Festival of Nations' diverse lineup of artists to welcome growing immigrant groups

Music, food and art from nearly 100 countries will be represented at the International Institute of St. Louis Festival of Nations event this weekend at Tower Grove Park.

The festival will feature performances from award-winning artists from around the world, including Indian singer Ricky Kej, Dominican rapper MelyMel and South African singer Nomcebo Zikode. Festivalgoers can also vibe to St. Louis rapper Mvstermind.

Institute officials say the festival lineup reflects some of the region's fastest-growing communities, said International Institute of St. Louis President Arrey Obenson said.

“We are trying to bring out those populations that are here, by giving them an opportunity to be part of the festival, to feel included, to feel welcome and to feel at home,” he said.

Besides international musicians, the festival will feature cultural groups from the St. Louis region, among them the St. Louis Flamenco Society and the St. Louis Modern Chinese School.

Festivalgoers also will find familiar foods, cultural dances and wellness activities.

New immigrants have a sense of pride in their countries, but now that they are residents they also want to make St. Louis home, and seeing their culture represented in St. Louis helps, Obenson said.