There’s Something For Everyone at the Second Annual Asian-American Cultural Festival of LI March 29th

Stony Brook, NY – March 12, 2008 – The Second Annual Asian American Cultural Festival of Long Island will be a feast for the senses for all who attend. Held at the beautiful Wang Center at Stony Brook University, the festival will feature a myriad of Asian cultural displays, as well as live performances, films, lectures, workshops, and exhibits. The afternoon program from 1-6pm is free. Children will delight in watching the traditional Chinese Lion Dance performed at 1:30 and 5:15, and participating in workshops including kendo sword fighting, parol-making and basket weaving, origami and paper cutting. There will toy raffle drawings throughout the afternoon and face painting.

The evening program will begin at 6:00 with a stage performance by professional Asian artists. Nai-Ni Chen, the internationally acclaimed cross-cultural contemporary dance company will lead the program. Also appearing will be the University of the Philippines Alumni and Friends Rondalla, presenting folk and contemporary music played on traditional Filipino instruments. Rounding out the program will be a Japanese classical dance presentation and a stirring performance of a “swing beat” played on Taiko drums.

At 7:00 a VIP Taste of Asia Cocktail Party will commence with wines donated by Martha Clara Vineyards and exotic Asian fusion food catered by Empire Szechuan. Guests can take a chance on some of the many raffle prizes featured in the Chinese auction such as a $500 certificate for Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation, gift certificates from restaurants and major merchants, ceramic vases and planters, jewelry and others. A number of individuals have been singled out to receive awards at the program. Long Islanders Edwin Perez, former director of the Suffolk County Office of Minority Affairs and Dr. Richard Hwang, Medical Director of the LI Chapter of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association will be honored for their contribution to the Asian-American community. Mohinder Taneja, Director of Business Development for Nassau County will be honored for fostering Asian-American cultural awareness. Queens Councilman John Liu will receive the award for a politician who fostered Asian-American cultural awareness, and Peter Koo, owner of the chain of Starside Drugs, will accept the award for a corporation that has benefited the Asian-American community. Nassau Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey and Douglas Little, Assistant Chief of Police of Stony Brook University, will be acknowledged as “Friends of the Asian-American Community.” News 12’s Virginia Huie will be the program emcee.

Tickets for the 7:00 program are $20. They can be purchased by referencing the website www.aacfli.com or by calling 631.543.5768. Parking is free in the garage across from the center. For directions to the Wang Center visit www.sunysb.edu/sb/wang/.