TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama’s “American Idol” star Ruben Studdard will be a featured guest at the Community Culture Fest on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. The event, sponsored by The University of Alabama Office of Community Affairs and Tuscaloosa Housing Authority, will be held from 2-6 p.m. at McKenzie (Hope VI) Community, 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Tuscaloosa.

The community festival will feature live entertainment, food and games honoring Tuscaloosa’s rich cultural and artistic history.

The festival was created to reflect upon distinct history, practices, beliefs and values, and to promote dialogue between various communities. UA students are encouraged to attend to learn more about Tuscaloosa communities and discover new ways to employ their academic background for the benefit of the community, said Brice Miller, assistant director of UA’s Crossroads Community Center.

In addition to educational programs, cultural dialogue, food and games, local and nationally renowned music acts will take the stage to entertain festival-goers, including Willie King and the Liberators, the Alabama Blues Project with Caroline Shines and Microwave Dave, Eric Essix, Big Red and the Soul Benders, Blues Pawz (children’s educational program), local gospel choirs, steppers and Studdard.

UA’s Crossroads Community Center and the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority have shared the costs associated with booking the live entertainment, event logistics and marketing, allowing the community to attend free of charge. With contributions made by local businesses, free food and drinks will also be provided.

Crossroads Community Center, an initiative of the UA Office Community Affairs, seeks to bring its cultural wealth to the community, along with other University programs to further strengthen ties between the University and extended communities while also serving as a representative for intercultural exchange throughout the Tuscaloosa and West Alabama communities.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.