In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May, VeryAsian VA will be hosting its third annual multi-event celebration of Asian American creativity and community on Friday, May 3 and Friday, May 10, 2024. The goal is to better highlight the breadth of ways Asian Americans exist and thrive here in Charlottesville/Central VA, and to celebrate the many different facets of Asian American cultural expression and heritage. For the first time, VeryAsian VA will be participating in two popular Charlottesville traditions—First Fridays and Fridays after Five.
We are kicking off the month on May 3rd with a special edition of First Fridays at the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative from 5 PM to 9 PM—a community celebration showcasing Asian American artists, wine enthusiasts, and more. The arts show will feature works & vending wares from local artists such as Sri Kodakalla, Novi Bereens, Meesha Goldberg, Jannatul Pramanik and more. The wine tasting is coordinated in collaboration with Oenoverse and will highlight various Asian American wine enthusiasts in town. This event is free and open to the public. There will also be opportunities to donate during the event, and all proceeds will go towards the Bridge PAI and the 2025 VeryAsian VA festival in Charlottesville.
Then, to continue the celebration, join us on Friday, May 10th from 5 PM to 9 PM, for a special edition Fridays after Five at the Ting Pavilion, featuring a variety of musical and cultural performances, including AfroAsia, Dhara Goradia 3, Freddy Lau & Tina Hashemi, Sylvia Chong, Hiromi Johnson, Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun, and a special lion dance from Laughing Dragon Kung Fu. As with all Fridays after Five, admission is free, and snacks and drinks will be available from various vendors, including local Asian-owned businesses Chimm and Little Manila.
Want to get involved? Please email us at veryasianva(at)gmail(dot)com
*Special thanks to Lewis Nelson for creating this site.
