Global Crossroads Festival collaborates to bring international culture to New Harmony

Since 2014, the University of Southern Indiana's Historic New Harmony and Under the Beams have collaborated to produce the Global Crossroads Culture and Music Festival. With the help of several local organizations, 2016 will bring a whole new style of music and culture to New Harmony, Indiana. The free festival is happening from 1-7 p.m. on Saturday, October 22 in New Harmony and concludes with a concert by award-winning world music band Funkadesi at 7 p.m. in Murphy Auditorium.

With a focus on Indian culture, this day-long international festival will highlight the diverse cultures that make up the Southern Indiana region. The festival will include events all around the town of New Harmony such as food booths, a cultural gift market, children's activities, pop-up concerts and more.

Below is a scheduled list of events and locations:

• 1 p.m. - DOORS OPEN to public (Ribeyre Gymnasium)
• 1-7 p.m. - FOOD BOOTHS: A variety of international food will be served at the festival, highlighting the various cultures that reside in the Southern Indiana region (Ribeyre Gymnasium)
• 1-7 p.m. - CULTURAL BOOTHS: A variety of non-profits that raise money for missions around the world will be selling fair trade products. Painting with a Twist will provide a canvas mural to be painted. Children's activities will be offered by Evansville African American Museum, USI international students and Signature School International Club. (Ribeyre Gymnasium)
• 1:15 p.m. - FREE SCREENING OF BOLLYWOOD FILM, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (Events of Harmony Theater)
• 1:15-2:15 p.m. - CLASSICAL INDIAN DANCE PERFORMANCES by "MUDRA" dance team (Ribeyre Gymnasium)
• 2:30-3 p.m. - PERFORMANCE by Pilaiggi Duo (Ribeyre Gymnasium)
• 3-4 p.m. - INDIAN DANCE PERFORMANCE by PNM dance group (Ribeyre Gymnasium)
• 3:15 p.m. - FREE SCREENING OF BOLLYWOOD FILM, Dabangg (Events of Harmony Theater)
• 4-5 p.m. - FREE POP-UP CONCERT by Funkadesi  (Ribeyre Gymnasium)
• 5-7 p.m. - DJ AND DANCING (Ribeyre Gymnasium)
• 7:00 p.m. HEADLINE CONCERT by Funkadesi (Murphy Auditorium)

The Chicago band headlining the festival has been hailed by President Obama and Time Magazine. Funkadesi blends Indian (Bhangra, Bollywood and Folk), Reggae, Funk and Afro-Caribbean music for a festive, virtuoso experience of cultural unity. They are a six-time Chicago Music Awards winner.

Throughout the week, Funkadesi will visit area schools to give educational workshops and concerts. The band will visit West Elementary School in Mount Vernon and North Posey Junior High on Thursday, October 20, as well as Signature School at Victory Theatre on Friday, October 21. They will complete the educational tour visiting USI's campus at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, October 22 to perform for USI students and faculty at the Rice Plaza Amphitheatre.

Tickets are required for the headline concert and can be purchased online or at the door. For more information on the Global Crossroads Culture and Music Festival, visit USI.edu/gcfest.