“Are You Down” for a special week and a special night, all about Asian Pacific culture? “Are You Down?” is the theme — and the organizers are hoping you are.
Four days of programming will lead up to Asian Pacific Culture Night, a showcase of performances by Asian Pacific Islander student organizations and community groups — plus the headliner, Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Nozuka, who is half Japanese.
Here are some highlights of the week:
• Eclipse Rising — Representatives of this U.S.-based organization will introduce the identities and historical backgrounds of Zainichi Koreans, or ethnic Koreans in Japan, and discuss the relationships of social justice issues in Korea, Japan and the United States. The Eclipse Rising website describes the organization’s founding in 2008 “to recognize and celebrate the rich and unique history of Koreans in Japan, promote Zainichi community development, peace and reunification, and work for social justice for all minorities in Japan.” 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, MU II, Memorial Union.
• Off the Presses — The Asian Pacific Islander experience, as portrayed by the ϲϿ Davis community in artistic form (the organizers asked for poetry, paintings, photos, and audio and visual recordings). Gallery viewing, 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, MU II. (Later, selected works will be displayed in the Cross Cultural Center's Asian Pacific Islander Theme Room.)
• Fact vs. Fiction: Differentiating Between the Two in Asian American Families — Tired of the stereotypes about “whiz kids” and “tiger mothers”? The Multi-Cultural Immersion Program offers this program: a space and dialogue to acknowledge that the truth is different from the stereotypes of APIA families. 6-8 p.m. Thursday, MU II.
• Southeast Asian Community Concert — A space for SEA community members and the larger community to gather as one, and showcase different SEA experiences. Featured SEA artists will express their feelings, thoughts,and stories through various art forms, including spoken word, singing, dancing and painting. 8-10 p.m. Thursday, Technocultural Studies Building (Art Annex).
• Asian Pacific Culture Night — Friday in Freeborn Hall, with the doors set to open at 6:30 and the show starting at 7. Admission: $10 in advance, with tickets available at the Freeborn Hall box office and , or $15 at the door.
Asian Pacific Culture Week is a program of the Cross Cultural Center, sponsored by the ASϲϿD, Student Affairs and the Office of Campus Community Relations and its Building a More Inclusive Community initiative.
The rest of the spring schedule of cultural events (click on the links for more information):
• , May 2-6
• , May 9-14, and , May 14
• , May 16-20, and , May 21
And, speaking of culture at ϲϿ Davis, here are some other dates you may want to note on your calendar:
• , April 16
• , May 6-8
Media Resources
Dave Jones, Dateline, 530-752-6556, dljones@ucdavis.edu