Asian American Awareness Month at UIC

Hip-hop artist Monotone headlines April 3 kickoff event.

The University of Illinois at Chicago celebrates Asian American Awareness Month with cultural events, performances, lectures and presentations. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. For more information, call (312) 413-9569.

April 1

Transnational Desires or Memory, Autobiography, Photography and Pornography. Talk by artist Việt Lê explores issues of gender and desire in contemporary Southeast Asia. 4 – 5:30 p.m. Conference Room 1-470, UIC Library, 801 S. Morgan St.

April 3

Asian American Awareness Month Kickoff. Hip-hop artist Monotone, Julian on the Radio, and DJ Noyze, along with student performances. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lecture Center Quad (located outside directly west of Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.)

April 8

ASAM Expo. Academic fair celebrating Asian American undergraduate research projects in the arts and sciences. 4 – 6 p.m. Cardinal Room, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

April 9

“Mr. & Mrs. Asian Sensation 2011.” Pageant and talent competition. 5:30 – 9 p.m. UIC Forum, Main Hall C, 725 W. Roosevelt Road.

April 10

“From Chicago to Top Chef and Back: Beverly Kim.” Chicagoland native and quarter-finalist on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” 4 – 6 p.m. Illinois Room, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

April 12

“Mami:  A Cosplay Café.” Victorian-era costume play celebrating Japanese culture. Free food and drink. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cardinal Room, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

April 13

Sayawan. Annual year-end formal held by Filipinos in Alliance. Doors open 6 p.m.; dinner 7:30 p.m. Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O’Hare, 5550 N. River Road, Rosemont. $42 – $87.

April 15

The Sun Doesn’t Rise Only in Japan. Panel discussion on media in Japan and the U.S. 4:30 – 6 p.m. Room 613, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

April 17

H.E.R.O.E.S. (Helping Everyone Realize Our Everyday Struggles). Talent and variety show. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Illinois Room, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

April 19

The Art of Expressing the Human Body. Martial arts workshop. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Student Recreational Facility, 737 S. Halsted St. Registration $65 – $150; UIC students free.

Are You Doctor Yet? Asian students showcase their musical and artistic talents in this American Idol-based show. 6 – 9 p.m. UIC Latino Cultural Center, Lecture Center B2, 803 S. Morgan St. (Located west of Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.)

April 20

The Art of Expressing the Human Body. Martial arts workshop. 12:30 – 7:30 p.m. Student Recreational Facility, 737 S. Halsted St. Registration $65 – $150; UIC students free.

The Art of Expressing the Human Body. Open mic and poetry workshop. 6 – 8 p.m. African-American Cultural Center, Addams Hall, 830 S. Halsted St.

Flag Football Tournament. 6 – 8 p.m. Harrison Field (northwest corner of Harrison and Halsted St.). $3 per registered player; free for spectators.

April 24

My Sassy Korea. Food, games, karaoke and information booths on Korea culture. 4 – 6 p.m. Cardinal Room, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

In Memory of Jack: Asian American Greeks, Stigmas and Stereotypes. Discussion commemorates the life of Jack Phoummarath, University of Texas at Austin fraternity pledge. 4 – 5:30 p.m. Room 117, Taft Hall, 826 S. Halsted St.

April 25

“The Small, Dark Room.” Play created by UIC students and the Erasing the Distance performance group. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Event center, James J. Stukel Towers, 718 W. Rochford St.

April 26

“ImaginAsian: Once Upon a Time.” Fashion and variety show. 6 – 10 p.m. Illinois Room, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

April 27

“UPROOT: Believe.” Filipino American variety show features YouTube singer Jenny Suk and the Mitchell Grey Band. 6 – 10 p.m.  Illinois Room, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St., $11.