Unifest 2008 Brings Diversity To The Forefront Of The Scenic City

The scenic city goes global this weekend as Chattanooga plays host to the first annual Unifest. Organizer Larina Poe let us in on the events mission,

" It's an opportunity for the attendees to experience a multitude of music, culture, dance, and knowledge."

Unifest will celebrate the rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds that make up the Scenic City and learn that there are influences from all around the globe right here in the Tennessee Valley.

This event promises something for everyone with every thing from fashion shows and makeovers... Native American Dance... to finding ways to keep our community safe.

" There are going to be crime prevention presentations by the Hamilton County Police department. Fire safety presentations by the Hamilton County Fire department. The National guard is bringing in a drug awareness trailer"-Larina Poe

But the Unifest isn't all just seminars and vendors... did we mention there are Twenty Six acts from all over the nation performing live all throughout the day.

With national acts like Five Star Iris.

And local rock powerhouse Up with the Joneses.

Along with another veteran of the chattanooga music scene, country singer songwriter Chad Yates.

Chad stopped by WDEF to give us a preview of what's to come from his performance at Unifest this weekend.

Chad draws his country roots from the likes of Roger Allan Wade and George straight.

But don't be fooled this Chattanooga local has the tools to put on a performance you won't want to miss.

 " I try do a mixture of um..we try to keep some traditional country, and then some more main stream stuff that we do just for the popularity of it. I like for my live show to be really energetic, and really keep the people's attention..real High energy it's been called crazy a time or two but I don't know if I endorse it or not."-Chad Yates

Crazy or not Chad Yates has the makings of singer songwriter that will be heard far beyond the boundaries of Chattanooga.

That is evident in his emotion invoking sound.

Yates along with a host of other artists in genres ranging from Hip Hop and R& B to rock and folk can be heard all under one roof this Saturday in the Chattanooga convention center running from 11:30 to 7:30.

Don't miss what promises to become a truly powerful event and celebrate the diversity that is Chattanooga.