Portland State’s 35th annual International Night takes place this evening from 5 to 10 p.m. in Smith Memorial Student Union. Proceeds will go toward relief efforts in Japan.
Students launch 35th annual International Night
Portland State’s 35th annual International Night takes place this evening from 5 to 10 p.m. in Smith Memorial Student Union. Proceeds will go toward relief efforts in Japan.
“We really appreciate the support around this great event,” International Student Life Coordinator Jill Townley said. “Tickets are sold out.”
The event will include workshops in Arabic folk dancing and a sampling of food from Turkey, India, Africa, Vietnam, Korea, the Middle East, Italy and France. Performances will range from German students rapping in Lederhosen to a Nepali student dance group.
Prashant Kakad (DJ Prashant) will be spinning Bollywood records. Kakad hosts dance parties at Lola’s Room under the Crystal Ballroom and has taught Bollywood at Portland Community College and Portland State. He currently teaches at Reed College and Euphoria Studios.
“The need in Japan is enormous,” he said. “It will be a little while before they can get out of it. I’m excited to be a part of this, and I’m excited to see my choreography come together.”
Three PSU students and one staff member who participate in his private class will perform seven dances before Kakad offers a lesson to the crowd.
Student Information Systems Coordinator Debbie Dresner is dancing in Kakad’s show.
“Whenever we can give our talents or perform, it’s more meaningful when there’s a cause,” she said. “With PSU having a large Japanese population, I’m sure people here have been affected by what happened.”
Kelsey Darling, one of the students performing tonight, thinks the donation system of the event is a good idea.
“It’s awesome because it allows college students to give what they have,” she said.
The event also features a fashion show.
According to Sarah Kenney, International Student Life Advisor, 800 guests are expected at the event, including volunteers, performers and organizers.
Admission is free and donations will be contributed to the Mercy Corps Japan Relief Fund.
“We are suggesting a $5 to $10 donation when people collect tickets,” Kenney said. “During the event itself, we will be encouraging people to donate to help the people of Japan, and also to help the International Student Emergency Relief Fund.”
The International Student Emergency Relief Fund is a PSU foundation aimed at helping students whose native countries have suffered a political or financial collapse.
The event is being planned by the PSU Organization of International Students, and most event volunteers and performers are PSU students. ?
