Lara Souza, Staff Writer 

Colorful flags and maps from different nations decorated Grandfather Mountain Ballroom in Plemmons Student Union last Saturday night. 

Students, faculty and community members began gathering at 7 p.m.. 

The atmosphere was embedded with diversity.  Ethnic food and music from South and Central America, as well as Asia and Europe, filled the room. 

The rich selections of food prepared by international students, ASU food services and community members were enjoyed by all. 

Bossa nova and samba from Brazil created pleasant background music to accompany the meal. The music was very relaxing and peaceful with its jazzy rhythm. 

One student played the Tavla, a Northern Indian instrument, and talked about the significance of the instrument to the culture. 

Another, a German exchange student, played the piano and spoke of his participation in his hometown orchestra. 

Next, Devon Evans, one of the founding members of the National Dance Theater Company of Jamaica, played the drums. Evans was the original percussionist of the Wailing Wailers. 

Evans explained the importance of native drums within the Jamaican culture and recited stories of his homeland. 

Students, faculty and community members danced the “Meringue” and learned the “Reek dance.” 

The “Reek dance” started with a slow beat, but then the beat got faster and faster. By the end of the song, people were stepping on each other’s feet. 

“Capoeira” was one of the last events at the party. “Capoeira” was initiated by slaves in Brazil as self defense against their masters. It was turned into a dance so the masters wouldn’t find that the slaves were trying to fight them. 

People formed a circle to watch and listen to a wonderful arrangement of sight and sound. 

The party came to an end with students dancing to American disco. 

The International Jam is a major event organized by the International Friendship Association (IFA). 
 
It’s an ethnic celebration which brings international and non-international students, faculty and community members together. 

Eighteen-year-old sophomore Mirian Candido, a member of IFA for three semesters, said that the party teaches cultural elements through food and music. 

“This is an opportunity for people to learn something new from others of different ethnic backgrounds. It is important today to open up and be receptive to new habits,” Candido said. 

IFA members aren’t all international students. Many American students participate in this organization. 

It’s interesting for non-international students to be part of IFA and to learn about a country without having to be there. 

“I love to watch the different ways people from different nations act and react according to various situations. A person from Costa Rica, for example, has their own way to deal with a problem. That is not the same way a person from Kenya would,” Candido said. 

Club Council sponsored the International Jam this year, with additional help from Wal-mart and Lowes hardware. Community members and local restaurants also contributed to the event. 

Students interested in a multicultural, international experience don’t have to wait until the next International Jam. 

There are other activities students may participate in. For more information, contact the IFA in I.G. Greer.