Soulfest 2012, UF Homecoming’s premier multicultural event, is serving audiences musical performances and dishes that are downright good for the soul.
What began as a small talent show at Turlington Plaza is now a 13-year-old completely student-run outdoor concert and competition, assistant director and UF senior Monique Germain said. Last year, the staff estimated about 1,500 to 2,000 Gators present at the show.
Soulfest 2012 will take place at the Reitz Union Amphitheater from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thirty-eight UF groups, such as CaribSA and IDEAL, will be present at the Organizational Tabling Fair from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. that evening. Beginning at 6 p.m., Soulfest staff will also be providing free international food. The main event, Soulfest’s Talent Showcase, will electrify the crowd all night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with its shocking entertainers.
Twelve acts — bands, dance teams and more — will compete for “Best in Show.” The winner will get to perform at the stadium-packing Gator Growl, she said. Sabor Latino, the official dance team of the Hispanic Student Association, dominated as Soulfest 2011 champions.
This year’s theme, “Journey Through America: One Body, One Mind, One SOUL” is meant to play off Homecoming’s patriotic theme, “UNITED WE GROWL.” Soulfest is emphasizing that although there are diverse cultures all throughout the U.S., it is this diversity that unifies the people as one nation, Germain said.
Besides talent, cultural awareness and Gator Pride, Soulfest also advocates philanthropy. Before the main event on Friday, Soulfest is promoting a blood drive called “Tap Into Your Inner Hero!” Its goal is to have more than 100 donors between Monday and Thursday. If Soulfest attendees are too queasy at the thought of blood, he or she can contact the Soulfest team and donate to the veteran’s drive for the Collegiate Veteran’s Society. Hygienic supplies and other goods may be contributed from Monday to Friday.
To Germain, the best part of Soulfest is the familial aspect of the show. It’s nice to see people with the same goal coming together, she said.
“Soulfest is not just a talent show, it’s an experience,” said Germain. “I’m really excited.”
And she hopes you are, too. For more information on the event, click here, or contact Soulfest director Marshall Rivers at marshall.rivers@ufhomecoming.org.
