“It is one of the most vibrant ways our research comes alive,” said Lora Helou, communications director for the MSU Museum and festival. “(Music, food and arts) are all ways for us to document and present our cultural heritage.”

The festival is a cross-cultural event – musicians and styles from throughout the world will be present, while keeping a focus on the Midwest. The Taste of Traditions Food Court will feature both regional and ethnic foods and “Carriers of Culture: Living Native Basket Traditions,” an affiliate of the Smithsonian, also will be on display.

The festival is expected to bring more than 90,000 people to East Lansing throughout the weekend. Helou said it has a “a statewide audience.”

Musical lineups will feature styles that reflect travels across the globe. Several Latin, traditional African, black and European-themed performances will play at least twice during the course of the weekend.

“I look forward to meeting people from all the other orchestras,” said Bob Sestili, of the Gipsy Stringz. “I want to meet others, associate with other groups. Sometimes we even have the opportunity of jamming with the other groups.”

Each year, more and more students attend because of the growing numbers of “young and up-and-coming musicians who can connect with MSU students,” Helou said.

Eric Noltkamper, one of the performing musicians, who plays Slovenian-style polka, said it will be good to introduce his music to a younger audience.

“(The festival) has had polka bands since it started,” Noltkamper said, adding that they generally have good reception. “I’m looking forward to being able to bring my music to a different audience, to the general public.”

Sestili echoed these sentiments – his band plays a vibrant, dance style of music that might be heard at an ethnic wedding or party. He believes his music will fit with the festival’s theme.

Helou said there is no target audience, and although the festival started as an outreach event from the MSU Museum, it since has branched to the city and now attracts people throughout the state.

The “Carriers of Culture” exhibit will be the debut of the joint MSU Museum-Smithsonian project in Michigan. The program will be open noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The show will demonstrate different basketry techniques and a variety of materials used to make them.

“It’s more than a performance or a show,” Helou said. “(The goal) is to produce an event that has a sense of learning and appreciation.”