BRATTLEBORO — The Arts Council of Windham County will hold its Baile De Los Muertos (Dance of the Dead) Masquerade Ball on Friday, Oct. 28, from 8 p.m. to midnight at the River Garden at 157 Main St.
The fundraiser for the nonprofit, an all-volunteer organization that has worked to strengthen the environment for artists and arts organizations in Windham County since 1975, is a nod to the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
The late-fall holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed.
“Imagine an evening filled with live contemporary world music, hot D.J. beats, sweet treats (with hot cider, of course), and some wine and beer to add to the cheer,” Arts Council President Shanta L. Evans-Crowley writes in a press release.
“You and your friends are dressed to impress, with masks or perhaps Day of the Dead style face painting, with an opportunity to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed,” Evans-Crowley says.
This evening will include an official Day of the Dead altar, where those attending may place something special in recognition of the lives of their ancestors.
Live music will be performed by Sirius Coyote and D.J. Wooly Mar.
Sirius Coyote has performed in the United States and Mexico, creating traditional, contemporary world music with an “upbeat, fun rhythm, a dance impulse, and activist messages,” Evans-Crowley writes.
In honor of the holiday, the band will offer traditional Mexican music.
D.J. Wooly Mar is Putney artist Maria Pugnetti.
The Arts Council needs some people to help with the event in exchange for a free ticket. Contact Evans-Crowley at [email protected] for more details.