By Lookout Staff

March 7, 2012 -- Santa Monica's 6th Annual Unity Resource Festival will celebrate the beachside city's diverse cultures Sunday through music, dance and culinary arts.

The festival -- presented by the City, Santa Monica College and the Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council -- will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park.  

This year’s festival -- with the theme "A Cultural Infusion" -- will also highlight information on city, business, and non-profit agencies that "strengthen the community with supportive resources," festival officials said.

Throughout the day there will be free entertainment, including live dance music by the The Bonedaddys, known as the “gotta dance band” for its infectious world-beat, blues and zydeco beats, and Very Be Careful, which showcases Columbian vallenato and cumbia.

There also will be a multi-media theatrical presentation by actor Gerald Rivers and MOA dance, featuring jazz saxophonist Cal Bennett. The show will riff on the theme of “unity” as expressed by Dr, Martin Luther King. Teen poet and hip-hop artist Miles McAliley will also perform.

In addition, the annual “Unity Awards” will be given to an outstanding individual, community organization and faith based group for "making a difference in the quality of life in Santa Monica through activities that promote diversity in cultural education and cultural awareness," according to festival officials.

Free bike valet services will be provided and gourmet food trucks will be on hand.

For the latest entertainment and event updates, visit Virginia Avenue Park’s website at www.vapark.smgov.net or call (310) 458-8688.   Virginia Avenue Park is located at 2200 Virginia Avenue. The park is wheelchair accessible.