Brian Hubert is reporting in the Daily Freeman the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice opened Thu. Aug. 4. The annual event celebrates performances ranging from rock 'n' roll, to Broadway and Shakespearean stage performances to Celtic music, as well as workshops, lectures and classes. The festival this year celebrates all things British, in honor of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death. Past festivals have celebrated American and Spanish performances. Productions of "Kiss Me Kate," and the opera “Otello” are featured this year. The Phoencia International Festival of the Voice was originally conceived as a way to breathe new life into the town of Phoenicia and enhance the area’s economy, festival executive director and director of development Marie Todaro said. Approximately 65 percent of attendees come from the local area, and 35 percent from outside the immediate area. The festival continues through the weekend. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.