Tagged: culture

Today on Current State: Lansing native Maureen Abood explores her Lebanese culture through writing and food; a researcher penetrates the murky world of  organ trafficking; and MSU Library's world renowned comic book collection. 

A few years ago, writer, photographer and chef Maureen Abood quit her job, left Chicago -- where she lived for 14 years -- and moved to San Francisco to follow her passion and attend culinary school.  

Latin IS America is a a celebration of the intersections between Latin American and U.S. culture. The festival started on April 15 and will close on April 27.

This Thursday, the event will feature the MSU Wind Symphony at Wharton Center. WKAR’s Peter Whorf previews the concert with MSU Director of Bands Kevin Sedatole.   

Today on Current State: Michigan Treasury reacts to tax collection criticism; preview of Latin IS America festival; and MSU and Lansing come together to cover Monteverdi's "Vespers of 1610." 

An artistic exploration of  Latin American and U.S. cultures will take place on MSU's campus as part of the first Latin IS America Festival. Coordinated through the MSU College of Music, events will take place from April 15 to 27 at various campus locations and include concerts, films, art exhibits, plays, and more.

  Nic Gareiss has performed traditional Irish dance and the dances of its Diaspora around the world. But for Nic, his performances are not just visual expressions, but audible ones. He understands the body in motion as a form of music.

Nic holds degrees in both anthropology and music from Central Michigan University and recently completed his Masters' in ethnochoreology at the University of Limerick in Ireland.  

Nic discusses his research interests including percussive dances, cultural identity in relation to traditional dance and music, and sexual identity within traditional dance.

More than 65 elected officials from all over Michigan are supporting proposed state legislation to give gay and transgendered stronger legal protections. 

An exhibit by Val Berryman, called “The Art of Christmas," is on display at the Williamston Depot Museum.  Berryman is curator of history at the Michigan State University Museum.  He’s been collecting vintage Christmas decorations, figurines and illustrations since 1984.  Berryman tells WKAR’s Gretchen Millich that for this exhibit, he chose some favorites from his personal collection.