Rhythmix Cultural Works hosted its second Asian & Pacific Islander (API) Arts & Culture Festival on Saturday, April 26, at Bohol Circle Immigrant Park. Featuring various performers and vendors, the festival attracted nearly 1,000 attendees throughout the day and ran until 5 p.m.
Rhythmix director Jennifer Radakovich said the event took several months to plan. The April 26 date, a week before actual API month in May, was chosen because many cultural performing groups are booked up quickly, Radakovich said.
“We’re really fortunate in the Bay Area to have so many talented, amazing groups that are available to perform.” Radakovich said.
Performers included Native Boogie & Beats, Hālau Makana, Viet Steps, Lion Dance Me, The Sampaguitas, Oakland Khmer Angkor Dance Troupe, Samoan Solutions, Dholrhythms Dance Company of Non Stop Bhangra and Korean Culture Center Urisawe.
Hālau Makana, the only Polynesian dance group based in Alameda, showcased hula dance with both adult and youth groups. Some dancers shook bright red and yellow ‘ulī ‘ulī—feathered gourd rattles—in rhythm with the swaying of their bodies.
“Alameda has a very diverse population. Over 50 languages are spoken on the island, and I think it’s important to have a festival that celebrates those cultures and traditions,” Radakovich said.
Also present at the festival were community businesses and food vendors selling API- rooted wares.
The event was part of the Rhythmix in the Parks program, with Rhythmix hosting an event at a different park every month through August. This summer the center is presenting Rising Seas, a public art performance using music and dance to illustrate the climate crisis. The performances are May 31 at Seaplane Lagoon, June 21 at Harbor View Park, and July 12 at Shoreline Park.
Sindhu Ananthavel is a contributing writer to the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected].
