Canceled for the past two years due to the global pandemic, Cultural Fusion is returning to Southwestern Community College this spring with a focus on Western North Carolina’s cultural richness.
Scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on March 30, this year’s event will feature dozens of performers, artists and booths on the Quad outside of Founders Hall on SCC’s Jackson Campus.
The theme for this year’s Cultural Fusion is “Everyone is Welcome at the Table.”
Booth themes include all manner of equity and geographic heritage.
Among the performers who’ve confirmed attendance are the Ammons Sisters (mountain storytelling and art), Brad Reisinger (local singer/songwriter), and Billy Zanski (drummer).
SCC graduate Alma Russ, a mountain/folk musician who appeared on American Idol, will also perform.
The event will include a round-table conversation in which individuals from different backgrounds will discuss challenges they face living in Western North Carolina.
Schedule of Events
| 10 - 10:10 a.m. | Welcome |
| 10:15 - 10:30 a.m. | Brad Reisinger: Traditional Singer/Songwriter |
| 10-30 - 11:15 a.m. | Coffee House Chat in Cafe '64: "Over the Hill: Representation of Aging Women" |
| 10:35 - 10:50 a.m. | Morgan Cherry: Demo of shape-note singing |
| 10:55 - 11:10 a.m. | Amy Ammons: Appalachian storytelling |
| 11:15 - 11:45 a.m. | Billy Zanski: African drum workshop |
| 11:50 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. | Flamenco Dancers - Demonstrations of Spanish Flamenco Dancing |
| 12:15 - 12:30 p.m. | Jennie Ashlock: Chair Yoga |
| 12:35 - 12:50 p.m. | Blue Jazz |
| 12:45 - 1:15 p.m. | Coffee House Chat in Cafe '64: "African American Experience in GSMNP" |
| 12:55 - 1:10 p.m. | Alma Russ: Folk Singer/Songwriter |
| 1:55 - 2 p.m. | Closing/Awards |
| 2 - 2:30 p.m. | Panel Discussion in Burrell Building, room 306: "Meet your Neighbors." Open Q&A panel representing diverse voices in WNC |
