We wrapped up our official imaginASIAN events for 2013 on May 25, with our Culturual Gala. Thanks to all who attended and/or participated for making this such a spectacular event. We look forward to seeing you all at imaginASIAN 2014! Have a great summer.

The Calgary Chinese Music Development Association performs for the Cultural Gala, May 25/13

OMNI Diversity TV Hosts Abbas Somji and Kit Koon and Scotiabank Regional Business Development Manager Josephine Pon present a door prize, donated by Scotiabank.

Jong-Sun Hong performs a solo Korean Fan Dance

On Wednesday, May 22 at 7:00pm ImaginASIAN will present a special lecture and book launch of the book General Two-Gun Ma Kun – Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Jewish Body Guard, by George Dong and Tan Yuanheng. This novel tells the true-life historical tale of a close friendship between two great men, a tale that should not be forgotten, but rather written down and remembered for future generations. Morris Abraham “Two-Gun” Cohen was British adventurer of Jewish origin who became aide-de-camp to Sun Yat-sen and a major-general in the Chinese National Revolutionary Army. Cohen spent a portion of his colourful life in Edmonton and Montreal. The novel was recently published by Xiyuan Publishing House in Beijing, China. Mr. Dong is a retired journalist firm the BBC and Professor Tan is a well-know author in China.

This event will take place at the Chinese Cultural Centre (197 1st Street SW, Calgary). Mr. Dong will present a lecture and reading on his recently published novel, including a book signing.

Find The CanASIAN in You Bus Tours run each Sunday in May!

For more information on these tours and to book your tickets now, following the link HERE

The Asian Heritage will present the Kick-Off to Asian Heritage Month in Calgary on Saturday, May 4th from noon to 1:30pm at Chinook Centre.

Stop by the Bay Court area in Chinook Centre between noon and 1:30pm to be entertained by Chinese Lion Dancers, Wushu Martial Artists, Hip Hop Dancers, Midnight Taiko Japanese Drummers, Bollywood Dancers and other Asian performers and get a feeling for what’s going on in Calgary during our Asian Heritage Celebrations as part of ImaginASIAN 2013.

ImaginASIAN 2013 events include the Find The CanASIAN in You Bus Yours, running the first 3 Sundays in May and taking Calgarians to various Asian locations throughout the city; the ImaginASIAN Film Series, featuring 2 outstanding Asian films; and The ImaginASIAN Gala Banquet, a sumptuous 10-course banquet with amazing pan-Asian entertainment, all happening this May.

In May 2002, The Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month. Celebrations across Canada acknowledge the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada. Asian Heritage Month events also provide an opportunity for Canadians across the country to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Asian Canadians to the growth and prosperity of Canada.