UCSF to Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

UCSF will kick off the 21st annual Asian Pacific American Celebration on Thursday, May 8, with entertainment, cultural celebrations and dance lessons at various UCSF campuses. The events continue through May 21. The celebration is co-sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Systemwide Alliance, Chancellor's Cultural Enrichment Fund, Campus Life Services Arts & Events, Chinese Health Professional Student Association and Pilipinos of UCSF Student Organization. In June 1978, Representatives Frank Horton of New York and Norman Y. Mineta of California introduced a US House of Representatives resolution to proclaim the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week. Today, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated in May to commemorate the contributions of those of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. Here is the UCSF schedule of events: Thursday, May 8, and Friday, May 9: l Cinema presents the film Kite Runner rated PG-13, a screening sponsored by the UCSF Iranian Cultural Organization. After spending years in California, Amir returns to his homeland in Afghanistan to help his old friend Hassan, whose son is in trouble. This film portrays a powerful tale of friendship and betrayal from the final days of Afghanistan's monarchy to the atrocities of the Taliban regime. The film is in Dari and English with English subtitles. Showings are on Thursday, May 8, at 5:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Friday, May 9, at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., in Cole Hall, Medical Sciences building, Parnassus campus. Saturday, May 10: UCSF presents a concert titled "Yesterday Once More - Remembering the Carpenters" featuring Colette Ikemi, whose early jazz singing career included being part of a vocal group singing with the Edwin Hawkins Choir. She also has performed with the Asian fusion band Hiroshima. The concert takes place from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Cole Hall, Medical Sciences building, Parnassus campus. A ticket donation of $20 is requested. For more information, call 415/476-2675 or go here.

Kapalakiko Hawaiian band

Wednesday, May 14: UCSF presents the Kapalakiko Hawaiian band, playing Ohana (family style) from noon to 1 p.m. in the View Café, second floor, Laurel Heights. Friday, May 16: Pilipinos of UCSF Student Organization presents the annual cultural show, which starts at 6 p.m. in the Millberry Union Gym, Parnassus campus. Monday, May 19: "Want to Dance Like the Stars?" Learn how to dance from Hep Jen at this free event from 6 to 8 p.m., Golden Gate and City Lights conference rooms, Millberry Union, Parnassus campus. Refreshments will be provided. Tuesday, May 20: UCSF presents the Kapalakiko Hawaiian band, playing Ohana (family style) from noon to 1 p.m. Genentech Hall, Mission Bay campus. Wednesday, May 21: UCSF presents music in the library with Curt Yagi from noon to 1 p.m. in the Lange Reading Room, fifth floor, UCSF library, Parnassus campus. The free event is sponsored by the Sara B. Childs Fund.