Carnegie Mellon University's International Festival

Carnegie Mellon University's International Festival Focuses on Global Environmental Issues, Nov. 3-5

http://www.cmu.edu/internationalfestival

"Globally Green: Cultural Perspectives and Environmental Issues" is the title of this year's International Festival at Carnegie Mellon University, Nov. 3 - 5. Now in its 15th year, the festival is designed to raise awareness and celebrate the values, traditions and beliefs of world cultures.

This year's event has several highlights that are sure to educate and entertain participants. Sy Montgomery, a well known author and conservationist, will kick off the festival with a keynote address, entitled "Conservation: Hope and Second Chances." From her travels around the world, which include living with Bengali fishermen and Amazon shamans, Montgomery shares the ancient, sacred stories by which people close to the earth honor and remember their connection to land, water and animals. This lecture will begin at 4:30pm, Nov. 3, in McConomy Auditorium. A reception and book signing will follow the lecture in the Connan Room.

Another feature of the International Festival is the Scrap Arts Music concert and performance at 9pm on Nov. 4. Scrap Arts Music, a group from Vancouver, British Colombia, stimulates the senses, by making instruments and music from shiny harbor scrap, salvaged sewage pipes, aluminum bowls and other recycled odds and ends. Add more than 80 wheels, a composer, five hyperactive “hipsters” and a set of drumsticks, and the result is a dizzying shower of beats, gymnastic agility, compelling percussive drive and intricate, eye-catching choreography. Tickets for the concert are free and will be available at the UC Information Desk beginning October 31.

Some other events during the festival include a Cultural Student Food Fair in Wean Commons on Nov. 4 at 4:30pm and an International Bazaar with food and craft vendors and a performance by the Zany Umbrella Circus on Nov. 5 from 12-3pm in Rangos Ballroom. In addition, there will be several presentations by Carnegie Mellon faculty, researchers and students, art exhibits, films, workshops and much more!

For more information on these and many other events that will take place during this year's International Festival, see http://www.cmu.edu/internationalfestival or contact Emily Half, International Festival Coordinator, at 412.268.2075 or ehalf@andrew.cmu.edu.