U of Manitoba: Eighth annual PACE Cultural Evening celebrates diversity

The University of Winnipeg Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) is hosting their eighth annual Cultural Evening at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) on Friday, January 18 from 6:00 – 10:00 pm.

“Cultural Night is the signature event of the year for PACE, I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” said Kim Loeb, PACE Executive Director. “It brings our community together in one magical night of showcasing the best of PACE student talent while celebrating their cultural diversity.”

PACE cordially invites all current students, alumni, instructors, and staff to join them to ‘unite under the lights’ and celebrate multiculturalism in Canada. The opening act of the night will be made by Brian Clyne, a member of the Peguis First Nation and an award-winning hoop and traditional dancer performing for 32 years all over the world, including Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and throughout the U.S and Canada. There will be a great blend of international spice for the audience at the event. Students will be performing a Nepalese romantic love song, Bhangra – Folk dance of Punjab performed during harvesting festival called Vaishakhi, an outstanding amalgamation of Nigerian praise song sung in English mixed with local language (Yoruba), and two songs by one of PACE’s professors, Brent Scott.

The audience will also have a golden opportunity to witness a breathtaking live performance by Fubuki Daiko, who reinvents traditional Japanese drumming with their eclectic and energetic performances that is part martial arts athleticism, part meditation, and all rhythm. Fubuki Daiko has been performing for over 20 years. The group’s self-titled CD received a Prairie Music Award for Outstanding Instrumental Recording.

PACE is a hub of international students in the city. Students from across the globe pursue their studies here. Some of the students of the University will be showcasing their exceptional and incredible talent at the stage, and will be walking in the fashion show to reflect and educate the audience about their ethnicity and culture.

Elvia Cortez, the Cultural Evening project manager, says, “It was an honour to work with such a talented group of students from PACE. They were always committed and ready to share their expertise to make this event happen. Thank you PACE for giving me the opportunity to put in practice my Project Management skills. I am looking forward to spending an entertaining evening with our talented performers who will showcase the multiculturalism we have at PACE.”

“It has been a privilege to work on this event with such a highly talented and diverse group of students and volunteers. We are excited to present some of the best of what PACE has to offer in terms of talent and culture. The WAG is definitely the place to be on Jan 18,” says Loc Lu, Chair of the Student Life Committee who plans the event.

For more information about the Cultural Night and PACE, visit their eventbrite invitation or contact Loc Lu, PACE Student Life and Engagement Coordinator, at 204-982-1143 or l.lu@uwinnipeg.ca.

NT5