The Western New England University United and Mutually Equal Club (U+ME) recently hosted its 17th annual World Fest event in Rivers Memorial Hall. This year’s celebration was themed “One World-One Heart.”
More than 200 students, faculty, and community members attended to celebrate cultural diversity through music, entertainment, and international cuisine. Master of Ceremony Oneil Carter, a junior biology major from Springfield, MA, described the event as “an exciting night where people can gather and learn more about music, food, and cultures they have never heard of before. It’s a really great experience!”
The entertainment for this year’s World Fest was as interesting and passionate. Xicana singer and guitarist Diana Alvarez started off the night with songs encouraging peace and unity. Following Alvarez were several dance groups of young and older performers including Dream Studios, Husky Bhangra, Team D’Zire, Trend N Motion, Motherland. University students Shanna Joseph, Asika Mbanugo Etuka, Jerome Loujeune, and Oneil Carter showed off their talents to the large audience as well.
One of the most exciting ingredients of the evening was the performance by the Bimeadile Drummers, which encouraged audience members to dance along with them and even assist playing the instruments the musicians brought with them. The group raised the already high energy in Rivers Hall for the international fashion show, when U+ME Club members modeled fashion styles from different countries.
Additional tables were quickly and happily set up in Rivers Hall when the audience exceeded U+ME’s expectations for the event. Nevertheless, all attendees had a seat to visit with new friends and dine on delicious food supplied by local international restaurants including Cana Korean Restaurant, Crepe’s Tea House, Lilly’s Soul Food, and more.
Overall, the event was a major success as it has been in previous years, bringing students and community members together to celebrate cultures.
