Midwest World Fest brings Ilays to Grand Valley

On Wednesday, November 8, the GVSU Arts at Noon Series presents Ilays, Somali multicultural artists, of the Midwest World Fest. "Ilays" is a Somali word for "light." The ensemble includes seven musicians and dancers, while most Somali artists typically perform solo or with one additional person at most.

Midwest World Fest is a global arts and education and outreach performing arts program designed to provide inspiring arts enrichment while it instills appreciation for diversity and encourages acceptance of others and their culture.

Illays shares its Somali culture in an energetic program of music, poetry, dance and stories drawing from traditional as well as more contemporary Somali culture. Their free performance is at noon in the Cook-DeWitt Center, Allendale Campus. For more information call the Department of Music at (616) 331-3484.