Grassroots, Day-Long Celebration on Saturday, May 19th Welcomes Local Artists, Musicians and Students in this Groundbreaking event
 
(Long Island, NY) Port Washington will hold its first community music, arts and cultural festival, PortFest on Saturday, May 19 featuring  performances by local school and resident bands; arts and crafts and other fun activities as well as galleries of artworks by local artisans and students  from 11 am to 5 pm.  Among the diverse array of participants are 25 artists, 15 performance groups and 15 interactive music/art activities representing the schools and the community.
 
Modeled after outdoor music and arts festivals, seven local bands will be appearing on two large stages in the field adjacent to Schrieber High School.  Within the high school auditorium, additional performances by student groups other organizations will take place throughout the day.
 
The event is being organized by a new community grass roots organization, Helping Enrich the Arts (HEARTS), with the full involvement support from countless local organizations joining together to enhance & support the music and creative arts programs in the Port Washington Union Free School District.
 
Activities abound for kids and parents alike at this novel artistic gathering with events for everyone.  Kids will be encouraged to explore musical instruments, get involved in interactive art and craft projects as well as interact with the artists and performers.  Many local merchants, sponsors and community organizations will be on hand to providing food, drinks and snacks for the thousands of attendees expected at PortFest.
 
“This exciting and incredibly inclusive lineup of talent is joining together to help celebrate and focus on supporting our school arts programs and curriculum,” explains HEARTS founder Damon Gersh.  “PortFest will not only raise awareness of the music, art and culture that exists in our community, but will also raise Port Washington’s stature as an arts center in Long Island today.”
 
While the initial focus is to raise a minimum of $25,000 for school programs longer-term projects include a summer music program for students and lending support for the renovation of the Schreiber High School’s auditorium.
 
“The students in our schools are fortunate to have the support of the community through HEARTS as together we strive to achieve the mission of Helping to Enrich the Arts in Port Washington,” explains Sheri Suzzan, director of creative arts for the Port Washington Schools.  “PortFest is an exciting event that showcases the depth of the ARTS curriculum and student achievement fostered within our school system for the students in our community.”

For HEARTS online donation and sponsorship opportunities visit the organization’s website at http://www.heartspw.org/contribute  for more information, donation, sponsorship  or volunteer opportunities email the group at heartspw@gmail.com.
 
About PortFest
This year’s PortFest, organized by HEARTS (Helping Enrich the Arts in Port Washington) is the first annual inaugural event for this community festival conceived as a celebration of Port Washington’s musical, artistic and cultural resources featuring local creative talent of all ages.

HEARTS is working in partnership with the Port Washington Union Free School District Public Schools to develop the music, art and cultural programs through PortFest and other fundraising events to provide program funding, scholarships and facilities enhancements. 
 
For more information contact HEARTS co-Founder and Director Damon Gersh at 516 472 2699 or heartspw@gmail.com