BEND, OR -- COCC is closing out the academic year with a first of its kind Cross-Cultural Celebration this Sunday. It’s a free evening of Spanish guitar, spoken-word poetry, operetta and other acts by COCC and local high school students.
Program coordinator Marcus LeGrand tells KBND News the event grew from a talent showcase held in February, “Many of the students in the audience said we’ve got to do this again, Mr. LeGrand. So, I said ‘great’. So then, all the students who didn’t perform then all jumped in and now are ready. So, I think this is going to be a tremendous event for us to get this started. Joy is the keyword. These students are outstanding performers, wordsmiths…just great entertainers. They’re learning how to re-engage with the world and just want to see what gives them joy.”
In additions to the students, there are headlining performances from California-based spoken-word artists Micah Bournes and jenna.
There will also be a display of the COCC Student Art Exhibition.
LeGrand says it’s a special way to finish the end of the academic year, "I think students need to show they have other passions and things that give them the ability to navigate the world. Find peace, be able to heal, find some solitude. I think it’s important because students need to have those outlets.”
The Cross-Cultural Celebration is from 5 to 7 PM Sunday at the Pinckney Center for the Performing Arts, in Pence Hall on the Bend campus.
