Planting Fields in Oyster Bay hosting AAPI festival
New York City dancer Jeeno Joseph will perform bharata natyam, a traditional Indian dance, at the AAPI Festival at the Planting Fields in Oyster Bay on May 13. Credit: Steni Stephan
A free festival celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month makes its return to Planting Fields Arboretum this spring with tours of Coe Hall led in Mandarin Chinese, a Chinese calligraphy demonstration and dance performances.
“Programs like the AAPI Festival allow us to celebrate the diverse communities that enjoy Planting Fields," says Gina Wouters, the president and CEO of Oyster Bay's Planting Fields Foundation. "They also ensure that we are creating inclusive and engaging experiences that define the vibrancy of our site today."
AAPI Month lasts 31 days in May and looks to honor the achievements of Asian Americans. The outdoor festival runs from noon to 4 p.m. on May 13, with a range of daytime performances taking place in the scenic landscape that surrounds historic Coe Hall.
Within the hall, there will be a Chinese sugar sculpture display by artist Ya Jun Sui, an Iikebana (Japanese flower arranging) exhibition by expert Paula Tam and the Ikenobo California Pacific Chapter and tours in Mandarin Chinese.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park's AAPI Festival
WHEN | WHERE: noon to 4 p.m. May 13 at Planting Fields Arboretum; 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay
COST: Tour costs are waived; $8 parking fee; must register in advance
INFO: 516-922-9210, plantingfields.org.
There will also be a showcase of live performances including bharata natyam dance (an Indian classical dance form), Chinese dance by the Golden Age Chinese Traditional Dance group, a Chinese zither performance and Beijing opera by American Overseas Artist Theatre.
Jeeno Joseph, a New York-based bharata natyam dancer performing at the festival, says he feels the event is important for his community's cultural representation during AAPI Month, which he adds, "needs improvement."
“Our unique history, experiences and challenges as South Asians are sometimes overlooked, leading to a lack of visibility and recognition," Joseph says. "It is important for AAPI Month to encompass the full diversity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, including South Asians, in order to foster inclusivity, understanding and representation for all.”
Port Washington's Asian American Festival will feature live musical performances, traditional food from local restaurants for sale, cultural activities and more at North Hempstead Beach Park on May 20. Credit: Town of North Hempstead/Town of North Hempstead
More ways to celebrate AAPI month
SPRING SALON SERIES The Classical music series features performances by Wynona Wang on May 12 and Ching-Yun Hu on May 19. Tickets are $35, $20 for ages 18 and younger and students; 279 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill; parrishart.org, 631-283-2118.
ASIAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL The festive celebration includes live musical performances, traditional food from local restaurants for sale, cultural activities and crafts, trinkets and jewelry for sale and more, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 20 at North Hempstead Beach Park. $10 cash or $7 credit/debit parking fee; 175 West Shore Rd., Port Washington; northhempsteadny.gov, 516-869-6311.
THE PRINCIPLES OF IKEBANA Learn about Japanese culture and the technique of Ikebana, 3 p.m. May 20 at John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden. Registration required, $10; 3 Dogwood Lane, Locust Valley; northshorelandalliance.org, 516-922-1028.
— LYNN PETRY
