15th annual event offers ‘Taste of Asia’

To get a “better picture of what Asia really entails,” students can watch traditional Asian dances and eat Asian food at the 15th Annual Taste of Asia at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the IU Auditorium, said Desma Jones, president of the Asian American Association. \nTaste of Asia of is one of the first events of IU’s celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in April, according to an IU press release. \nThe event is meant to showcase various Asian student organizations through performances, Jones said. In addition to the traditional dances, the night will include a performance by former American Idol contestant Paul Kim.\n“I’m looking forward to seeing the showcase of all the different Asian cultures in one night and being exposed to the diversity on the Indiana campus,” said Paul Ramos, vice president of the Filipino Student Association.\nPerformances will range from a traditional Indonesian dance to a performance from the band EDB.\nOne of the student performances will be from the Filipino Student Association, Jones said.\nRamos said the association’s performance is be based on a traditional dance called “singkil.” About 12 students are expected to participate in the dance.\nGraduate student Erin Wilson will also perform at Taste of Asia.\nHer solo performance, titled “Dadas,” will be based on a traditional Indonesian dance that involves making rhythms and beats with bracelets, Wilson said.\nAfter the performance, local restaurants will provide attendees with Asian food, Jones said.\nThe event is free and open to everyone.