The 32nd Annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Festival Kick-off Party was held on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at TomandToon (241 West 51st Street, NY) from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. Organized by AsianInNY.com.

Special Performances by Lianah Sta. Ana, Vivian Fang Liu, Kirby Asunto and Jordan Addison!  Emcee by the funny man Air Tabigue!

(Photo by Corky Lee)

This year’s festival is themed around the journey that Asian Pacific American ancestors have taken to bring us to this moment that celebrates not only the value of families but also our heritage that make us proud to be Asian Pacific Americans. The festival is free and open to the public thanks to generous contributions from sponsors Verizon and Macy’s as well as from supporting companies: McDonald’s, Con Edison, Toyota, Different Roads to Learning, and many Asian communities and organizations.

More than 20,000 visitors are expected for an impressive line-up of performances, fun activities for children and adults alike, and savory samples of Asian cuisine. Numerous Asian American organizations will be present to inform visitors about useful services, volunteer opportunities, and resources to get involved in the community.

Performers Bio:

Air Tabigue: (www.aircomedy.com)

A producer, host and stand-up comedian. He has appeared on NBC, TFC, FOX and has hosted “Asian America” on PBS covering talented Asian-American artists.  He currently co-produces and performs on the popular monthly “CombinAsian Comedy Show” at the Laugh Lounge.

(Lianah Sta. Ana – Photo by Corky Lee)

Lianah Sta. Ana: (www.lianah.net )

The gifted 11-year-old vocalist’s resume of accomplishments and accolades are enviable.  Her Number-Ones include: the 1st Filipino–American “Star of Tomorrow”, Champion of the “Super Top Dog” during Amateur Night at the Apollo, Winner of the 2010 World Championships of Performing Arts: Junior Grand Champion Vocalist and Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World, as a proud member of Team USA.  She also was a featured guest at “Good Day NY”, NBA New York Knicks game, and 2010 US Tennis Open Championships during the Women’s Quarter Finals.

(Vivian Fang Liu – Photo by Corky Lee)

Vivian Fang Liu: (www.vivianfangliu.net )

She was born to be a musician,” says Felix W. Ortiz, member of Assembly. She has won many prizes at piano and voice competitions in New York since 2002. She performed actively in tri-state region, venues including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Hammerstein Hall, Steinway Hall, Super Star Theatre, Hilton Grand Theatre and more recently was invited to perform at the Gracie Mansion of Mayor Bloomberg for the NYCHA celebration. She was a judge of 2010 Global Chinese Youth Musical Instrument Competition and adjudicated NYSSMA festival 2010.

Check Vivian’s performance: http://www.youtube.com

(Kirby Asunto – Photo by Corky Lee)

Kirby Asunto:

At an early age, she had won major awards/recognitions like First place at Regional and National Competition at Access Broadway Groton, as Grand Champion at the Philippine American Idol Competition (Philippines Fiesta, Secaucus, NJ) and as New Rising Star at the 2010 Kollaboration DC. She was also the featured rising star performer for the 2010 Migrant Heritage Commission’s (MHC) Annual People’s Ball, and Asia Heritage Foundation’s Fiesta Asia. Other high profile events’ guesting for Kirby included Philippine President Nonoy Aquino’s 2010 Proclamation Inauguration Ball in Manila, Philippines and front act for Arnel Pineda’s Atlantic City Concert.

Check Kirby’s performance: http://www.youtube.com

Jordan Addison:

With an amazing voice that can sing all kinds of songs, Jordan is a professional piano player and trained in classical music. For more info: www.jordanaddison.com

Check Jordan’s performance: http://www.youtube.com

(Kirby Asunto and Jordan Addison – Photo by Corky Lee)

Sponsors:

Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans:

The Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA) is a 501c (3) non-profit organization staffed solely by volunteers working together to build a sense of community among the tri-state area’s Asian Pacific Americans.  www.capaonline.org

(CAPA Executive Director Stephen Chen, Photo by Corky Lee)

AsianInNY:

The most comprehensive and exclusive insider resource to content about the very best New York City has to offer in entertainment, social networking, and community services. AsianInNY also produces multicultural events to provide collaborative efforts with people from many backgrounds to entertain, educate, and serve the community.  Our mission: transcending cultural boundaries through entertainment, events, and social initiatives. www.AsianInNY.com