Soulfest, a multicultural talent showcase held in the Curtis M. Phillips Center, kicked off the 2017 UF Homecoming week Sunday night. The showcase presented a variety of acts including music, dance, spoken word and more. The winners of 2017 Soulfest will perform at Gator Growl, UF’s annual Homecoming pep rally and concert.
Out of 12 performances, winners were chosen from the group as well as individual/small group categories. The victor of the group category will perform at this year’s Gator Growl alongside Snoop Dogg and Daya. The winners of the individual/small group category were Veronica Mentor, an 18-year-old health science freshman, and Juliette Armsworthy, an 18-year-old political science freshman. Sabor Latino, the official dance team of the Hispanic Student Association, took the top spot for the group performance category. This is their second year winning Soulfest; their first win was in 2016.
Each of the talented performers that braved the Phillips Center stage were met with encouragement and applause from the audience. Many performers touched on topics of race, gender, violence, love and more. The event promoted unity and expression of culture, opening with a choreographed dance number from a group of diverse performers.
The show also presented a special performance from representatives of each chapter of the UF National Panhellenic Council, and a tribute to past directors of Soulfest, including the 2017 director, Bernard Green.
Gator Growl is Friday at 5 p.m. Sabor Latino will perform before Daya and Snoop Dogg. Tickets are available at gatorgrowl.org.
