You can learn more about our international community — and enjoy the tastes of many nations — during the 34th Annual Friendship International Banquet, set for 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, in the Multipurpose Room.

Sponsored by the International Student Affairs Office and the International Community Hospitality Association, the potluck dinner celebrates ethnic diversity on campus and in the community.

“One of the purposes of ICHA is to encourage the development of relationships among international students and members of the university and community, and the annual banquet is one of the ways the organization does that,” says Brian Mylrea, director of International Student Affairs.

The organization is made up of community volunteers interested in the welfare of international students. It represents professions such as university faculty, lawyers, doctors, biologists, engineers, bankers, business people and homemakers.

“They bring a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience to ICHA,” Mylrea says.

At this year’s banquet, Cameron Powers and Kristina Sophia will present “Baghdad and Beyond: Building Bridges with Music," focusing on recent musical ambassador work they’ve completed in Iraq, Jordan, the West Bank, Egypt and Syria. The two have performed popular Arabian songs with people in the streets, public places and homes in those areas.

Powers and Sophia have scheduled two other local appearances for Friday, Feb. 20 — one at 11 a.m. in Wattenbarger Auditorium and the other at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 20 N. Dixie Ave. For more information, visit www.musicalmissions.com.

“The banquet is open to anyone interested in learning more about what TTU’s host family association has to offer,” says Mylrea.

Each guest is asked to bring a dish to serve about 12. Beverages and paper products will be provided. No reservations required; just show up with a dish, say organizers.

For more information, call International Student Affairs at 3634.