Roving Reporter: Cultural Rhythms 2015

For 30 years, the Harvard Foundation has been inviting artists to preside over Cultural Rhythms, a series of student performances celebrating the diversity of Harvard’s student body. To honor her work in television, film, and philanthropy, Cultural Rhythms named Eva Longoria its 2015 Artist of the Year. Although a sudden blizzard cut Longoria’s visit short, the atmosphere inside Sanders Theater on Feb. 21 proved so warm and welcoming that several gracious people were willing to answer this Roving Reporter’s questions.

Robert Rush ’18, audience member

Roving Reporter: Suppose I say to you: I don’t think Eva Longoria is all that attractive. Am I (a) blind or (b) lying?

Robert: I would say (c), you’re lying to yourself. She’s a very beautiful woman. But [it’s] more than her…looks[.] I think that when you’ve accomplished so much, especially…in positions where you’re not really represented [or] usually marginalized—for her to have the influence that she’s had in terms of TV and philanthropy, and [to be] a spokesperson for not only her race but for where she came from…shows a deeper level of beauty.

Abdurezak Shemsu ’18, audience member

RR: Who should be next year’s Artist of the Year?

Abdurezak: A lot of names pop up, but I don’t know what would make them Artist of the Year.

RR: Maybe they just pull names out of a hat?

Abdurezak: They pull names out of a hat? Kevin Hart.

Nworah B. Ayogu ’10, Adams House resident tutor, audience member

RR: Have you been to Cultural Rhythms before?

Nworah: I have—I think six times? Seven.

RR: What’s different this time?

Nworah: The groups are…amazing every year, but there’s just a slightly higher level of energy.… I think even within the groups, they’re that much more diverse. [Mariachi Veritas] was amazing, [like] that [soloist] from Kentucky who switches from Spanish to his thick Kentucky accent in a couple minutes.

RR: A lot of people came to see their friends perform. Did you know anyone up there?

Nworah: I actually have a bunch of my students from Adams House whom I’ve seen in different acts. I’m there cheering for them, screaming my head off and being extremely proud and really amazed at just how talented they all are.

Devika P. Gupta, parent, audience member

RR: Why did you decide to come to Cultural Rhythms?

Devika: My daughter’s one of the organizers. But I also wanted to come because it’s just so representative of diversity, and that’s awesome.

RR: What’s your favorite thing you’ve seen so far?

Devika: I loved the hip-hop. Then I saw the mariachi band. Especially when you see children from different cultures performing the art of another culture, my heart is overcome. It’s incredible.

Amanda P. Flores ’18, audience member

RR: Who should be the 2016 Artist of the Year?

Amanda: Salvador Dali.

Ciara L. Adkins ’16, performer, KeyChange

RR: So it’s snowing outside, howling winds, zero degrees–part of you must have wanted to camp out in your room instead of going to practice.

Ciara: It’s cold and everything, but then I tell myself what great friends I’ve made and how much I enjoy the music.… I would never stay in my room versus hang out with KeyChange.

Thomas R. Lively ’18, performer, Taekwondo Club

RR: Do you ever look out at the audience and think, “Wow, how many people would be watching if I tripped and fell right now?”

Thomas: Yeah, about three hours before the show I start thinking about that, and I never stop.

Govind S. Bindra ’18, performer, Bhangra

RR: Do you guys rehearse with the other acts?

Govind: Bhangra rehearses only with the other Bhangra members. It’s kind of hard to coordinate with the other groups…as much as we would love to do that.

RR: How frustrated are you that Ms. Longoria got Artist of the Year instead of you?

Govind: You know, I’m going to have to give it to Ms. Longoria. She’s an amazing human being. I think she definitely deserved it, with her work and humanitarian efforts. I’ll give it to her this time.