BWW Previews: ASIAN CULTURE AND TALENT HIGHLIGHTED ON MARCH 1 at The Straz Center For The Performing Arts Riverwalk

As a way to celebrate diversity in Tampa Bay, The Straz Center created The Straz Arts Legacy REMIX Project, where writers, actors, musicians, singers, and dancers join together to perform for a free event showcasing a particular culture. During March 1, The Straz Arts Legacy REMIX Project will celebrate the Asian culture.

Sponsored by Publix, the special event features a Chinese Dragon dance, a Korean fan dance, a youth group representing Vietnam and Shreyas Dance (India). Guests will get an up-close look at the beauty of the Asian culture through music, dance, and cuisine provided by food vendors.

Philippine Cultural Foundation Director Joey Omila will be leading the Philippine Performing Arts Company, a group of dancers performing Philippine Folk dances. Indak Pambata (translated to kids' movements) will feature a dance performance by youth ages 6 to 11.

Nhick Ramiro Racis, Foundation Assistant Cultural Director is directing a Bamboo Musical Ensemble called Musikong Kawayan.

"Musikong Kawayan Bamboo Ensemble is an instrumental ensemble that will play Angklung - bamboo tubes. Each person does one note and the group is made up of approximately 20 people. The Angklung is played all over Asia."

The Angklung is a musical instrument with a number of bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. Like Western handbells, the tubes are carved to have a resonant pitch when struck and are tuned to octaves.

At the celebration, Nhick will be debuting his original composition "Pagdiriwang Celebration."

"Everyone should come to this event," said Nhick. "As far as the Philippine Cultural Foundation, our aim is to share Philippine music and dance with everyone."

The Straz Arts Legacy REMIX Project - Asian Cultural celebration is March 1 at 630-930pm, Straz Riverwalk. Learn more at https://www.strazcenter.org/Events/Straz/Shows/Other-Straz-Center-Events/Arts-Legacy-REMIX/Asian-Cultural-Celebration