Diversity at Center Stage of Lyric Theatre

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 27, 2012) — The University of Kentucky’s Cultural Diversity Festival Committee and the city of Lexington are co-hosting the second annual talent show at the historic Lyric Theatre near downtown Lexington.

UK’s Diversity Festival organizers teamed with the UK International Student Council (ISC) to present this town and gown talent extravaganza. The event will be held at the Lyric Theatre located at 300 E. Third Street on Friday, March 30, beginning at 7 p.m. Both the Lexington and the university communities are invited to this free event, which offers a unique experience, featuring performances by members of both communities.

Debra Ross, co-chair of the Cultural Diversity Festival Committee, said, “We are excited to be hosting the second annual Diversity Festival at the Lyric. The success of the inaugural event encouraged us to make this an annual event.”

Lexington talent includes the gospel sounds of the East Second Street Christian Church choir, high energy swing dancing by the Hepcats Swing Dance Club; the unique bluegrass, rock-a-billy musical talent of Boomerang; and a special appearance by The Brenda D. Cowan Coalition for Kentucky Inc., a Domestic Violence Bilingual Advocate. UK international students will take the audience around the world with a variety of songs, dances and skits from student organizations representing Africa, India, Turkey, the Caribbean, Korea and Oman.

Another organizer, Chester Grundy, director of the UK Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center, said, “For those of us who are parents or teachers, this festival is a 'gift that just keeps giving,' a chance to expose our children and students to the wonders of a global cultural experience in a single night of free entertainment.”

Elif Bengu, adviser and spokesperson for the International Student Council, said, “We are so excited that this year we had an opportunity to combine one of our traditional events, International Talent Night, with the UK Live at the Lyric event. International Talent Night is special because this night provides an opportunity for student organizations to carry their culture and their diverse background to the stage.” The ISC has generously provided an iPod which will be given away to one lucky member of the audience.

Ross said, “The Diversity Festival at the Lyric is a ‘don’t miss’ opportunity to relax in the beautifully renovated Lyric Theatre while experiencing a truly unique evening of talent. Best of all — admission is free.”

Shuttle transportation is free, too, from campus to the Lyric and back to UK after the evening’s entertainment. Visit www.uky.edu/DiversityFestival to reserve a spot.

“We encourage everyone to join us at the Lyric Theatre,” Ross said. “Our goal is to fill the theatre to capacity and to make this the second most anticipated March event in Lexington …second only to March Madness.”

MEDIA CONTACT:  Gail Hairston, gail.hairston@uky.edu; (859) 257-3302