World Music Fest returns with 50 performances celebrating art and culture

What was once an annual event has now returned for the first time since 2010, as World Music Fest takes places June 11 at a variety of venues throughout Covington. The mix of live performances, art exhibits, interactive programs and food will be a feast for the senses as festivalgoers immerse themselves in a multitude of different cultural experiences.
 
The all-day, family-friendly event is produced in partnership by Liz Wu and Renaissance Covington. Wu has assisted with marketing and fundraising since the event’s inception in 2007 and since then has taken the reigns for its successful implementation.
 
For Wu, whose cultural background is mixed — her father is from Taiwan and her mother’s ancestry is German, English and Native American — and who has traveled extensively and spent time living abroad, the festival creates an opportunity for people to enrich the lives of others in a way that she says “typically requires a plane ticket.”
 
“Having a chance to travel outside of your home country, especially if you do not speak the language, is enriching, educational and humbling,” Wu says. “The arts are a natural and universal way for people of all walks of life to come together and communicate. So much richness of experience and diversity of the world is present right here on our doorstep — and that is cause to celebrate.”
 
This year’s festival will showcase 50 performances — everything from Brazilian, French and Cajun jazz during brunch to world hip hop performances paired with a documentary screening about break dancing.
 
According to Wu, there is something for everyone to appreciate.
 
“One can orient to some degree by themes,” she says. “Everything is staggered, so a very ambitious person could potentially catch a little of everything.”