Asian Arts and Culture Festival
Asian Heritage Month 2003 Finale

May 31, 11 a.m. 9 p.m.

Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto City Hall

Info: 416-631-4128

On May 31, Toronto City Hall comes to vibrant life with a festival showcasing the arts, entertainment, food, culture and heritage of the many Asian cultures being celebrated during the Asian Heritage Month. This day-long festival will be free to the public and packed with entertainment.

At the Asian Arts & Culture Festival, festivities and showcases will transform Nathan Phillips Square to create an atmosphere of an Asian journey. Attendees will be treated to a kaleidoscope of traditional folk dances from India, Japan, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Burma, Sri Lanka, Korea, Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan and other Asian cultures. There will also be music including thundering rhythms of Japanese taiko drummers, the textured sounds of the uniquely shaped Korean konggo drums as well as DJs and the beats of Bhangra. In accordance with the Asian good luck tradition, the Chinese lion dance will usher in the festivities.

The Festival will also be an opportunity for people to learn first hand about Thai kick boxing, judo, kung fu and other forms of Asian martial arts. Revelers will also be treated to a selection of Asian culinary delicacies from Tibet, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Philippines and of course the more famous Thai, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine -- all in one place.

A variety of booths will feature Asians arts and crafts, fashion, product displays, historical and tourist attractions of participating countries. A fashion show and the music, dance, and drum performances will take place at the outdoor main stage while other presentations will be seen at a smaller indoor stage.

Presented by the Canadian Multicultural Council, Asian in Ontario, an umbrella organization of 23 Asian Canadian associations representing 16 countries, this multi-disciplinary arts and culture festival will showcase the rich Asian arts and culture, which, over the years, has contributed to the development of our diverse Canadian heritage. In the spirit of Asian Heritage Month, this festival offers all Canadians an opportunity to learn more about the history of Asian Canadians and a chance to see and participate in the Asian culture and arts that are the heritage of so many Canadians.

For information, the public can call the Toronto Asian Heritage Month Info Line, at 416-631-4128.

Reception:
11:00am–12:00pm Indoor Stage

Reception featuring a Solo instrumentalist [Wen Zhao] to entertain distinguished guest and dignitaries.

Opening segment:
12:00 noon–12:45 pm Grounds and Outdoor Stage

Lion Dance presentation from Chinese Kung Fu Institute of Canada and a Parade of Nations converging to form the Canadian Multicultural Circle.

World championship appearances and well known for promoting skills of lion dance and martial arts.

The Chinese consider the lion dance to be a vehicle for dispensing all the good blessings of heaven to the whole community. It is done not only during the New Year's celebration but also on auspicious occasions such as Asian Heritage Festival, and represents the hopes and aspirations of CMC.

Assembly of CMC Parade featuring all of the Asian communities participating as well as the Canadian & Aboriginal representations. The Lion Dance presentation from Chinese Kung Fu Institute of Canada will start the parade. Delegates and dignitaries will be led by the Lion dancers to main stage and be seated.

Collectively the parade will converge into the formation of a circle symbolic of the Canadian Multicultural logo.

Emcee Caroline Jeba will take over and introduce guest and short speeches.

Chi Ping Dance Group
1:00–1:20 pm Outdoor Stage

An award winning dance group that has performed and competed internationally and has been involved in many multicultural events and fundraising initiatives within our own community.

Martial Arts demo — Chinese Kung Fu Institute of Canada
1:20–1:50 pm Plaza Grounds

Korean Hanmam Dances'
1:50–2:10 pm Outdoor Stage

Main presentation components are Flower crown, Puppets, and Fan dances. Presented by Korean Canadian Association with the participation of the children and adults from St. Andrew Kim Catholic Church.

Korean “Jeng Yi” Drum ensemble
2:10–2:30 pm Outdoor Stage

An exciting amalgamation of shaman and folk traditions. They have recently performed at the CanAsian Dance festival. Artistic directorship from Chul-Hwa Hong.

LAO Association of Ontario —
2:15–2:35 pm Indoor Stage

Greeting Dance — 6 minutes — A traditional dance that signifies a greeting with glad tidings during special celebrations.

Emcee: LAO President Thongsouk Vongphakdy / 1 musical presentation (flute) simple instrument mic with stand.

Payal Dance School
2:35–3:00 pm Outdoor Stage

Indian musical pageant and a classical dance in Kathak style. Performed in over 300 stage and TV shows in Ontario and British Columbia. The only institution of its kind in Ontario where traditional and contemporary Indian dance forms are taught.

Pakistani Dance
3:00–3:20 pm Indoor Stage

Martial Arts demo — Thai Kickboxing
3:15–3:45 pm Plaza Grounds

Thai Dance
3:40–4:00 pm Indoor Stage

Folklorico Filipino Dance —
3:35–3:55 pm Outdoor Stage

A truly theatrical approach has earned this dance company accolades and brought audiences all over the world to their feet with their dazzling performances.

TCPC — Tibet Dance
3:55–4:15 pm — Indoor Stage

Bukkyo Kai Buyo Japanese Dance
4:15–4:35 pm Outdoor Stage

The Bukkyo-kai Buyo Group is based at the Toronto Buddhist Church and is taught by Kozakura-Sensui. Our members range in age from 9 years in age to seniors. We enjoy learning, sharing and promoting Japanese culture through dance. The group has performed at many venues in the greater Toronto area and Southern Ontario. Although most of our dances are in the Shin-buyo or contemporary style, our dance repertoire ranges from classical to folk to modern.

Japanese Yakudo Drums
4:35–5:00 pm Outdoor Stage

Vietnamese Performances
4:55–5:15 pm Indoor Stage

Sri Lankan Performances
5:15–5:35 pm Outdoor Stage

Martial Arts demo — Sri Lanka's Karate-do-Kenseikan
5:35–5:55 pm Plaza Grounds

Punjabi Bhangra Music
5:55–6:15 pm Outdoor Stage

The origins of Bhangra are embedded in the soils of the Northern state of India, known as “Punjab.” It is believed that Bhangra existed in some form or another in the 14th/15th century, when farmers would celebrate the months of hard work, they would perform Bhangra — dancing and singing. Traditional Bhangra is danced to the beat of a drum known as a “Dhol,” and the dance is accompanied by “Boliyan” (couplets) which relates to the movement. Bhangra is both colorful and glamorous and its rhythm creates an electrifying atmosphere. It is also part of the urban culture and danced and sung at wedding parties. Recently Bhangra has invaded the pop scene and a new breed of Bhangra can often be heard at dance parties. Its lively music is impossible to ignore.