Students of St. James Episcopal School performed traditional Korean musical selections on the main stage, and a team from the diocesan Seeds of Hope food security ministry joined a spirited dragon boat race among highlights of Echo Park’s 44th Lotus Festival July 12-13, an annual celebration of Asian-Pacific Islander cultures in Los Angeles.
Members of St. Athanasius Episcopal Church, Echo Park, staffed a booth in the exhibit area, joined by members of the Holy Spirit Community that also worships on site at St. Paul’s Commons. An adjoining booth was hosted by Seeds of Hope, which also opened its Edendale Grove teaching garden to festival-goers.
More than 125,000 people attended the weekend festival, which this year highlighted the Korean community in the annual rotation of featured cultures. More Koreans reside in Los Angeles than in any other city outside of Seoul.
The St. James’ School musicians are under the direction of Dr. Ji Hae Lee, dean of performing arts. Their selections on the festival’s main stage included Arirang, a traditional melody more than 500 years old; a “Puppet Dance,” and two drumming pieces, one titled “Natang.”
