If you don't see an event here in the newsletter, be sure to check our Calendar online -- it's updated as we receive announcements. Submit your Asian community event information with a brief description to calendar@cdbf.org .
ONGOING
APDC needs food donations for refugee communities
The APDC is collecting food items donations for refugee clients (especially at their behavioral health clinic) who have been struggling to get by. These clients include people from the Bhutanese and Burmese communities. They have been running out of food for their families and are in HUGE need of food donations. Any items such as rice, oil, ramen noodles, soy sauce, canned fish, canned fruit or vegetables will be extremely helpful for the families. Donations can be dropped off at either APDC office, or, for questions or inquiries, please call either office:
York office - 1825 York St. Denver, CO | 303.393.0304
Elmira Office - 1544 Elmira St. Aurora, CO 80010 | 303.365.2959 x 102
Connecting the Pieces: Dialogues on the Amache Archaeology Collection
When: May 21 - July 20, M-F 9 am-4 pm
Where: DU Museum of Anthropology, Room 102 Sturm Hall, 2000 E. Asbury Ave, Denver CO 80208
Cost: Free
The University of Denver's Museum of Anthropology presents the collaborative work of the DU undergraduate students and community members, Connecting the Pieces: Dialogues on the Amache Archaeology Collection. This exhibit showcases objects found at Camp Amache, the Japanese American internment camp near Granada, Colorado. For more information, contact 303.871.2688 or visit
http://www.du.edu/ahss/schools/anthropology/museum/index.html
The Artwork of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani
When: July 7-20, T-F 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm
Where: VSA Colorado / Access Gallery, 909 Santa Fe Drive, Denver CO 80204
Cost: Free
Born in California in 1920, Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani then moved to Hiroshima, Japan, at the age of four. He later returned to the US during World War II, where he was sent with thousands of other Japanese Americans to an internment camp in California. After the war, Jimmy worked in New York City, but eventually fell into homelessness. This exhibit speaks for Jimmy's journey through these events, as well as his struggle through losing family and friends to Japanese internment camps and the bombing of Hiroshima. Drawing on his training in traditional Japanese brush painting, his works feature one of his favorite subjects-cats-drawn in ballpoint pen and colored pencils. Please contact the Denver Access Gallery at 303.777.0797 for more information.
JUNE
5th Annual Miss Asian American Colorado (AACO) Finale Show
When: Sat. June 16, 6 pm
Where: University of Denver, Sturm Hall, 2000 E. Asbury Ave, Denver CO 80208
Cost: $20 Adult, $15 Student/Seniors 65+, $5 Children 12 & under
AACO and Asian Avenue Magazine present the culmination of the 2012 Miss Asian American Colorado, the Finale Show. After months of service projects, leadership workshops, bonding events, and BBQs, 14 candidates will showcase their talent, leadership, intelligence, and service. Join them in an evening of cultural exchange, confident speeches, and performances including color guard, basketball trick shots, and magic. For more information or ticket purchases, please contact
info@missaaco.com or 303.937.6888, or visit http://www.missaaco.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69&Itemid=63.
"Legend of the Sun" Chinese performance
When: Sat. & Sun. June 16 & 17, 7 pm
Where: Buell Theater, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1101 13th Street, Denver, CO 80204
Cost: $39, $58, $80, and $120
"Legend of the Sun" is a Guangxi Nanning Art Theatre cooperation with national first-class artists performing the Zhuang nationality dance drama, featuring colorful stage sets, beautiful music and talented Chinese performers. The play, adapted from beautiful folklore, organically integrates the cockfighting dance, popular in Guangxi, Hydrangea dance, shoes dance and fireworks dance. The music exudes a cordial and fresh concert-like sound with cheerful tones and strong drums. The unique stage set includes an array of large paintings that reflect the Zhuang ancestors dance. On this visit to the U.S., the 73-person troupe will perform in only three U.S. cities this summer: Chicago, Los Angeles and Denver! Hosted by the Chinese American Post and Confucius Classroom in Denver. Tickets available at
http://ticketswest.rdln.com/Artist.aspx?contentID=16709 . For more info, call 303-934-1773 or e-mail chinesepost@aol.com
Language of the Journey: Through the Eyes of Artists
When: Wed. June 20, 6-8 pm
Where: Tears-McFarlane House, 1290 Williams St. Denver CO 80219
Cost: $20 (food included)
The Asian Pacific Development Center presents their second annual art show and auction fundraiser with hors d'oeuvres, cupcakes, wine, and live Hawaiian music! Through paintings, drawings, photography, crafts and accessories, this year's art focuses on the diversity of people's journeys, as well as the unifying journey of life in which we all take part. Additionally, this event will work to bring awareness to the journey of refugees, and work toward APDC's mission of providing help and support to AAPI refugees. For tickets or more information, visit http://apdc.org/news/art-show-0620/.
Baal Dan Fundraiser @ Wild Ginger Thai Restaurant
When: Thurs. June 21, 5-9 pm
Where: Wild Ginger Thai Restaurant, 399 W. Littleton Blvd, Littleton CO 80120
Cost: 10% of proceeds go towards supporting Baal Dan Charities
Baal Dan works to help orphans, street, and slum children in India with direct, short-term ways, as well as through long-term solutions. Join them for an evening of great Thai food to help fundraise for programs that provide food, education, shelter and medical supplies, and simple field trips for children all across India. For more information about Baal Daan or the event, please visit http://baaldan.com or contact Tanya Pinto at tanya@baaldan.com.
Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Sat. June 23, 11 am-7 pm & Sun. June 24, 11 am-3 pm
Where: Lawrence Street, between 19th and 20th Streets
Cost: Free admission
Come celebrate Japanese culture and heritage at this annual summer festival! Enjoy live entertainment with your friends and family at the outdoor stage, which will be featuring Japanese and Hawaiian dancing, Taiko drumming, martial arts, traditional songs, as well as contemporary fusion music. Head inside the Denver Buddhist Temple for cultural exhibits, demonstrations, arts and crafts vendors, and foods both savory and sweet. If you feel thirsty, quench your thirst with complementary hot green tea, or cool down with cold drinks in the beer garden. Don't miss one of the main features of the festival: the Saturday Obon dance at 7 pm. Everyone is invited to join in the dance, as well as attend practice sessions before the festival! For more festival information, call the Denver Buddhist Temple at 303.295.1844 or visit http://cherryblossomdenver.org/.
JULY
TNT band (featuring Tim Paran and Tex Almiera)
When: July 7, First Saturday of every month, 7:30 pm
Where: Volcano Asian Cuisine, 10440 E Arapahoe Road, Centennial, CO 80112 (SW corner of Arapahoe and Havana in South DTC)
Cost: Free
Rock, pop and folk music by an Asian American (Filipino) duo, with guest musicians welcome every month. Relax with the fine music while you dine on sushi, Chinese and Hibachi cuisine at Volcano. Contact Volcano Asian Cuisine at 303.662.8111 or visit http://www.volcanoasiancuisine.com/ for more information.
The Cats of Mirikitani: Opening Reception & Gallery Exhibit
When: Fri. July 6, 5-9 pm
Where: VSA Colorado / Access Gallery, 909 Santa Fe Drive, Denver CO 80204
Cost: Free
Born in California in 1920, Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani then moved to Hiroshima, Japan, at the age of four. He later returned to the US during World War II, where he was sent with thousands of other Japanese Americans to an internment camp in California. After the war, Jimmy worked in New York City, but eventually fell into homelessness. This exhibit speaks for Jimmy's journey through these events, as well as his struggle through losing family and friends to Japanese internment camps and the bombing of Hiroshima. Drawing on his training in traditional Japanese brush painting, his works feature one of his favorite subjects-cats-drawn in ballpoint pen and colored pencils. The Denver Access Gallery invites you to the opening reception of this exhibit and of the movie featuring Jimmy's life and artwork, The Cats of Mirikitani. Along with the opportunity to hear and talk to the director of the film and Jimmy Mirikitani himself, this event should not be missed! Please contact the Denver Access Gallery at 303.777.0797 for more information.
"The Cats of Mirikitani" film: Director, Producer and Artist Reception
When: Sat. July 7, 5-9 pm
Where: VSA Colorado / Access Gallery, 909 Santa Fe Drive, Denver CO 80204
Cost: $50, includes ticket to Sun. film screening
Eighty-year-old Jimmy Mirikitani survived the trauma of WWII internment camps, Hiroshima, and homelessness by creating art. But when 9/11 threatens his life on the New York City streets and a local filmmaker brings him to her home, the two embark on a journey to confront Jimmy's painful past. An intimate exploration of the lingering wounds of war and the healing powers of friendship and art, this documentary won the Audience Award at its premiere in the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. The Denver Access Gallery invites you to this private reception with the director and producer, as well as the artist Jimmy Mirikitani. Tickets to this event include the price of the special screening of the film on Sunday, July 8. For more information, please contact JARCC at 303.650.0708.
JARCC and Denver Film Society presents: The Cats of Mirikitani
When: Sun. July 8, 2 pm
Where: Denver FilmCenter//Colfax, 2510 E. Colfax, Denver CO 80206 (Colfax & Columbine)
Cost: $12
Eighty-year-old Jimmy Mirikitani survived the trauma of WWII internment camps, Hiroshima, and homelessness by creating art. But when 9/11 threatens his life on the New York City streets and a local filmmaker brings him to her home, the two embark on a journey to confront Jimmy's painful past. An intimate exploration of the lingering wounds of war and the healing powers of friendship and art, this documentary won the Audience Award at its premiere in the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. Special screening with appearance by director, producer, and Jimmy Mirikitani. Purchase tickets with JARCC or FilmCenter//Colfax box office 303.595.3456, or at http://www.denverfilm.org/filmcenter/reserve.aspx?fid=72&id=26027. For more information, contact 303.650.0708 or dean@graphittiarts.com.
24th JFA/JASC Annual Charity Golf Tournament
When: Mon. July 23, 12:15-9:00 pm
Where: Colorado National Golf Club, 2700 Vista Parkway Erie, Colorado 80516
Cost: Tournament & dinner - $150 before June 15, $160 after June 15; Dinner reception only - $40
In support of Japanese education programs, the Japanese Firms Association of Colorado and the Japan America Society of Colorado present their annual charity golf tournament. Participants are invited to play at the exclusive course of the University of Colorado's golf teams with challenging holes and stunning mountain views. Registration begins at 12:15 pm until 1:00 pm, followed by a shotgun start at 1:30 pm. This event also includes a sushi and steak dinner and award reception from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. For registration and more information, visit http://www.jascolorado.org/2012SponsorshipPacket.pdf or contact info@jascolorado.org / 303.592.5364.
12th Annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
When: Sat. July 28 10 am-7 pm, Sun. July 29 10 am-5 pm
Where: Sloan's Lake Park, 25th & Sheridan (Parking at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, $5 with free shuttle bus to festival)
Cost: FREE
The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival celebrates the Year of the Dragon with the largest Asian community cultural event between Chicago and the West Coast. Enjoy two days of performances including an all-new Band Stage, a Marketplace for gifts and Taste of Asia food court, educational exhibits and demonstrations about Vietnam and mainland China, Dragonland area for kids, and the exciting 2,000-year-old sport of Dragon Boat Racing! Parking at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, $5 per car with free shuttle buses to and from the festival.www.cdbf.org for more information.
AUGUST
Fujiyoshida-Colorado Springs Fire Festival
When: Sat. August 4, Noon-11 pm
Where: America the Beautiful Park, 126 Cimino Drive, Colorado Springs CO
Cost: Free
For their Golden Anniversary, Colorado Springs and its sister city of Fujiyoshida will be celebrating their 50 years of friendship with the annual Everybody Welcome Festival and Fire Celebration. During the day, there will be food, crafts, music, and dancing for the whole family, as well as a taiko workshop! At 8 pm, the Fujisan Kaen Taiko group will shake up the festival and lead it into the evening. To honor nature and the friendship between Colorado Springs and Fuijyoshida, over 80 Taimatsu or pyres, will be lit, bringing the Fire Celebration, a 500 year old tradition, to life. Visit www.csfirefestival.org and www.cospdiversityforum.org or contact 719.331.7588 for more information!
Fujisan Kaen Taiko Concert
When: Sun. August 5, 2 pm
Where: Colorado College, Armstrong Hall, 14 E Cache La Poudre, Colorado Springs CO 80903
Cost: Free, but must pick up tickets
Please join the Taiko Society of Colorado Springs in welcoming and supporting the Fujisan Kaen Taiko Drummers in an exciting special performance! This 25 member Taiko group comes from Fujiyoshida, Japan to celebrate and honor the 50th year of friendship between Fujiyoshida and its sister city, Colorado Springs. For more information about tickets and this event, please visit http://www.coloradocollege.edu/events/2012-08-05-japanese-taiko-drum-concert or contact Colorado College's Worner Student Center at 719.389.6607.
Boulder Asian Aloha Festival
When: Sat.-Sun. August 11-12, 2 pm
Where:1300-1400 Blocks of Pearl Street, Boulder
Cost: Free
It's Destination Pacific! The Boulder Asian Pacific Alliance, organizers of the Boulder Asian Festival, and Halau Hula o na Mauna Pohaku, organizers of the Colorado Aloha Festival are proud to announce their partnership in presenting the Colorado Asian Aloha Festival this summer. The festival will offer attendees a chance to experience the diverse cultures of Asia, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. The festival expects over 70 vendors and 50 performers on 2 separate stages. A Community Tent will also bring an educational component to the festival by providing language and cultural lessons as well as family friendly activities. www.coloradoalohafest.com, www.bapaweb.org
An Epic Journey: Aurora Asian/Pacific Communities
When: August 14-November 4, T-F 9am-4pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm
Where: Aurora History Museum, 15051 E Alameda Parkway, Aurora CO 80012
Cost: Free
The Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership presents an exhibit highlighting the history and diversity of its Asian/Pacific communities with stories shared through cultural objects, photographs, and personal interviews. For more information, please contact admin@auoraasian.org or 303.326.8695.
