Roots Festival at PSU May 22, 2008

The Roots Festival is an annual celebration of diversity made possible through the collaboration of the multicultural student groups at Portland State University. On Thursday May 22nd the PSU park blocks will pulsate with local artists, international food vendors, a grand scale community mural, interactive workshops, and musical and dance performances representing all four corners of the globe.

This year’s theme, “Diversity in Politics and Activism”, will inform and inspire community members to embrace civic engagement and a multicultural perspective in political action.

The Roots Festival gives us all a chance to explore our roots by celebrating our differences and recognizing our similarities because in the end, everyone’s roots are intertwined.

May 22, 2008
10am ‐ 8pm
PSU Park Blocks & between PSU Library & Blackstone

Vendors, interactive workshops and community art projects will be taking place throughout the Park Blocks during the musical performances.

The festival will also include "Camp Darfur" - a mock refugee camp aimed at raising the public's awareness of genocide and the current crisis in Darfur (www.stopgenocidenow.org/campdarfur)

10am, Dj Akira spinning global tracks

11am, Charles McGee keynote address (thebpi.org/html/leadership.html)

12pm, Open Mic showcasing PSU talent

1pm, Theater Brigade performance (www.theaterbrigade.org)

1:30pm, Painted Sky Northstar Native American Dancers (www.paintedsky.org)

2pm, Latin Dance performance & lesson

2:30pm, Cubaneo performing traditional Cuban music (www.cubaneoson.com)

3:30pm, Mike Struwin performing Acoustic & Roots music (www.mikestruwinmusic.com)

4pm, Katt-i and Roots Revolution, (www.myspace.com/kattandrootsrevolution)

5pm, Sambagatas performing Batucada

5:30pm, Copacrescent performing live Soul/Funk/Hip-Hop (www.copacrescent.com)

6:30pm, PSU Breakers accompanied by DJ & Live Painting by Eatcho (www.eatcho.com)

7pm, Lifesavas performing live Hip-Hop (www.myspace.com/lifesavas)

Official Website: http://www.rootsfestival.groups.pdx.edu/