MULTIMEDIA ENSEMBLE: Here is a different kind of ensemble: the Multimedia Ensemble.

Director Sam Nichols, Department of Music lecturer, described the group's stock in trade as "mostly music, but also interactive scrap metal, galvanic skin response sensors, improvisation, laptops and a little bit of video."

The ensemble's end-of-the-academic year showcase is set for 7 p.m. May 30 in the lobby of the Technocultural Studies Building. Admission is free.

FESTIVAL LATINOAMERICANO: The fifth Festival Latinoamericano en Davis, a benefit for needy Latin American children, is scheduled from 2 to 7 p.m. May 31 at International House, 10 College Park, Davis.

Organizers said the event will focus on Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. The program includes a cultural show, dance and music workshops, children's activities, film, food, cooking classes, beverages and crafts.

Co-sponsors are the nonprofit organizations ArgenDavis, Brazil in Davis, ChileCAD and the UEPAGE Foundation (Colombia), along with UC Davis' Hemispheric Institute on the Americas and these UC Davis student associations: Colombianistas, Student Programs and Activities Center, Club Latino and Asociación para el Desarrollo de la Cultura Latinoamericana.

Admission is free, though donations are suggested: $15 general admission and $10 students. Space is limited; therefore, organizers recommend advance ticket purchase, by telephone, (530) 750-7966, or online, www.festivalendavis.org.

Organizers said proceeds support nonprofit organizations that foster nutrition, education and family protection.

EMPYREAN ENSEMBLE: UC Davis' Empyrean Ensemble is taking on new works by graduate students and the winners of a Sacramento competition.

June 2 -- Graduate Composers Concert, with works by Ching-Yi Wang, Sue-Hye Kim, An Tan and Davide Verotta, and the world premiere of a new work by UC Davis alumnus Eric Sawyer. 8 p.m., Studio Theatre, Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Preconcert talk, 7 p.m., "Demystifying the Music." Tickets are available through the Mondavi Center box office: (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or www.mondaviarts.org.

June 6 -- New Jazz and Progressive Music Series at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Sacramento, featuring works by the winners of the first St. Paul's Music Composition Competition: David Lipten, Works for Piano, to be performed by Michael Orland of the Empyrean Ensemble; and Leanna Primiani, Paraklesis, to be performed by women's chorus Vox Musica. Empyrean's program also includes Sounds of the Forest, for violin and piano, by Sofia Gubaidulina. 8 p.m. Free; donations welcome. The church is at 1430 J St.

FILM FESTIVAL JUNE 4-5: The eighth annual UC Davis Film Festival is set for June 4 and 5 at the Varsity Theatre, 616 Second St., Davis. Showtime is 7 p.m. both days; admission is $5, with tickets available only at the door.

The festival is being presented by the Varsity Theatre in association with Department of Theatre and Dance and the Technocultural Studies Program.