The only Chicago public school to be founded by parents, INTER-AMERICAN MAGNET SCHOOL is hosting their first annual spring benefit, NOCHE CULTURAL, on Friday, April 1, 2005 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at 919 West Barry in Chicago.

NOCHE CULTURAL will bring awareness of Latin America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage with an evening of music and dance performances, a food fair and children’s art activities. The event celebrates cultural and artistic diversity while raising much needed funds for the school.

The lineup includes live entertainment from MACHU PICHU (music of the Andes); Afro-Caribbean influenced Jarocho ensemble TARIMA SON (Mexico); dance performances by GROUP TAINO (Puerto Rico); and folkloric troupe TIERRA COLOMBIANA DANCE COMPANY (Colombia). The program starts at 6PM and ends at 8:30 PM.

The event is bilingual, family-friendly and open to the public. Tickets sold at the door, $5 adults, $2 children, free for children under 2. All proceeds will support the school’s mission to promote social, cultural and educational diversity and excellence. Limited parking will be available on the school playground.

Long considered a national model of successful bilingual, multicultural education, Inter-American School serves over 640 multi-ethnic and economically diverse Pre-K through 8th grade students from all over the city.

For more information about the event, or making a donation, contact Glynnis Lessing at (773) 755-4460.