Taste of Asia brings cuisine, comedy

The Asian American Association of IU is bringing free entertainment to the IU Auditorium with the 12th annual Taste of Asia Celebration today, which will feature authentic Asian cuisine from area restaurants, singing and dancing by student groups and a performance by Daniel Nainan, a professional comedian who competed on NBC's reality show, "Last Comic Standing."\nTaste of Asia, which began 12 years ago as a cultural show, has expanded over the years. Last year, approximately 700 people attended, said Asian American Association President and senior Sung Ahn. But Ahn said he has higher expectations for this year.\n"We want to fill as many seats as we can," he said.\nThis is the first year the event will be in the IU Auditorium, a venue considerably larger than past locations which include Alumni Hall and the roof the Jordan Avenue parking garage. \n"It's big enough to attract a lot of people," Ahn said.\nThe Filipino Student Association will present a traditional dance, the Japanese Student Association is scheduled to sing and traditional Korean folk dancing will be featured by the IU Salmunori Dance Group. \n"It's a unique performance," Ahn said. The Asian American Association, senior and magician Andy Hung and IU students performing a traditional Thai dance are also expected to perform.\nThe headline act, however, is comedian Daniel Nainan, well known for his performances on NBC's "Last Comic Standing." Nainan, who was born in Bloomington, agreed to come last month when Ahn saw his routine at a conference for the Asian American Student Association.\n"It's a pretty big deal," said senior Becky Upton, programming chair of the Asian American Association.\nFree food, though, is perhaps the most appealing part of the celebration for many. After the performances, expected to last about an hour and a half, nine local restaurants including Bombay House, Siam House, Obo's Market, Dragon Express, Chow Bar, Sobon, Mama's, Red Sea Inter and China Buffet will serve authentic Asian cuisine, according to the Asian American Association Web site.\nAhn said the food served will be "fairly representative of the type of food you might see in Asian countries."\nWhile those who don't attend the performances are also welcome to enjoy free fare, Ahn said he encourages attendance. \n"The purpose of the event is to reach out to the IU community and everyone around us." Upton said. "People can learn a lot about Asian culture."\nSponsors of the event as well as donations is what made admission free, for which Ahn said he felt fortunate. Residence Halls Association, the Asian Cultural Center, several campus dorms, the Office of Academic Support and Diversity, IU Student Association and the Children's Organ Transplant Association are supporting the event.\nVarious student groups and campus resources, including the Asian Cultural Center, will have booths and displays set up to encourage student involvement.\nAhn said IU faculty and all Bloomington residents are welcome. \n"This is what diversity means," he said.\nDoors will open at 5 p.m. For more information on the Taste of Asia Celebration or the Asian American Association, visit the Web site www.indiana.edu/~aaa.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Michelle Manchir at mmanchir@indiana.edu.