Colorful lights and rhythmic sounds filled the CUB Senior Ballroom Friday night as the Pacific Islanders Club (PIC) performed for the 12th annual Dad’s Weekend Cultural Exhibition Luau.

This year’s Dad’s Weekend came almost a month earlier than last year’s, but despite the date change, the PIC welcomed a nearly-full house to more than two hours of dancing, food, music, and raffles.

PIC President Tanner Nakasone said the turnout pleased him.

“We have beautiful dancers, live entertainment, great food, and it’s an awesome event,” Nakasone said.  

More than 250 guests attended the event and enjoyed island-inspired cuisine, authentic dances and costumes from several Pacific Island cultures.

The luau featured traditions from islands including Hawaii, New Zealand, Tonga, American Samoa, and Fiji.

Karina Concepcion, a member of PIC and a performer at the luau, said she is proud of the work that goes into the luau and what it says about the student group.

“The fact that we’re all doing it ourselves, and we’re not getting any outside help, like we’re all doing it for each other, it shows a lot about how close we are as a group,” Concepcion said.

Nakasone agreed with the closeness of the group.

“Many of our members are Pacific Islander, and we do try to provide a home for them, maybe even if they don’t know a lot about their own heritage,” he said.

A group of tables also showcased tri-fold presentation boards with information about several Pacific islands for visitors to peruse.

“We are always glad to perform and educate the public,” Nakasone said.

Backstage at the event, students helped draw tattoo patterns on some of the dancers. All of the costumes for the various performances were handmade by the dancers and volunteers.

George Castro, one of the faculty advisers for PIC, was impressed by the skill it takes the students to build a luau, from making the costumes to choreographing the dances.

“They do an amazing amount of work, and they happen to keep their grades up, so I think it’s amazing,” Castro said.

Planning for the luau begins in the spring. The students present costuming ideas during the year so when they return to their islands for summer break, they can get authentic materials to create their costumes, he said.

Stephen Bischoff, associate director for Multicultural Student Services, said the spirit of the PIC reflects WSU’s efforts to promote diversity.

“Obviously, culture is so multi-facetted, but I think that things like the exhibition are great opportunities to just come out,” he said.

The dances and events the students put together are all pieces of cultural expression, Bischoff said.

“These events aren’t just geared toward Pacific Islanders,” he said. “This is an event to share Pacific Islander culture.”