on the current festival and festivals of years past.
Throughout the course of our festival, our Kuld Lõvi hall is available for us as a festival “Living Room”. This will be filled with ongoing performances and events to enhance your festival experience! You will enjoy this facility as a wonderful place to meet your friends throughout the day.
The LEP2011 planning committee is working hard to present culturally rich, multi-faceted events in the Estonian and English languages, to be enjoyed and inspired by all age groups.
TICKETS
Event tickets are now available for purchase at our website!
WWW. LEP2011.COM
Visit the website for the West Coast Estonian Festival 2011 to get the lastest updates about events and performers! Join Facebook and share your ideas and suggestions to help create a wonderful Estonian cultural experience!
For further information, please contact kallemerilo@ LEP2011.com