Asian cultures, traditions to the fore at Milwaukee fest

BY A STAFF WRITER

MILWAUKEE, WI — Asia Fest of Milwaukee, two days of unforgettable celebration, was held on July 11 and 12.

The well-attended annual extravaganza was held at the scenic and trendy Milwaukee’s lakefront, Veterans Park, located at 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, WI.

Wisconsin has a huge Asian population. Missing from this city of festivals was an ethnic event that highlights this community, the people in it, their culture, music, dance, products, art and most importantly their food.

Asia Fest of Milwaukee celebrates the diverse cultures of the world’s most intriguing continent. From Bollywood to Beijing, festival goers can experience the music, dance songs and food of Milwaukee’s diverse Asian population.

The organizing team for Asia Fest of Milwaukee (AFOM) was Rina Modak, Karmen Kron, Subhendu Modak, and John Kettler. The event is an Ocean Breeze Entertainment production.

Asia Fest is a collaborative effort by many organizations and communities. Cultures from 15 different Asian countries were represented by residents residing in states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Florida and Minnesota.

The opening ceremonies featured Lion Dances, a Taiko Drummer, Middle Eastern Dances, Indian Drummers and Indian Bhangra Dance among other performances.

Samantha Fairuz did admirable job as Master of ceremony. National Anthem was sung by 9-year-old Senria Nath, who received standing ovation for her singing. Senria Nath was the winner of the Chicago Indian Icon award for 2013.

Rina Modak introduced Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and presented him with bouquet of flowers, an Asia Fest of Milwaukee T shirt and other memorabilia.

The entertainment included traditional colorful dance, music, live bands and different performances from India, China, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Laos, South Korea, and many more.

The venue was presented in well-coordinated multi-stage performances by different national performing artists, kid’s workshops, arts, crafts, a magic show and more.

Highlights included world-famous Bollywood disco king Bappi Lahiri from India, renowned Filipino band Klutch, Middle Eastern belly dancers, Japanese drum band, special fire performances by Brew City Fire Brigade and many more.

The festival was also featured Taiko drummers, illusion show, lion dances, puppet show, Sri Lankan performance, Bharat Natyam dances, fire performer, performance by Shompreeti Rahman from Bangladesh, clowns, Denai’s dancers, Safar dancers, Trisha dancers, Desert wind dancers, Nkauj Hmoob US dancers, Hmong group performances, and Okniwoko Tyco drummer.

Other attractions included sitar by Ariba Khan & group, Srilankan performance by Nimesha & group, Bengali group dance, Nepali dance performance, South Korean dance, Bangladeshi’s performance, Thai Fon Malai dance, Punjabi Giddha & Bhangra dance, Thailand Sri Wichai dance, martial arts performance, Tamarind dancers and Hawaiian dances.

Shefali Vallecha did an excellent job as master of ceremony for disco king Bappi Lahiri event and organizing Indian Fashion Show.

There were many activities for kids of all ages including face painting, coloring, drawing, magic show by magician Kirk Patrick.

Asia Fest of Milwaukee sponsors, partners and supporters included Coca Cola, US Bank, Wisdom InfoTech, Shepherd Express, AugRay, Miller Lite, Preludesys, Sybaris Pool Suites, Wisconsin Gazette.com, Conley Media, ALS Association Wisconsin Chapter, Privately Linked.

Other supporters were AMKE, Breeze Consulting Group, MJA, Chinese Kung-FU Center, Morningstar Montessori, OnMilwaukee.com, Park East Hotel, Shaolin Center, Milwaukee County Parks County, Hello Nri, Tekbon, Waget Wisconsin Academy of Global Training, Kilian Insurance, Safar Dance Company, Hmong American Friendship Association, Anaguma Eisa and WCAIO.

photo caption
Rina Modak, Samantha Fairuz, Milwaukee Mayor Mr. Tom Barrett and Subhendu Modak