Alverno Presents Global Union 2014

Summer may be gone, but Milwaukee’s autumn festival season is just getting underway. Bundled up in hoodies and sweatshirts, Milwaukee came out to celebrate the 9th annual Global Union, presented by Alverno College. This free event presented an eclectic mix of music, art, and food from all around the world.

Family and friends (two and four-legged alike) sprawled out on blankets, blissfully soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of Global Union 2014. Picnic baskets and bottles of wine brought from home were popular with the concert goers, but with many choices in Spanish, African and Caribbean cuisine, there were plenty of tasty options at this year’s festival.  Four Corners of The World Fair Trade Milwaukee was popular with the crowds, selling beautifully handcrafted eco-friendly products. There was plenty for the kids to see and do as well, when they weren’t busy dancing with the adults front and center stage.  Express Yourself Milwaukee’s tent offered imaginative crafts and games for all ages. There was also a moped riding dog, balloon animals and educational play areas to keep the kiddos busy.

This year’s lineup kicked off with Brazilian Electronica La Yegros and Chinese-Appalachian-Indie-Folk-Rock trio Wu force, where folk banjo delightfully meets Chinese zither in perfect harmony.  The crowd couldn’t help but spring to their feet and dance to the uncontested diva of calypso Calypso Rose who was joined by reggae inspired Caribbean/Canadian band Kobo Town. Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars closed out the evening’s festivities with their uplifting, inspiring, highly energetic songs of hope.

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