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LIFE

Festival celebrates the world

Thursday, May 19, 2011
(Updated 3:00 am)

— Groove to Latin beats and African rhythms or sample Middle Eastern pastries without leaving the Triad.

The second annual Mosaic Festival at Festival Park on Saturday will feature music, food and arts and crafts from Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Organized by the Church World Service Immigration and Refugee Program, the event drew about 1,000 people last year.

There are more than 150 first languages spoken in Guilford County, according to Church World Service. Sarah Ivory, the organization’s refugee and immigration program director, says newcomers play an important role in the community.

“The rich cultural diversity of the Triad is part of the historical tapestry of our community,” she says. “Diversity is an intrinsic part of our region’s identity, helping to attract residents and businesses alike to our area.”

If it doesn’t rain, organizers expect Saturday’s turnout to far exceed last year’s attendance.

Organizers have had more time to plan the event, and more performers and vendors plan to participate.

Performances include a Latin rock ensemble; a West African dance band; gospel singers from the Democratic Republic of Congo; Palestinian, Sudanese and Vietnamese dancers; and a fashion show highlighting African women.

Ivory says the festival is an opportunity for the refugee and immigrant community to share their culture through food, music and art.

Here’s a look at the performance schedule.

• 2 to 2:45 p.m.: Ndabarushimana Christopher, musician from Burundi; Palestinian Dance Troupe; Bhutanese song; Montagnard folk dance; and Congolese national dance.

• 3:15 to 4 p.m.: BRACO, Latin rock ensemble, featuring Cesar Oviedo of West End Mambo.

• 4:15 to 5 p.m.: Dinka dancers from south Sudan; African gospel singers; three Bhutanese dance performances; and a musician from Eritrea.

• 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.: Kairaba!, a Senegalese dance band with lyrics in Manding, Wolof and English.

• 6:30 to 7 p.m.: African women’s fashion show; Congolese song; and Canadian acoustic musician, Kwesi Immanuel.

• 7:15 to 8 p.m.: Brand New Life, a high energy seven-piece global jazz and funk band that draws on musical traditions from around the world.

Food options include Bhutanese stuffed pastries, African doughnuts, Middle Eastern mini pizzas, pastries and hummus, Nigerian Scotch eggs, Vietnamese spring rolls, Iraqi kibbeh, or dumplings, Algerian cookies and bread with spiced butter from Eritrea.

Samples will cost $1 to $3.

There also will be a Natty Greene’s beer garden and a kids area.

Retail vendors will sell clothing, jewelry, crafts and art from Africa, Vietnam, Burma and Morocco.

Contact Tina Firesheets at 373-3498 or tina.firesheets@news-record.com

Accompanying Photos

Courtesy of Church World Service

Photo Caption: The Bihani Dancers will perform at the Mosaic Festival.

WANT TO GO?

What: Mosaic Festival, a food, arts and music event.

When: 2 to 8 p.m. May 21

Where: Festival Park, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro.

Admission: Free. International arts, crafts and food will be available for purchase.

Info: 285-1122 or greensboromosaic.wordpress.com

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