Indian Band Red Baraat and Korean Soloist Betty Soo will headline this year’s UTSA Asian Festival, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, at the UTSA Downtown Campus. The festival, which celebrates the diverse Asian diaspora represented in South Texas and San Antonio, will showcase numerous performers, food and merchandise vendors, and educational demonstrators.
Red Baraat, a pioneering band from Brooklyn, New York, has drawn worldwide praise for its singular sound, merging hard-driving North Indian bhangra with hip-hop, jazz, and raw punk energy elements.
Austin resident and daughter of Korean immigrants, Soo has been well-known in the Austin live music scene for more than a decade and has made multiple appearances at South by Southwest, on popular television shows “Riverdale” and “Girl Boss,” and on multiple studio albums.
“We are excited to resume the Asian Festival this year on a new date and in a new location with stellar performers, hands-on demonstrators and vendors to bring the sights and tastes of this beloved event back to our community,” said Veronica Rodriguez, interim lead curator at the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures. “UTSA is committed to continue the special events and programming of the Institute of Texan Cultures that San Antonio loves by combining honored traditions with a fresh new perspective.”
Performers making their first appearance at the festival are:
- Indian performing arts group Kalalaya
- K-pop dance group KTD Official
- With performances of Northern India dance, the Rhythmics School of Kathak Dance
- Japanese pop idol Mahou Bunni
- The Chinese stylings of the SACA Dragon Dance Team
- Showcasing Persian-style dances, Shirzan Dance Collective
- Pop dance production team WTP
Returning talents include:
- Hawaiian and Polynesian dance from Aloha Events
- Theatrical Chinese dance performances from the Chinese Cultural Performance Association of San Antonio
- Korean-style pop dance performers Echo Effect K-Pop
- Jones Korean Dance Group
- Intricate Filipino dance and footwork of Karilagan Philippine Cultural Group
- Nanta drums and traditional dances from the Korean American Culture Center of San Antonio
- Fan, flower, and drum dances from the San Antonio Korean American Association
- Traditional Chinese Lion dance and performances from the San Antonio Lion Dance Association
- The meditative martial arts of Tai Chi Today
Newly announced food vendors include:
- Meat skewers, Vietnamese coffee and boba from All Asian Concession
- A Hawaiian Kitchen by Aloha Events
- Artea Bubble Tea & Eats
- Tempura and vegetarian options from B&B Concession
- Filipino-style flan, paletas, and halo halo from Brandeis Barkada
- Traditional Chinese foods from Chinese American Citizens Alliance
- Sichuan stir-fry from Dashi Chinese Kitchen and Sichuan House
- Bubble tea and bubble waffles from Gong Cha
- Hong Kong-style milk tea, ramen and Hong Kong waffles from Hong Kong
- Hawaiian butter mochi, chocolate haupia pie from Howzit Hawaiian Kitchen
- A food truck serving authentic Filipino foods and drinks, Kain-Na Filipino Cuisine
- Thai, Korean and Filipino-style meat skewers, fruit drinks and kettle corn from Kettle Me Up
- Fruit beverages and Asian desserts from Malabito Street Catering and Cha-a Teahouse
- Mango Sticky Rice and Thai bubble tea from Mango Sticky Rice
- Japanese-style donuts, fruit teas and milk teas from Mochinut
- Nepali-style dumplings from Momo House
- Steak rice bowls and bento from Nama Ramen and Sushiya
- Ramen from Noodle Tree
- Guamanian, Filipino and Hawaiian-style plates, noodles, and nachos from Pacific Island Flavors
- Wraps and fries from Pasha Mediterranean Grill
- Lumpia, steamed buns and barbecue skewers from Sari-Sari Filipino Restaurant
- The flavors of South Vietnam meet South Texas with Singhs Vietnamese
- Asian-Mexican fusion food, kimchi rice, tacos, and japchae noodles from Stixs & Stones
- Bubble tea and ramen from Suck It Restaurant Group
- Tasty Aguas Frescas
- Drinks and snacks from World Taekwondo Center
- Kabobs and baklava from Zaatar Lebanese Grill
Newly announced educational demonstrators include:
- Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kick boxing demonstrations by Lozano’s Martial Arts Studio
- Anime cell shading and gaming from San Japan
- Tai Chi Today
- Acupuncturist from Texas Health and Science University
- Martial arts by World Taekwondo Center
Newly announced merchandise vendors include:
- Face painting by Amaris
- Textiles from Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, Laos, India, and Indonesia bycom
- Calligraphy bookmarks, clothing, accessories, and toys from Chinese Society of San Antonio
- Clothing and anime from Dragonheart by K
- Clothing, apparel, and toys from Furry Feline Creatives
- Chinese fans and umbrellas from Knieff Jewelry
- Japanese imports such as anime figurines, origami earrings, and bags from Kyoto Gifts
- Filipino-inspired art, stickers, pins, and paper goods from Lisalisa Design + Illustration
- Buddhist and Feng Shui items from Love Healing
- Scarves, pouches, and bags up-cycled from traditional kimonos from Madame Butterfly Nagasaki
- Origami earrings, hair accessories from up-cycled kimonos by Mariposa SATX
- Jewelry from India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Afghanistan by Radiance Royal Jewelry
- Comic books and gifts from Ram Imports
- Henna art by Rosy’s Art of Henna
- Tea sets, kites and kimonos from Sachi Creation
- Temporary tattoos from Henna
- Logo attire from Suck It Restaurant Group
- Anime and K-pop items from That Store
Newly announced exhibitors include:
- Local radio station 1 KLOVE Radio
- Recruiters, job opportunities and public services from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office
- com initiative by the City of San Antonio – Workforce Development Department
- International exchange student programs by EF Highschool Exchange Year
- Details on how to send packages abroad from Effy’s Shipping Services
- United States Navy recruiting by Navy Talent Acquisitions Group San Antonio
- Register to vote with Radical Registrars
- An information table for public schools by Royal Public Schools
- Displays from award-winning orchid growers with the San Antonio Orchid Society
- An informational table from the San Antonio Public Library
- Travel and tourism information by Superior Tour & Travel
- Event hosting services by The RK Group/Illusions Rentals & Designs
- Chair massage by Tai Chi Wellness Spa
- Language lessons by Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning
- Information and services for Medicare recipients from Wellmed Medical Management