We are rounding out our Texas events with the 5th annual Plano Asian American Heritage Festival taking place at Haggard Park in Downtown Plano from 11 am to 5 pm. Activities will include demonstrations of Asian culture including Chinese calligraphy, Asian painting, traditional dances, fashion shows, musical instruments and other cultural arts. Talented artists from the local Asian community will showcase their culture and heritage to the public. This event celebrates the diverse artistic and cultural experiences of Asian-Americans. ASIAFEST ‘08 is about understanding the different spices that make up the wonderful American Melting Pot. ASIAFEST ‘08 is supported by the City of Plano, the Mayor, City Council, and their sponsors.

Dallas Asian American Youth Orchestra (DAAYO), a 35 piece string orchestra, will be performing classical music at AsiaFest. Here’s a concert performance by DAAYO a few months ago:

The 18th Annual Asian Festival in Dallas is the largest celebration of Asian culture in Texas, attracting over 15,000 visitors a year. This fun, colorful and festive event will unite Asian cultures while creating a diverse marketplace featuring native arts & crafts, music, dance, food, martial arts and children’s activities. Unique cuisine from Indonesia, Korea, China, India, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines and other countries will be sold by independent vendors. As many as 17 different Asian cultures as well as communities will be represented in the festival. The children’s area, Passport to Asia for Kids, will provide activities culturally relevant to the traditions of the arts of Asia such as origami, face painting, henna painting, jewelry making, and many more. Organized by the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce.

Event date: Saturday, May 3, 2008

Location: Dallas City Hall Plaza

1500 Marilla Street

Dallas, TX, 75201

Time: 11:00am -5:00pm

This event is partial sponsored by the Crow Collection of Asian Art:

In another part of Houston, they have the 8th Annual Dragon Boat Festival going on. Over 30 teams racing throughout the day with colorful entertainment, educational cultural booths, delicious cuisine, and fun games for kids and adults alike. The festival continues its 8th year paddling at the birthplace of Houston – Allen’s Landing in downtown.

8th Annual Dragon Boat Festival

Saturday, May 3, 2008

9:00am – 4:30pm

Allen’s Landing – Downtown Houston

Here’s what to expect in the thrilling sport of dragon boat racing in Houston Texas with a 2006 clip:

We can hear the banging of the dragon boat drums already.

Join the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA) and over 5000 annual attendees at the Asian/Pacific Heritage Festival this May 3 at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park in Houston, TX!

In addition to the vibrant array of cultural performances, vendors, and booths highlighting the ethnic Asian/Pacific American diversity of Greater Houston that APAHA is known for, this year’s festival will feature headlining performances by:

– JUNOON: South Asia’s biggest rock bad, Junoon has sold over 25 million albums worldwide. Founded in 1990 by Salman Ahmad, a doctor by training and a rock musician by profession, Junoon was the first rock band invited to perform at the United Nations General Assembly. Prior to forming Junoon, Ahmad performed with one of Pakistan’s first pop bands, Vital Signs; and now serves as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador on HIV/AIDS.

– Lirio Vital: Internationally renowned Filipina stage, recording, and concert star and Aliw Award Winner (Best Female Vocal Performer)

– Bao Han: Celebrated Vietnamese pop star with “Lien Khuc Paris By Night” (Thuy Nga Productions)

Watch Junoon’s music video Bulleya:

Here’s perfomance the Bao Han din in Seattle eariler this year:

Have fun out in Houston, TX!!!

Come and join the celebration of National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at AsiaFest Austin 2008 on May 3, 2008 with fun, food and entertainment. AsiaFest Austin 2008, hosted by the Network of Asian American Organizations (NAAO) with the support of City of Austin, Austin Parks & Recreation Department, and Capital Metro, is part of the National Asian Pacific American Heritage month.

The event will be held from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm at the future home of Austin Asian American Resource Center at 8401, Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78754. Admission to Asia Fest Austin 2008 is FREE.

AsiaFest Austin 2008 will have a number of activities, including:

Cultural Activities – Live music, dance and cultural performances, and a mini Asian Film Festival showcasing a variety of Asian cultures.

Educational Activities – Workshops and instruction on Asian arts & crafts (face painting, henna, origami, etc.); and basic Asian language skills (learn 20 common words and phrases).

Children’s Activities – Sudoku contests; games; and Reading corner.

Food – Pan-Asian Cuisine featuring traditional Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian dishes.

Movies at the mini film-fest include Michael Kang’s wry teen comedy “The Motel,” the local premiere of Derek Shimoda’s “Killing of a Chinese Cookie” and Juli Kang’s musical “Damn the Past!” The film portion is sponsored by the Austin Asian American Film Foundation, which is hosting the Austin Asian America Film Festival in the fall.

Watch the trailer for “The Motel”