The long Beach-based Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre is set to perform the original dance program "Heartland: The Immigrant Experience" with folk hymn ensemble "Enoch Train" at the Ford Amphitheatre on June 5. The dance theater, led by St. Joseph Church of Long Beach parishioner Nannette Brodie, has performed nationally and internationally since its inception in 1986.

The music of the band "Enoch Train" has been described as ranging "from African-American Gospel spiritual to authentic klezmer wedding dance to a jazz interpretation of a traditional melody like "Scotland The Brave" and inspirations from hymns from around the world. By exploring all cultures they have removed all boundaries."

The band takes its name from a ship that set sail from Liverpool in 1856 with 534 passengers in search of a spiritual home and refuge in the new world of America. "Every place is at once a destination and a departure point. And life is a chrilling and unending journey once you decide to set sail," said bandleader Clive Romney.

Brodie joins "Enoch Train" in its fascination with travel and culture. The dance theater's themes have often examined the ways that different cultures have been sustained through traveling across distances and the nurturing of communities through cultural ethos.

Included in the evening's performance will be the dance theater's signature work, "Émigré", which is based on the images and stories of refugees and explores the challenges immigrants endured and the dreams they sought. For tickets and information, call the Ford box office, (323) 461-3673, or visit www.fordamphitheatre.org.