The Roots Festival is an annual celebration of diversity made possible through the collaboration of the multicultural student groups at Portland State University. The PSU park blocks will pulsate with local artists, international food vendors, a grand scale community mural, interactive workshops, and musical and dance performances representing all four corners of the globe.

This year’s theme, “Diversity in Politics and Activism,” will inform and inspire community members to embrace civic engagement and a multicultural perspective in political action.

The Roots Festival gives us all a chance to explore our roots by celebrating our differences and recognizing our similarities because in the end, everyone’s roots are intertwined.

When: Thursday, May 22nd, 2008
Where: PSU Park Blocks & between PSU Library & Blackstone
Time: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Vendors, interactive workshops and community art projects will be taking place throughout the Park Blocks during the musical performances.

The schedule is as follows:

10:00 am: Dj Akira spinning global tracks

11:00 am: Charles McGee keynote address

12:00 pm: Open Mic showcasing PSU talent

1:00 pm: Theater Brigade performance

1:30 pm: Painted Sky Northstar Native American Dancers

2:00 pm: Latin Dance performance & lesson

2:30 pm: Cubaneo performing traditional Cuban music

3:30 pm: Mike Struwin performing Acoustic & Roots music

4:00 pm: Katt-i and Roots Revolution

5:00 pm: Sambagatas performing Batucada

5:30 pm: Copacrescent performing live Soul/Funk/Hip-Hop

6:30 pm: PSU Breakers accompanied by DJ & Live Painting by Eatcho

7:00 pm: Lifesavas performing live Hip-Hop

For more information, visit http://www.rootsfestival.groups.pdx.edu/vendors.php.