10th Annual Asian Fest in Indianapolis, June 11, 2017

By Young-Hee Yedinak
Asian American Alliance, Inc.

Instead of flying 18 hours to travel to Asia, Hoosiers can experience the many dimensions of Asia in their own backyard. The 10th annual Asian Fest is Sunday, June 11, 2017, 12-5 pm, at the Indiana State Museum in downtown Indianapolis. This year, the festival’s spotlight is on Japan. Admission is free.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Asian population more than doubled in Indiana in the last decade, bringing with them a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. This is a chance to interact and learn about their cultures, and enjoy food, music and dance. More information at www.aaalliance.org/asian-fest

Festival highlights include:
• Entertaining cultural performances
• Cultural Discovery of Featured Country – JAPAN
• Traditional Japanese costumes fashion show
• Children’s activities
• Asian cuisine from local restaurants
• Asian communities booths
• Asian American Alliance scholarship presentation

Festival goers will receive $5 reduced event parking in the White River State Park garage.

The 2017 Asian Fest is made possible by these generous sponsors:
Title Sponsors — Barnes and Thornburg, Honda Manufacturing of Indiana
Event Sponsors — McDonald’s, Kroger, PNC, Telamon, Indiana State Museum, International Center, Indianapolis Foundation, Christel DeHaan Family Foundation
Event Partners – Japan-America Society of Indiana, Japanese American Citizens League
In-Kind Sponsors – Indy Asian American Times, Asian American Today

Asian Fest is hosted by Asian American Alliance, Inc., a local, nonprofit, pan-Asian organization whose mission is to empower Asian Americans to serve and lead in businesses and communities. Visit www.aaalliance.org to learn more.

For more information, please contact:
Asian American Alliance, Inc.
(317) 258-0468

“A Night in India” at Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, June 9-10, 2017

Image provided by the theatre and used with written permission.

By Michael Davidson
On behalf of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents A NIGHT IN INDIA at The Tarkington at The Center for the Performing Arts, June 9-10, 2017 at 7 pm.

India keeps drawing Mr. Hancock back to its vibrant landscape and culture. After arriving home to Carmel, Indiana last December after his seventh trip to India, GHDT’s Artistic Director Mr. Gregory Hancock is as energized as ever to share his experiences and inspirational discoveries with theater audiences.

“The scope and variety of Indian arts are vast and diverse, and I feel I have only tapped into an extremely small portion of them. I want to share my appreciation for this culture with our GHDT audiences,” Mr. Hancock explains.

The intriguing stories of India’s art, culture and history will forever provoke his thoughts and its richness has naturally sparked his imagination once again to create a work of art filled with stunning music, dance, costumes and theatre sets.

This production will capture the beauty and diversity of this interesting country. As choreographer and storyteller, Mr. Hancock will premiere new works during this performance in addition to presenting other popular company repertoire pieces with Indian flare.

A mix of Eastern and Western music and dance will complement the romantic and dramatic tales of this region. As costumer, he is selecting, designing and constructing costumes and jewelry to enhance the visual authenticity of the evening. As teacher, he will inspire and direct over 20 professional and pre-professional dancers to bring their artistry to the stage.

As artistic director, he will mold all theatrical elements into a one breathtaking 2-hour experience. This is a must-see performance at The Tarkington that will appeal to audiences of all ages.

To complement the evening, an Indian Market will be open in the theatre’s lobby prior to each performance.

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is the resident professional dance company at The Tarkington at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.

For more information, visit http://gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org/, or call 317-844-2660. Tickets: 317-843-3800.

“Kinky Boots” at Clowes Hall, May 16-21, 2017

“Kinky Boots” at Clowes Hall, May 16-21-, 2017.
Photo provided by the event organizers and used with written permission.

By Jessica Redden
On behalf of Broadway in Indianapolis

Inspired by true events, KINKY BOOTS takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan.

Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

KINKY BOOTS opens at Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, Tuesday, May 16 and runs through Sunday, May 21, 2017, for a limited engagement. Tickets are available in person at Clowes Memorial Hall, the Old National Centre Ticket Office, online at BroadwayinIndianapolis.com, or by phone at 1-800-982-2787.

Holy Rosary Italian Street Festival, June 9-10, 2017

Anti-pasto salads at the Italian Street Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2010, all rights reserved.

By Kay Feeney-Caito
On behalf of the Italian Street Festival

Holy Rosary Catholic Church is pleased to announce the ethnic event of the summer, Friday/Saturday, June 9-10, 2017, from 5 to 11 pm each day at the historic Catholic Church, 520 Stevens Street (and surrounding Lacy Park), Indianapolis, Indiana.

During the event, the area will transform into an outdoor Italian festival and celebration. The annual summer event offers free admission and a treat for the senses. Food tickets are available at the festival entrance.

“Every year, we are thrilled to invite the community to this exciting event that brings together the best in local entertainment, fantastic food and cultural fun,” said Holy Rosary Father C. Ryan McCarthy. “During the Italian Street Festival, everyone is invited to experience our tradition.”

New to the festival is an exceptional, music line-up, including four of Indy’s most popular acts. Local favorite and Headliner The Woomblies will entertain on Friday evening, along with Fort Wayne favorite Oferle.

Saturday’s line-up includes Spinrut and the Indy Nile Band beginning at 5:30 p.m. Fans of Caruso and Frank Sinatra will also be entertained as classic Italian pop music favorites are played over the Festival public address system.

The Italian Street Festival features over 25 different Italian meats, pastas, salads and desserts. There also is dancing, carnival rides and games for everyone.

25 food stands in a festive, ethnic setting are decorated with strands of lights, and Italian music and an old-world style procession and Mass add to the ambiance.

There is free parking in the Eli Lilly lots on East and New Jersey Streets.

On Friday and Saturday afternoon of the festival, the Italian Heritage Society of Indiana will host Bocce demonstrations. All are welcome to play bocce at the courts in Lacy Park, or learn how to play the historic Italian game. The Lacy Park Bocce Courts are located at McCarty and Greer Street at the south end of the Church.

Those interested in signing up a team of four to play in the IHSI League should register at http://italianheritage.org/.

Additionally, there is a 7 pm mass on Saturday, June 10 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Before Mass at 6:45 pm, a colorful, Italian religious procession will pass through the food booth area with a Blessed Virgin statue, priests, servers and members of the Italian Heritage Society.

The Italian Street Festival organizers strive to create a fun, family-friendly environment where one can experience Italian American culture by providing the best in Italian cuisine, entertainment, Italian goods and service.

Striving for excellence in promoting the Indianapolis Italian-American community, the Parish of Holy Rosary and the City of Indianapolis, Holy Rosary Church and the Italian Street Festival are 501c-3 entities. Proceeds from the annual Festival support the Church Operation Fund.