Staten Island's Summerfest 2012

When it comes to arts happenings in the city's five boroughs, let's face it: Staten Island gets the least amount of attention. So, listen up, New York: Summerfest 2012 starts this week!

Some events of note (all free!) will include:

Omnia

Omnia: offering a fusion of Middle Eastern and American pop music plus Middle Eastern (belly) dance. Friday, June 8, 8:45pm at Tappen Park, intersection of Canal, Water, and Bay Street

WaFoo: Japanese musicians performing original music composed under the concept of "blending Japanese philosophy into a variety of music styles to create lyrical, aesthetic and delightful sound for body and soul." Saturday, June 9, 2pm at Art By The Ferry, Staten Island Ferry Terminal Platform (near Ballpark)

Christine Dixon: performing her one-woman show, Harriet Tubman Herself. Sunday, June 10, 2pm at Art By The Ferry -- Staten Island Museum Courtyard, 75 Stuyvesant Place

Melissa West: presenting postmodern dance of "shadows, darkness, light and high physicality." Saturday, June 23, 6pm-12am at LUMEN, Atlantic Salt Site, 561 Richmond Terrace

How-To Workshop: Art Journaling for Health & Wellness

Explore ways to reduce stress, and deal with health challenges through an exploration of the mind, body, and spirit connection. Guided meditation and other creative exercises will be led by Joie Leigh. Participants do not need any artistic skills to attend. Free admission! Saturday, June 16, 2pm at Forest Haven Center for Dance & Music, 358 Forest Avenue. For more information, contact Monica Valenzuela at 718-447-3329 x1004.

For more information on Summerfest 2012, click here.