UMHB Presents 8th Annual Latino Fest with Special Hispanic Musical Performance Sept. 29

BELTON, Texas- In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's (UMHB) 8^th Annual Latino Fest is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 29. The event is hosted by UMHB's Hispanic Student Association (HSA), College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), and Kingdom Diversity Office.

"We are all united through our culture, even though we have many differences," said Dr. Karla Gonzalez, UMHB modern foreign language professor and Hispanic Student Association sponsor. "This event celebrates the Hispanic heritage of the Americas and how it has contributed to the modern American society."

Beginning at 7:00 p.m., UMHB's String and Wind Ensembles will provide a special Hispanic musical performance in the Baugh Performance Hall of the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center. The event will feature musical works created by Astor Piazzolla's "Libertango" and "Oblivion," Rafael Hernandez's "El Cumbanchero," Michelle Fernandez's "Unidad en Ritmo," and others. The concert is free, but it does require a ticket to enter. To get your free ticket before the event, call the box office at 254-295-5999 or visit umhb.edu/pac.

"Hispanic and Latin musical styles play an important part in our American musical heritage," explained Michael Garasi, UMHB instrumental music professor and director of the Wind and String Ensembles. "The UMHB Instrumental Ensembles are excited about sharing this beautiful cultural music with our community."

Following the concert, the street festival will showcase food, dancing, carnival games, face painting, and more from the Hispanic culture. The festival will take place outside on the plaza of the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center.

"We are blessed by the hard work the Hispanic Student Association has done to create a longstanding tradition of presenting festivities and educational opportunities that elevate the Hispanic and Latino voices on campus," said Dr. Sanfrena Britt, director of UMHB's Kingdom Diversity office.