The International Student Club entertained hundreds at the annual I.S.C. coffeehouse on Saturday.
The evening began with Indian chicken curry, samosas, arroz con leche and many other foods with origins from around the world. The food was prepared by I.S.C. members and volunteers.
Following the meal, performers acted, danced, played and sang to an energetic crowd in Sauder Concert Hall.
The show began as students walked across the stage dressed in the traditional clothing of their home countries. The walk was an imitation of the Olympic "Parade of Nations" where athletes represent their countries in the opening ceremonies.
Live music helped carry the show as it continued after the parade. Rafael Chavez and Daniel Moya led the musical performances with "Guitar Duo," a piece where two guitars trade melodic solos and strummed rhythm.
Later in the program a reggae band performed a cover of Bob Marley's "No Woman No Cry" with rapping substituting sung rhythms in parts of the song. In between these two pieces, performers shared a variety of other musical styles including Latin, jazz and folk tunes.
Dance troupes dominated the show with styles ranging in origin from Argentina to Ethiopia. Step dancers stomped and clapped on a dark stage with black lights illuminating white masks, shoes and gloves. The dancers' dark apparel made all body parts except the head, feet and hands invisible to the spectators.
Later on in the show a salsa dance troupe performed a difficult, excellently choreographed dance in a flourish of music.
The evening program made room for several skits between the live music and dancing. In one skit titled "G.C. Got Talent," actors attempted to prove Goshen College's talent to a stubborn judge. Their escapades ranged from a humorously bad magic show to an all out plastic sword fight. The judge was not convinced of the college's talent.
I.S.C. placed oral presentations on four countries – the Dominican Republic, France, Japan and Kenya – throughout the show.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards an international charity. In 2008, the money went toward Mennonite Central Committee hurricane relief in Haiti.
