Culture meets celebration during NE fest

Last year’s International Festival on NE Campus included drum playing and native dances. This year, the festival will have a performance of Brazilian drums by NE music instructor Warren Dewey, shown at left, and his percussion ensemble. Photos by the Collegian file.
Last year’s International Festival on NE Campus included drum playing and native dances. This year, the festival will have a performance of Brazilian drums by NE music instructor Warren Dewey, shown at left, and his percussion ensemble. Photos by the Collegian file.

By Elyssa Whaley/ne news editor

Food, dance and art exhibits will allow students to explore, experience and celebrate multicultural traditions at the International Festival on NE Campus April 23 and 24.

“This is the fifth year for the International Festival here on NE Campus,” said Mary Williams, department chair of world languages. “We do it because we believe it is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to become more aware of the rich international mix we enjoy here in the area.”

The festival will commence with a luncheon, a performance of Brazilian drums by NE music instructor Warren Dewey and his percussion ensemble and a presentation of flags from countries around the world with ties to NE.

“This year, we have many new faces in the percussion club and are always looking for more members,” Dewey said.  “There are many students on campus who enjoy listening  to all types of music.”

Marsha Hall, Spanish assistant professor, said TCC faculty and students will give performances.

Music assistant professor Philippe Baugh and his 22-piece Latin Jazz Orchestra will play an Afro-Cuban set, and NE student Paul Porras will give a mini-session on the tango.

“The audience will also play a game of international trivia and will enjoy a belly dance performance by Sa’diyya,” Hall said. “We will round out the afternoon with a talk about Anglo-Saxon poetry and culture by Dr. Edwardo Perez of the TCC NE English department.”

DSC_0345Virtuoso pianist Eduardo Rojas and Trinity High School folkloric dancers will perform 6-7:30 p.m. in Center Corner.

On the second day of the festival by the outdoor chessboard, participants can sample different cultural cuisines provided by surrounding community restaurants and watch an additional belly dance by Sa’diyya as well as authentic Aztec and Korean dance performances.

“ESOL students have contributed proverbs from their cultures in a joint project with world languages and art departments,” Hall said. “They will show in an art exhibition in NACB building the week of the International Festival.”

She also said multiple photographic art exhibits highlighting cultures, customs and celebrations from around the world will be on view in the library and in NSTU Center Corner.

Williams said the festival  will have something that will appeal to everyone.

“We hope that students will acquire a richer appreciation of how we all gain from what everyone brings to our community,” she said.