Arts Show Fetes Diversity

Legendary jazz musician Herbie Hancock learned a salsa dance step, played the dundun drum from Mali, and participated in an intertribal Indian social dance as Artist of the Year at the 23rd annual “Cultural Rhythms” show in Sanders Theater on Saturday.

The day-long event, presented by the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, is a yearly celebration of diversity at Harvard that includes two shows and a food festival.

The event stars a range of Harvard’s multicultural performance groups, showcasing songs, dances, and musical instruments from around the world. The first of the two shows features the honorary guest, who presents each act.

“Humanity is what it’s all about,” Hancock said. “Harvard is at the forefront of recognizing cultural diversity.”

More than 300 students performed in the two shows, with about 2,000 audience members throughout the day.

“Although there are statistics about how diverse Harvard is, when I stand in the wing and look out into the audience, it becomes very vivid,” said Amanda R. Mangaser ’10, who co-directed the first show.

During Show I, University President Drew G. Faust presented Hancock with an Artist of the Year plaque, saying, “In my view, this legend, this icon is artist of the generation, maybe the century.”

Over 30 groups performed at this year’s “Cultural Rhythms,” from the Kuumba Singers to the Harard Wushu, which practices a modern version of kung fu.

“The performing groups make Cultural Rhythms,” said Matthew K. Clair ’09, the other co-director of the first show.

Approximately 20 undergraduate interns at the Harvard Foundation are charged with the task of selecting the groups that appear in “Cultural Rhythms.”

“I think we’re able to unify the best groups from different cultures and genres,” Mangaser said.

The second show, in the evening, was directed by Elizabeth O. Eze ’11 and Richard A. Serna ’10, and hosted by Lumumba B. Seegars ’09 and Kristina A. Dominguez ’10. The show featured 16 groups, including the 2011 Steppers and Gumboots, a South African dance troupe.

The day began with a reception and closed luncheon in which Hancock was welcomed by the University Band to the tune of one of his songs, Chameleon, and 10,000 Men of Harvard.

Planning for “Cultural Rhythms” begins each year around September with auditioning, rehearsing, and selecting an honorary guest. The choice of Artist of the Year is based on input from students and Dr. S. Allen Counter, director of the Harvard Foundation.

—Staff writer Brittany M. Llewellyn can be reached at bllewell@fas.harvard.edu.