A funky, salsified Halloween party

The beat of Halloween presses on with a little bit of funk, reggae and hip-hop all wrapped up into an African-Salsa style. On Saturday members of the African Student Association, the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center and the International Center will inject some flavor into Bloomington with a Africa-Salsa Funk Halloween party. \n"This party will promote the music of the West Indies, Africa and of course hip-hop because this type of music is lacking in Bloomington," said Selamawit Hailemariam, member of the African Student Association. "This event should encourage people to listen to music that they are not attuned to."\nDJ Tino from the Zambazi Club will pump up the crowd with a mixture of Latin, African, hip-hop, funk and reggae music. Hailemariam said that she thinks DJ Tino could liven up the music scene in Bloomington. \nA dance contest will be the highlight of the night and couples are encouraged to prepare dance routines the audience will judge to deem the winners. Prizes such as dinner for two, lunch for two and dance lessons will be awarded to the couples with the most impressive dance moves.\nThis event is open to everyone in the Bloomington community and everyone is strongly encouraged to attend, Hailemariam said. She predicts upwards of 50 to 100 people will attend the event. There is no fee to come to Africa-Salsa Funk party but donations are accepted and will go towards ASA, NMBCC and the International Center.\n"This is just good, clean fun for everybody and gives students an option from the other activities in Bloomington," Hailemariam said. \nShe said she hopes it will create a lasting impression at IU by providing students with fun alternatives.\nPeople are encouraged to wear costumes to add to the Halloween theme. Hailemariam said she expects a wide range of looks and costumes. She will be decked out in a cow costume, but other people may mix the African theme into their costume.\n"I am thinking about incorporating an African garment into my costume -- it should be something snazzy," said ASA member senior Gayima Kanu. \nShe added everyone should attend this event because she knows it will be really fun. \n"Ideally we want to keep this going to keep a consistent alternative to what is already available in Bloomington," Hailemariam said. "I want people to be really excited when they hear it is Africa-Salsa Night -- I want people to look forward to attending." \nOyibo H. Afoaku, director of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, said she is hoping the event will not only be fun but will also be a learning experience.\n"This is a chance to strengthen the relationships between the black community and give the students a chance to make new friends in the African community," Afoaku said.\nShe is hoping this event will provide another forum to bring black students together and will strengthen the cultural diversity at IU. \n"In the future, we hope to strengthen the positive relationships between different groups -- not just for black people but for everyone," Afoaku said.