KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Prepare for an afternoon of cultural delight as Western Michigan University Asian Initiatives proudly presents the 2024 Spring Gala at Miller Auditorium on Sunday, April 21, starting at 4 p.m.
This vibrant event, celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, promises a diverse showcase of Asian cultures, featuring captivating performances and artistic displays.
Peking Opera actress Linghui Tu is among the performers scheduled for the Asian Initiatives 2024 Spring Gala.
Attendees will enjoy performances by:
- Michigan Hiryu Daiko drummers
- Award-winning Peking Opera actress Linghui Tu
- Kalamazoo Ringers handbell ensemble
- Kalamazoo Male Chorus
- Local dance groups
- Students from WMU, Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Public Schools
“Audience members will easily identify sentiments universally adored, finding empowerment and touching sentimentality, alongside fun,” says Jingcai Chen, program coordinator of Asian Initiatives. “Indian folk dances and Japanese Taiko (drumming) demonstrate the contagious enthusiasm of daily living, while the bell choir performance of ‘Boat on Lake Tai’ conjures images of tranquil lakeside beauty familiar to any Michigander.”
As part of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, Asian Initiatives provides campus and community education on Asian cultural heritage. It encompasses the Soga Japan Center, Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies and Chinese Language and Cultural Programming. Each brings academic and cultural talent to southwest Michigan and into Kalamazoo Public Schools classrooms.
Dr. Ying Zeng, director of Asian Initiatives, highlights the significance of this year’s event: “This year, we’re excited to elevate our Spring Gala to Miller Auditorium,…
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