Since founded in 1966, the University of Michigan's Gamelan Ensemble has explored classical and new music composed for gamelan, helped in the training of an important generation of scholars of Southeast Asian music, and exposed students from all areas of the university to the vibrant culture of Indonesia. The U-M's Gamelan Ensemble is one of the oldest in the U.S. and the Year of 2023 marks the 56th anniversary of the U-M Gamelan ensemble.

University of Michigan's Javanese Gamelan Kyai Telaga Madu (“The Venerable Lake of Honey”) and Balinese Gamelan Madu Biru (“Blue Honey”) will perform traditional music from the islands of Indonesia. The ensemble consists of several types of percussion orchestras including the incredibly rare and ancient gamelan selonding. From stately and soothing to dynamic and exciting, the variety of moods and styles will keep any listener entertained. Audience members will also be welcome to participate and try playing these rare and beautiful instruments.

Samples of Indonesian delicacies will also be shared.

This event is supported by:

• Center for Southeast Asian Studies at University of Michigan
• Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments at University of Michigan
• Perhimpunan Mahasiswa Indonesia di University of Michigan (Indonesian Student Association at the University of Michigan) (PERMIAS)

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage American Month programs are developed in partnership with the DIA’s auxiliary group Friends of Asian & Arts Cultures and funded in part by the Freeman Foundation. 

Registration for programs in Rivera Court is highly encouraged - capacity will be limited. 

Please arrive early - 5 minutes prior to performance start any open seats will be forfeit and given to visitors who are on-site, regardless of registration. 

Spend the evening celebrating the vibrancy of Hmong culture. Hmong, which means "free people," is an ethnic minority whose ancestors originated from Mainland China more than 2,000 years ago. The Hmong migrated across the forested highlands of Southeast Asia, now known as Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos.

Learn about the traditional Hmong arts, including Hmong Song Poetry known as kwv txhiaj (pronounced "kuh tziah"), classic and modern dance performances, and a Hmong New Year courting and wedding ritual with the ancient bamboo reed instrument called qeej (pronounced "gheng"). Also discover the secret language and symbolism of Hmong embroidery woven in tribal garments and prized story cloths known as paj ntaub (pronounced "pa ndau").

Caroline Vang Polly from the Michigan Hmong Women's Association will share the heroic story of the "Secret War," which resulted in the Hmong relocating globally. There will also be a tribute to the brave Hmong veterans who fought alongside the American CIA during the Secret War of Laos.

Samples of Hmong delicacies by James Beard Award-nominated Chef Genevieve Vang will also be shared.

This event is supported by:

• Michigan Hmong Women's Association
• Special Guerrilla Unit Veterans and Families of Michigan Inc. (SGUVFM)
• Ngianhormua Yang, Adjunct Instructor at the College for Creative Studies and at Lawrence Technological University
• Thai Feast
• Amanda Hang Collection
• Lee Pao Xiong, Director of the Center for Hmong Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul and professor of American Government/Political Science and Hmong Studies.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage American Month programs are developed in partnership with the DIA’s auxiliary group Friends of Asian & Arts Cultures and funded in part by the Freeman Foundation. 

Registration for programs in Rivera Court is highly encouraged - capacity will be limited. 

Please arrive early - 5 minutes prior to performance start any open seats will be forfeit and given to visitors who are on-site, regardless of registration. 

Kick off Members Double Discount Days with this exclusive members-only event! Members save 20% on purchases.

Vendors on hand with trunk shows include:

• Siesta Silver: Michigan owned one-of-a-kind jewelry set in sterling silver
• Annie’s Girls: Handcrafted African-inspired dolls are created by fiber artist Michele Sapp from Farmington Hills, Michigan. 
• Mary Brodbeck: Michigan inspired notecards

Gift memberships will be available for purchase at a discount. 

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience is necessary. All supplies provided.

For ages 6 - Adult (children ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult). Capacity is limited.

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience is necessary. All supplies provided.

For ages 6 - Adult (children ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult). Capacity is limited.

Please join us for this educator-exclusive morning of relaxation and refreshment. Mindfulness expert Amy Tarrant will lead us through a special “Vessel Meditation” in historic Rivera Court. This session is designed to help participants manage life’s myriad sources of stress.

Participants will also enjoy a complimentary smoothie bar and art-making session. Please bring a yoga mat or blanket, small pillow, notebook and pen. A limited supply of notebooks will be provided. 

All educators are welcome at this event. No experience necessary.
 

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience is necessary. All supplies provided.

For ages 6 - Adult (children ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult). Capacity is limited.

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience is necessary. All supplies provided.

For ages 6 - Adult (children ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult). Capacity is limited.

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience is necessary. All supplies provided.

For ages 6 - Adult (children ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult). Capacity is limited.