Amerasia Week 2006 will observe its 36th year when the six-day cultural festival unfolds at California State University, Fresno March 6 through 11.

Presented by the Fresno State student organization Amerasia, the celebration each night showcases a different Asian culture that is part of the Fresno community.

All events during Amerasia Week will be held at 7 p.m. in the Satellite Student Union located on Maple Avenue south of Barstow Avenue. Admission is free and open to the public.

The goal is to preserve Asian cultures for newer generations and promote Asian culture to both Asian and non-Asian community, said Kong Vang, former Amerasia Week coordinator.

“Asian culture is more than martial arts and Chinese food. The cultural make up in Asia is varied and diverse, just like the Asian community here in Fresno,” he said, adding that the celebration is a testament of Fresno’s cultural diversity.

“Amerasia Week is also an opportunity for students and community members to join together in celebration of diversity in Asian cultures,” Vang said.

This year, Hmong, Japanese, Filipino, and Cambodia cultures, among others, will be shared during Amerasia Week.

For more information, contact Dr. Franklin Ng, Fresno State anthropology professor and Amerasia Organization adviser, at 559.278.3002.

(Copy by University Communications student-intern Megan Jacobsen.)

Amerasia Week 2006 2006

Monday, March 6

Phillipine Culture Night Featuring Nu-Origin

Filipino Culture Night will feature Nu-Origin Dance Crew, a dance group that has performed nationwide as well as opened up and shared stages with artists such as the Black Eyed Peas, Macy Gray and others. Dance performances range from freestyle, hip-hop, funk, jazz to house.

Tuesday, March 7

Talent Showcase Night

The Talent Showcase Night is open to the public to perform any talent ranging from dances, performances by local bands and more. The program for this night is based on a first-come first-served basis.

Wednesday, March 8

Hosted by Southeast Asian Teachers Association

The Southeast Asian Teachers’ Association has planned a night full of various performances ranging from dances to songs and slideshows.

Thursday, March 9

Hmong Culture Night

The Hmong culture night is an evening filled with various enchanting performances, with a mixture of skits, dances and traditional courting singing.

Friday, March 10

Japanese Student Association Night

The Japanese Student Association has worked long and hard to bring this night filled with different musical performances from the Japanese culture.

Saturday, March 11

Amerasia Festival Night

The grand Amerasia Festival Night will consist of colorful, diversified performances, contributed by student organizations from Fresno State and the community. Among the performers scheduled are Fresno Gumyo Taiko Drummers, Tai-Chi Dancers, Chinese Lion Dance, Polynesian Club, Fashion Show, and Japanese Dance.

(Events listed in the agenda are subject to change). All events are open to the public with limited seating per evening.

Admission is FREE. Relaxed parking will be available.