Explore IU’s diverse food, music at Culturefest

The Office of First Year Experience Programs will have its 12th annual CultureFest at 4:30 p.m. today in the Fine Arts Plaza near the Showalter Fountain as part of the Welcome Week celebrations for new students.

Festivities include a guest speaker, food, activities, performances and the opportunity to meet fellow freshmen.

“Whether it’s the taste of the food, a performance or meeting somebody, (CultureFest is an) engaging and fun way to learn some of the cultures that are represented at IU,” said Melanie Payne, associate director of the Office of First Year Experience Programs.

“It’s a whole afternoon and evening of things to do. I hope students will come and enjoy.”

Guest speaker
Comedian and educator Preacher Moss will speak as part of his End of Racism college tour. Moss has written for “Saturday Night Live” and the “Damon Williams Show.” He now speaks to students about multicultural
issues.

Food
After the guest speaker’s performance, students will receive free food tickets as they leave the IU Auditorium.

Seven campus cultural centers will serve food in tents stationed around the Fine Arts Plaza, such as the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Asian Culture Center, La Casa Latino Cultural Center and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student Support Services.

Performances
Ten music and dance groups, all with connections to IU, will perform at CultureFest.

Dark Side Tribal will dance in the IU Auditorium lobby, while Twigh Twee Drum Group will perform as part of an opening ceremony before Moss speaks. IU Breakdance Club, Hip Hop Connection and a Bollywood-style dance group will perform on outdoor stages.

Bands The Main Squeeze and Voices of Hope will also perform outside. Ritmos Latinos and IU Swing Dance Club will teach salsa and swing dance, respectively.

After party
The IU Art Museum will have an open house after CultureFest that will include dessert, music and coffee from around the world. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the museum.

— Kate Thacker