409 Schenectady Street, Schenectady, New York 12307, United States
About Hamilton Hill Arts Center
Culturefest 2025: One Park. One Day. Three Global Stages of Music and Culture.
Schenectady, NY On Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Jerry Burrell Park will transform into a global soundstage as the Hamilton Hill Arts Center presents Culturefest 2025 — a daylong celebration of the music, rhythms, and cultures of the African Diaspora and beyond.
Free and open to all, this year’s event is structured as a three-part concert series, each highlighting a different region of the world through its music, dance, and energy — from Black America to Latin America to the Caribbean. Interspersed with dynamic contests, global cuisine, and family activities, Culturefest 2025 is an unforgettable fusion of sound and soul.
Concert Series I: Black American Music (12:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
This opening set honors the deep musical legacy of Black America — blending gospel, hip hop, R&B, soul, and DJ culture.
A gospel performance opens the day with spiritual power and uplifting soul.
A featured soloist adds a personal vocal tribute.
Duryee shares a heartfelt gospel performance rooted in faith and tradition.
The MDAM Youth Choir closes the early portion with a joyful, youth offering.
Aila Char brings lyrical fire and bold truth as a hip-hop/rap artist using music as a tool for storytelling and transformation.
TaraMaria ft. Funk & Waffles lights up the stage with funk-infused R&B and soul.
A high-energy DJ Contest turns up the volume as local DJs compete for the crown.
Concert Series II: Latin America Rising (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra takes the stage with a full 12-piece ensemble delivering a passionate performance of salsa, merengue, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms guaranteed to get the crowd dancing.
Concert Series III: Caribbean Vibes (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Profile Reggae Band brings authentic roots reggae, sweet harmonies, and soulful energy to end the day on a high note.
Contests: Drumming, Cooking & DJ Showdown
Culturefest is more than music — it's a celebration of cultural expression in all its forms.
Drumming Contest – Showcase your rhythm and heritage in a live percussion battle.
Bread Pudding Contest – Bring your recipe and compete for culinary bragging rights.
Patti Contest – A celebration of tradition and taste.
DJ Contest – Local DJs spin music from the diaspora to compete for top honors.
$500 in prizes available in each category.
To enter any contest, sign up at https://hamiltonhillartscenter.org.
Festival Extras
All day long, enjoy:
The Global Marketplace – Artisan vendors and cultural crafts
International Cuisine – Food vendors representing the Diaspora
Youth Art & Activity Zones – For kids and families of all ages
Interactive Workshops & Community Connections
Funded in Part By:
- The Schenectady County Legislature’s Arts and Culture Development Grant
- The Fair Game Arts Grant Program
- The Arts Thrive & Grow Grant, funded by New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), with support from Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and local elected officials including Senators Jake Ashby and Patricia Fahy, and Assemblymembers Scott H. Bendett, John T. McDonald III, Angelo Santabarbara, Phil Steck, and Mary Beth Walsh