Join the Cultural Diversity Festival Finale

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 25, 2011) — A team of dedicated volunteers has prepared an extraordinary grand finale for the University of Kentucky’s annual Cultural Diversity Festival. Highlights for this last week of the month-long celebration include the much-anticipated International Talent Night and two new attractions to the line-up, the Human Race Machine and the UK Diversity Festival: Live at the Lyric.

International Talent Night is an opportunity for UK faculty, staff and students to showcase their talents and explore other cultures in the process. This annual event – which always draws a large, enthusiastic crowd -- is planned by International Student Council and the Office of International Affairs and sponsored by the Cultural Diversity Festival. Admission is either $2 or a can or two of food with the two-and-a-half hour show beginning at 7 p.m. today, March 25, at Memorial Hall.

Then, on Monday everyone can join in the search for UK’s best rapper. “Why We Love Hip Hop: UK's Search for the Best MC” will begin a 7 p.m. March 28 in the Cats Den on the first floor of the Student Center. Battling is a huge part of the hip hop scene, and this battle will highlight UK students' talents with top prizes for the winners. First place is an iPod Touch, second place is Beats headphones by Dr. Dre. Sponsored by the Student Activities Board, admission is free.

The Cultural Diversity Festival brings the Human Race Machine to campus to offer everyone the opportunity to “Alter Your Perception” by altering your appearance. For three days, anyone can make use of this powerful, yet subtle tool. A unique diversity experience, the Human Race Machine allows viewers to envision themselves as a member of a different race, helping us to move beyond our appearance to contemplate a deeper human connection.

There will be six races to choose from -- Asian, White, African, Hispanic, Middle Eastern and Indian. The camera will capture an individual’s image as he or she sits at the machine and, based on the race chosen, will alter the appearance of the image accordingly.

The machine will be in the Student Center on March 31-April 2. The machine will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, March 31 and April 1, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 2.

Perhaps even more impactful than seeing one’s face morph with the physical traits of an Asian or an Hispanic, there will be two opportunities to engage in dialogue about the machine and your experience. A student discussion will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31, in the Center for Student Involvement (CSI), first floor of the Student Center. A faculty, staff and student luncheon is scheduled at noon Friday, April 1, also in the CSI room.  For more information and to attend the luncheon, contact Rebecca Comage at mailto:Rebecca.comage@uky.edu or call (859) 257-0179, by 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 29.

Everyone is encouraged to visit www.humanracemachine.com for more information about this unique experience. All Human Race Machine events are free and open to the public.

By far the most anticipated new event of CDF month, the UK Diversity Festival Live at the Lyric will help the university step out into the Lexington community. The CDF volunteers have gathered together an impressive montage of entertainment, including Native American music and stories by a Nammy award-winning and Grammy-nominated performer; local singers, dancers and musicians, including mimes; and the music and dance of East India and Venezuela with the Greek Step Dance and Middle Eastern belly dancing.

This once-in-a-lifetime event is free at 7 p.m. Friday, April 1, at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. Third St., thanks to the sponsorship of the UK Cultural Diversity Festival and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

When asked why he chose to travel the land’s schools and universities sharing the history and knowledge of his culture, Native American flutist JJ Kent, who will perform at the Lyric, said, “Years ago it came to my attention that there were many myths and misconceptions about our culture that seemed to abound even in this so-called enlightened era we live in.  I feel compelled to help the non-native public to have a more accurate understanding of who we are as a People.  I endeavor to promote Peace, Love and Harmony and believe that the key is to have better understanding through education.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Gail Hairston, (859) 257-1754, ext. 235; gail.hairston@uky.edu.