West CultureFest offers music, arts, food and more

The public is invited to join in a celebration of culture on Thursday, April 22, at Arizona State University’s West campus. The inaugural West CultureFest will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. in the center courtyard at 4701 W. Thunderbird Road in Phoenix.

This community event features musical performances, storytelling, arts and crafts vendors and activities, dance performances, and food vendors.

Among the performers scheduled to participate are flamenco dancer Yumi LaRosa, Brazilian martial arts performers Axe Capoeira, belly dancers Bedouin Tribe Collective, fire/circus artists Mourning Fyre, Chinese dragon dancer Kenny Perez, and a Native American flutist, storyteller, and artist from Yellow Bird Productions.

Arts and crafts vendors will offer their works in media including painting, pottery, jewelry, calligraphy and more. Some of the artists will demonstrate their creative processes during the event.

Food booths will feature cuisine from restaurants including Claudine’s Kitchen and Papa’s Gyros. The Native American Student Organization on the West campus will host a Frybread Challenge, with attendees having the opportunity to showcase their frybread-making skills. Frybread will be available for purchase as well.

“West CultureFest will provide fun for people of all ages,” says Bobbi Magdaleno, director of community relations. “The event provides a family-friendly setting and a unique and entertaining opportunity to celebrate ASU as a diverse, active place of learning, offering a wide variety of academic programs and student activities.”

West CultureFest is free and open to the public. For more information, call (602) 543-5306.