For the Gazette

STEVENS POINT – Celebrate Asian American artists at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s second annual Asian Music Fest.

The event will be held from 6-10 p.m., Saturday, April 29, in the Encore Room at the Dreyfus University Center, 1015 Reserve St., Stevens Point, and will highlight both music and fine artists from central Wisconsin as part of Hmong Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Works by nine local Asian American artists, including UW-Stevens Point students and alumni, will be featured in display cases outside the Laird Room on the second floor of the Dreyfus University Center through the end of May.

DJ ClumsyJ will provide music, and live performances will be by:

• Surpryze, a rapper, songwriter and visual artist who emerged on the Hmong music scene in December 2018. He released his first single and music video, “Tseem Nco Tau, featuring K Ballin” in 2019 and his first album, Self Love, in 2020.

• Leedong, a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Appleton.

• Gy, a singer from St. Cloud, Minn.

• Jeeker Her, a musician and visual artist from Milwaukee who recently released an album, Cim Kuv Cia.

Hmong Heritage Month began in 2004 as an opportunity for Wisconsinites to reflect on the many sacrifices that the Hmong, or Hmoob people, have made in service to the United States and to celebrate the vibrant, resilient and diverse culture of Hmong Wisconsinites as an important part of the state’s identity.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month recognizes, celebrates and increases awareness of the rich history, contributions and accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific Island Americans.

While celebrated nationally in May, Asian American and Pacific Islander Month is being celebrated in April at UW-Stevens Point.