Arboretum fest celebrates Old World culture

Thanks to the Morton Arboretum's Passport Europe Summer Festival, you don't have to cross the pond to experience Old World cultures and traditions.

Taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, at 4100 Route 53, Lisle, the festival will feature dancing, storytelling and authentic dishes native to several European countries.

Visitors also can see arboretum trees indigenous to northern and central European countries such as Norway, Belgium and Germany.

Three performance areas will let visitors enjoy entertainment that includes:

• Lightning-fast steps of flamenco dancers accompanied by Guitarra Azul, an ensemble performing on the Spanish guitar;

• A 12-foot-long Alpenhorn during a set from oompah band Jimmy's Bavarians;

• High-stepping moves from French cancan dancer Can Candrea;

• Spirited music of Jutta and the Hi-Dukes, performing a repertoire of Balkan, Greek and Scandinavian music;

• Rat Pack Jazz featuring singer Frank Lamphere performing covers of classic Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin songs in addition to his Italian repertoire;

• Fables brought to life as costumed the Brothers Grimm act out scenes from German fairy tales;

• The distinctive bagpipe and drum music of Midlothian Scottish (on Sunday only).

Visitors also can shop for European goods, try authentic dishes, speak with representatives of Language Stars about learning a new language, and try their hand at croquet. Dots and Splashes face painting also will be available.

For information about the Passport Europe festival and other arboretum activities, see mortonarb.org.