If you aren’t familiar with CultureALL yet, this is your chance. We are presenting throughout the  World Food & Music Festival, August 23-25, sharing the rich cultural diversity celebrated in our communities. 

CultureALL programs invite Iowans to participate in cultural traditions, which allows us to appreciate the diversity around us. These experiences elevate our attitudes and behaviors to be more accepting and able to bridge differences. Festival attendees can gain this valuable experience from the CultureALL network of performers, artists, and Ambassadors at the Cultural Stage and the Cultural Activity Pavilion. 

Interacting with the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of other cultures opens us up to new ideas and ways of thinking. Iowans gain insight into why people behave in unexpected ways, building respect and mutual trust between neighbors and colleagues. 

CultureALL has provided these opportunities to Iowans through the World Food & Music Festival since 2016. Over 60 singers, musicians, dancers, spoken word poets, educators, and more from more than 35 cultures have shared their customs and traditions since we began working with the festival. 

These folks are Iowans just like you. And they share experiences that remind us that the fabric of our state’s cultural tapestry is rich, diverse, and beautiful. Iowa is a place where people from all different backgrounds call home. 

Come with your friends, family, and colleagues to sing songs, try on clothing, play games, and create art from cultures near and far. 

These experiences will provide new perspectives that you can share with your circles as you bridge relationships between the cultures living in Iowa. 

Stop by the Cultural Stage and Cultural Activity Pavilion to appreciate the diversity in our community! 

Cultural Stage Performers

Frank Strong - Songs That Tell The American Story

When: Friday, August 23, 12:00-1:00 pm

Culture Represented: Americana

Music has always played a key role in telling the American story. Professional musician "Freight Train" Frank Strong celebrates U.S. history and geography through its popular folk songs. You will hear songs that reflect political, racial, social, and work aspects of American life and learn about their origins and meanings. 

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Miyani - Spoken Word Poetry

When: Friday, August 23, 1:45-2:10 pm

Culture Represented: African American

Spoken word poetry is a dynamic and powerful art form that combines elements of theater, music, and poetry to bring words alive through performance. It’s all about expressing thoughts, feelings, and stories with energy and emotion. Through her spoken word, Miyani will share a memorable performance that transcends the written word. 

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Arnold Chirimika, a.k.a. SoProfound - Spoken Word Poetry

When: Friday, August 23, 3:45-4:05 pm

Culture Represented: Zimbabwe

SoProfound, an esteemed poet and media personality originating from Harare, Zimbabwe, has garnered significant recognition over his impressive career spanning more than a decade. His talents have graced major festival platforms across both the African continent and Europe, solidifying his reputation as a captivating performer.

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Sue Hudson & Sansonthi Boonyothayan - Songs of Siam

When: Friday, August 23, 5:15-5:45 pm

Culture Represented: Thailand 

The father-daughter duo of Songs of Siam, Sue Hudson, and her father, Sansonthi Boonyothayan, perform traditional Thai music. Sansonthi has played the guitar since grade school and used classic American country to teach Sue English. Sue has always adored singing with her father. She is currently a local business owner, president of the Thai Association of Iowa, and a CultureALL Ambassador, and she loves to perform with him when he visits her in Iowa from Thailand. 

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Marie & Amelie Habier - RAM SII PAK

When: Friday, August 23, 5:55-6:05 pm

Culture Represented: Thailand

Marie and Amelie will sing this song that celebrates the unity of all Thai people across the four regions of Thailand. 

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Eline Niyibizi - Rwanda Traditional Dance 

When: Saturday, August 24, 12:00-12:20 pm

Culture Represented: Rwanda

The Rwandan Community in Iowa will perform vital and vibrant traditional dances that serve as a celebration of their heritage and communal bonds. Dance is a profound expression of Rwandan history, values, and unity, and each movement carries deep cultural significance. Through its  performances, the community not only honors their traditions but brings people together, fostering a sense of identity and pride. 

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Manabiya - Japanese Pop 

When: Saturday, August 24, 1:00-1:20 pm

Culture Represented: Japan

Manabiya Iowa is the Japanese Language School of Iowa, the educational program of Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI) that shares different aspects of Japanese culture. The group will perform two routines at the festival: Radio Exercise, a historical set of exercises, and J-Pop Dance. J-Pop is Japanese pop music, and the group will be dancing to an uplifting, exciting song by one of the popular groups. 

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Heart of Iowa Cloggers

When: Saturday, August 24, 3:00-3:40 pm 

Culture Represented: Iowan/American

Clogging is an American dance that began in the Appalachian Mountain regions. The Heart of Iowa Cloggers are energetic and enthusiastic cloggers that will make you want to clap along as you watch them clog. Many people have the misconception that clogging is done in big wooden shoes called clogs. It isn’t! Cloggers have double taps on the heels and toes of their leather shoes that they use to make different sounds and rhythms. Years ago, clogging was only done to fiddle and banjo tunes, but it is now done to many different types of music. 

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Ishara Dance

When: Saturday, August 24, 4:30-5:00 pm

Culture Represented: Indian & African

Ishara, which means “gesture” in both Hindi and Swahili, captures how this incredible group blends their Indian and African dance roots to tell stories and convey emotions beyond words. From the captivating narratives of Bharatnatyam, Kathak and Kuchipudi and the rhythmic beats of Bollywood and Bhangra – their performances are a tribute to the profound way they communicate through music.

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DSM Breakerz

When: Saturday, August 24, 6:00-6:20 pm

Culture Represented: American

Breakdance is an American artform that started in the Bronx, New York. Pioneer DJ Kool Herc is considered the founding father to isolate the breakbeat. DSM Breakerz will perform the dynamic elements of breakdance, including movements called toprock, footwork, freezes, and power moves. Breaking has become an official sport in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Future Olympians may discover their competitive dance spirit in this workshop.

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Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes & Drums 

When: Sunday, August 25, 11:45 am-12:15 pm

Culture Represented: Scotland

Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes & Drums of lowa is a non-profit organization with a mission to support first responders, fire departments, law enforcement, and active and reserve military units. They play the Great Highland bagpipes & drums, and the music and instruments are from Scotland.

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Soten Taiko Drumming

When: Sunday, August 25, 1:00-1:30 pm

Culture Represented: Japan

Soten Taiko is Central Iowa's only Taiko drumming group. ​The name of the group translates as "Blue Sky” Taiko. Their goal is to share the ancient sounds of Taiko drumming under the blue skies of Iowa. The group, which is part of the Japan America Society of Iowa, began in March of 2011 with the idea to introduce and share the traditional Japanese art form with the community. Starting with only two taiko drums, the group has gradually added more, along with other Japanese instruments. The group has performed at a number of events, such as IAA Asian Heritage Festival, school and community cultural events, and corporate gatherings.

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Foy Irish Dancers

When: Sunday, August 25, 3:00-3:40 pm

Culture Represented: Ireland

The Foy School of Irish Dance celebrates Irish culture with spirited dance and lively music that will have your toes tapping. The performances will feature everyone from the tiniest dancers to the most advanced. The group loves excited and rowdy crowds. 

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Cultural Activity Pavilion

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Cucho Madero - Music & Culture of Peru

When: Friday, August 23, 3:30-4:30 pm

Culture Represented: Peru

Cucho Madero is a professional musician who performs at festivals around Iowa. He plays Romanian and Peruvian pan flutes. He will teach participants how to play the pan flute and discuss its history around the world and in Peru. 

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Mamta Israni - Games of India

When: Friday, August 23, 5:15-6:30 pm

Culture Represented: India 

Every culture has their own unique games and activities. Mamta will introduce and teach some popular Indian games. Participants will play and discover that some games are quite similar to ones they know, and others are a completely new experience.

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Fonziba Koster - African Drumming 

When: Saturday, August 24, 11:30 am-1:30 pm

Culture Represented: West Africa

Drums are a vital component of West African culture and are played at all important life events. Participants will experience the power of African village drumming through authentic djembe hand-drums from the Ivory Coast, West Africa. 

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Juan & Amy Lourido - Capoeira 

When: Saturday, August 24, 1:45-3:00 pm

Culture Represented: Brazil 

Capoeira is a captivating fusion of Afro-Brazilian dance forms that blends elements of music, dance, and martial arts. It’s a profound cultural expression that embodies the spirit of resilience and freedom. Learn the history of Capoeira along with some of the movements and music. 

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Oxana Reed - Moldovan Dance, Crafts, and Magic 

When: Saturday, August 24, 3:30-4:15 pm

Culture Represented: Moldova

Slavic fairy tales have many heroes that teach us lessons about how to live our lives nobly. Oxana shares these stories—along with other Moldovan games, dances, and crafts—to teach about the Slavic childhood experience.

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One Voice DSM; Yinka Cole - Nigerian Traditions

When: Sunday, August 25, 11:30 am-12:00 pm

Culture Represented: Nigeria

One Voice DSM is an African-founded nonprofit based in Des Moines that gathers individuals, groups, and communities of African descent in Iowa. One Voice member Yinka Cole will share different aspects of Nigerian culture. 

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Josie Shaw - Beading, A Kenyan Tradition

When: Sunday, August 25, 12:30-2:00 pm

Culture Represented: Kenya

Beading is a symbol of Kenyan national pride. Intricately beaded necklaces and collars have been worn by women for generations. The beads offer clues to their marital status, health, and even the number of children they have. Josie Shaw explores the meaning associated with each vibrant color. Come experience the beauty of this Kenyan tradition.

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Sonal Mistry - Ancient Art of Mehndi

When: Sunday, August 25, 2:30-4:00 pm

Culture Represented: India

The art of applying henna (known as mehndi) has been a part of many cultures for thousands of years. Indian designs are made of a delicate blending of fine lines creating a striking pattern which covers a larger area of the skin, such as the hands and feet. Participants will learn about the history and significance of mehndi and create their own designs. 

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