The art of kumidaiko—ensemble drumming with the taiko, a traditional Japanese drum—was developed in post-World War II Japan in the 1950’s.  Kumidaiko came to America in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, entering through the Japanese American communities of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose. Hiroyuki “Jimi” Nakagawa has…
Carnatic music is an ancient tradition of South Indian classical music that dates back for centuries.  It is a complex system of music that requires both artistic and technical improvisation.  The genre is comprised of raga, the melodic formulae, and tala, the rhythmic cycle.  The violin is an integral part…
Hawaiian hula is an indigenous dance form accompanied by oli (chant) and mele (song).   The oli and the hula dramatize and accentuate the mele, which carries valuable information: history, genealogy, religion, geography, geology, etc. There are many styles of hula which have been divided into two main categories. Kahiko…
Founded in 1987, Asian Improv aRts’ mission is to produce, present, and document artistic works that represent the Asian American experience.  In pursuing this mission, Asian Improv aRts seeks: 1) to make it possible for artists to create innovative works that are rooted in the diasporic experiences of Asian and…
Cambodian Association of America (CAA) is committed to improving the quality of life in the Long Beach community by providing linguistically and culturally appropriate social, health, outreach education and employment services to low-income children and families.   CAA, incorporated as a nonprofit in 1975, is the…
Filipino American Arts & Culture Festival (FilAm Fest) is held near the historic Filipino community of San Diego County, located in the Paradise Hills neighborhood of the City of San Diego near Potomac Park. The Festival is held on the first Saturday of October, which coincides…
Intercultural performance and gathering
The Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California is a nonprofit organization serving the Muslim-American and greater Bay Area communities.  ICCNC provides a dynamic space that cultivates an exchange of ideas about Islam through art, culture, and education.  In existence since 1996, ICCNC provides religious services to Bay…
Laga, Indigenous weaving traditions from Kalinga
Khmer arts and culture