For Immediate Release
May 2, 2023
Media Contact: Carolyn Merino Mullin, OPAC Executive Director carolyn@theopac.org | 805-385-8147
Interviews and images available upon request
2nd Annual AAPI Festival Returns to Oxnard
Oxnard, CA - OPAC is proud to partner with Pinaysphere, a Filipinx Arts Mentorship nonprofit, to present the Second Annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Festival, Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 12 noon to 5 pm at Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard. The event is in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month which recognizes the contributions and influences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. OPAC’s event amplifies the narratives of our AAPI community by spotlighting local talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and grassroots leaders.
“As a creative, it’s important for us to witness all different Asian American and Pacific Islander representations in a positive light. Children all around get to experience the unity and love coming from the ways we celebrate - together. Through Pinaysphere’s ongoing partnership with OPAC for this year's event, we practice ‘Kapwa’ which in Tagalog means “shared identity / shared self.” We invite the community to bridge generations, cultures, and stories in a safe space through this festival,” comments Pinaysphere founder Jen Benitez.
This year’s event takes advantage of Ventura County's beautiful May weather with an open-air celebration at the iconic Heritage Square.
What to expect:
Guest Speakers, including Assemblymember Steve Bennett, Sole Yu (Nectar)
Performances by:
LA-based Gingee (Coachella/FPAC) - Kulintang Gongs / Musician
Chinese Lion Dancers
Hawaiian Dance
Toni Pasion - Contemporary Filipino Dance
DJ Defcon
Jomch (Josh Chan) - R&B Filipino-American Singer/Songwriter
HOWITENDS (Ethan) - Taiwanese-American Singer/Songwriter
Jaime Keilani - Ukulele
Workshops on:
Calligraphy (Chinese-American Association)
Tibetan Singing Bowls (Katrina DelaCruz)
Vendors, Food, Beer Garden, Kids Activities, and more!
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Barbara Barnard Smith World Music Fund, County of Ventura Diversity Equity and Inclusion Office, and the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association.
Saturday, May 27, 2023 - Asian American Pacific Islander Festival By Donation | 12 noon - 5 pm | Heritage Square, 715 S A St, Oxnard, CA 93030 Tickets available through Eventbrite
More information can be found at theopac.org/aapi-festival
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