The Brazilian dance and music culture group Fogo Na Roupa (Clothes on Fire) of San Francisco will perform at the second annual Chicano Alumni Scholarship Banquet, Carnaval 2006, on Friday, April 28, at California State University, Fresno.

The event in the Satellite Student Union begins at 6 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres, no-host cocktails and a silent auction that includes distinctive artwork by local artists. The evening’s culinary centerpiece will be Brazilian-style marinated tenderloin with chile lime sauce. A vegetarian option will be available.

Fogo Na Roupa performs at 7:45 p.m. followed by dancing from 9 p.m. until midnight with a DJ playing salsa, merengue, cumbias and more.

Tickets cost $100 per person. Proceeds will benefit the Chicano Alumni Scholarship and establishment of an endowment fund to assist Fresno State Chicano students continue and complete their education.

The Chicano Alumni Scholarship will recognize students who have excelled academically while making a difference in their community, said Manuel Olgin, president of the Chicano Alumni, a chapter of the Fresno State Alumni Association. Financial need also is considered.

Olg in said the banquet is the chapter’s signature annual event. Last year, the internationally acclaimed Los Mora Arriaga of Miami helped establish a commitment to bring in a major entertainment act every year and incorporate a corresponding cultural theme. Olgin said that Fogo Na Roupa “is symbolic of the hot energy generated by their innovative rhythms and infectious dance moves,” drawing on African, Latin and Caribbean influences.

Major sponsors are Budweiser and California State University, Fresno Office of the President.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact banquet chair Frances Pena-Olgin at 559.278.2048 or email frances_pena@csufresno.edu. Traditional Carnaval attire is encouraged, Olgin said.

BACKGROUND — Chicano Alumni Chapter of Fresno State

Since 1976, the Chicano Alumni Chapter has played a vital role in representing the interests of Chicano alumni and is the primary vehicle for continued service and access to the university after graduation. The chapter raises funds for scholarships and coordinates events to benefit students, Valley businesses and the community. The organization founded the Chicano Commencement Celebration that has become the Latino Commencement Celebration hosted by the College of Social Sciences in the Save Mart Center. Fogo Na Roupa: http://www.gofogo.com/

Chicano Alumni: http://www.chicanoalumni.com/

Fresno State Alumni Association: http://www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/CAF/cpages/ittNt