Free International Festival, Jazz, Coming to Panthereum for Anniversary Celebration
MELBOURNE, FLA.—Florida Tech will be awash in the cultures, costumes and cuisines of many countries when it hosts the Second Annual International Festival on Sunday, Feb. 24, from noon to 6 p.m. The free event, a highlight of the university’s Golden Anniversary festivities, will take place in the outdoor Panthereum area, located off Country Club Drive and adjacent to Panther Plaza in the heart of the campus.
A festival highlight will be a 4 p.m. concert in the Jazz at the Panthereum series, featuring the DJ Daniel Trio. Daniel is on keyboard, Curtis Moore is on bass and Stan Soloko is on drums. All provide vocals.
Other music and dance will be by Javier Molinares and the Valle Cumbia de Colombia dancers; an Andean wind ensemble; folk dancing by Saudi Arabian, Indian and Caribbean students; L’Ahavat Tzion Israel Folk Dance; City of Melbourne Pipes & Drums; Sevillanas Flamenco; and Recuerdos de mi Panama traditional folk dancers.
Local vendors will sell ethnic food specialties and students will offer handmade jewelry and traditional artifacts for sale. Student organizations representing many countries will present displays and information on their cultures and a Viking ship will once again be “docked” on the campus lawn. Among the organizations involved are the African Students Union, Caribbean Students Association, Indian Students Association–Sanskriti,
International Student Service Organization, Latin American Student Association, Muslim Student Association, Saudi Student House, Spanish Club and Taiwanese Student Association.
Children will enjoy carnival-type games and activities. Also, some Florida Tech student organization members will participate in a cultural fashion show with University Park Elementary School students.
“We are very proud to showcase Florida Tech’s international diversity,” said Judy Brooke, director of International Student and Scholar Services. “There will be activities for all ages. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the afternoon.”
The festival is sponsored by Florida Tech International Student and Scholar Services, WFIT 89.5-FM and the Melbourne-Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.
