From May 1 to 31, Toronto comes alive with the spirit of South Asia, uniting leading South Asian arts organizations, producers and promoters under the Jyafest Arts Collective http://www.jyafest.ca umbrella to collectively present a month of eclectic South Asian cultural events. Thirty one exhilarating days packed with dance, music, theatre, comedy, exotic foods, pageants, charity galas, workshops, discussion forums, club nights, and multi-media.



Bring the whole family and be part of the largest and only month long South Asian cultural festival in the world. SAHF kicks off with a media launch on April 28 at the Podium Bar & Restaurant at the Olympic Spirit Building from 12pm to 2pm . The festival concludes on May 28 and 29 with HANGAMA! Street Celebration, an explosive, free, week-end celebration of Canada 's rich South Asian cultural heritage. This year, HANGAMA! transforms Yonge-Dundas Square into a colourful South Asian Fair featuring a free 12 hour concert, Arts & Crafts Bazaar, Food Market, Toronto Star Children's Village, Chai Lounge, Dance & Martial Arts Workshops, Discussion Forums, Street Entertainers and much, much more.



For a detailed list of all events, please visit us at http://www.southasianheritagefestival.com" rel="nofollow">LINK or reply-to address : or call the festival hotline at 416.488.3659. Check out the Jyafest Kiosk at these events !!!!



Events for week ending 8th May:



1st May : South Asian Arts & Entertainment Trade Show ( 1 0am – 5pm)
Toronto's first ever South Asian Arts and Entertainment Trade Show, an all day industry event for organizations and individuals in the S.A. arts, culture and entertainment field.
Toronto Marriot Airport Hotel, $10 | $5 w/ T.O. Star Ad http://www.magicfeet.com" rel="nofollow">LINK


1st May : TASA 9pm
TASA, one of Canada's most renowned Indian fusion bands kicks off the series in style with their unique blend of music, incorporating Raaga & Taala foundations with jazz and world sounds. Lula Lounge, $15/ticket, $45/ series, Small World Music

4th May : Kala Ramnath (violin) & Vineet Vyas (tabla) 8pm
Renowned for her \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"singing violin\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\", maestro Kala Ramnath, recipient of 'record of the year' award by Songlines Magazine, is joined by acclaimed tabla master Vineet Vyas. Concerts /Musical Maestros. Glen Gould Studio $30/$35 concert | $50 series. Small World Music

May 6th : Besharam [Shameless] >> 1 Year Anniversary 10pm
Featuring DJ Amita spinning Bollywood Bhangra, R&B and Chutney, and live entertainment [Main Room], and the suhana soundcrew in the alternative desi beats room [Lower Lounge]. Fly Nightclub: $10. Karma Collective


May 7th : The Kalangan Series Music, Dance & Theatre 7pm
Join renowned Lata Pada in an interactive evening exploring the process of choreography for her two new works: VIVARTA- Manifestations of Vishnu and HOWZAAT! . Burnahamthorpe Library Theatre; $10 adults| $5 students. Sampradaya Dance Creations


8th May : Aagaz4Life Fundraising Dinner and Gala 6pm
Featuring Aftif Aslam, Josh, The Melodeons and Ali-K. Proceeds will introduce the first 24hr Air Ambulance service in Pakistan and provide free treatment to children with burn related injuries
The Forum Banquet Hall. |$45 adv [incl. dinner Aagaz4Life


May 8th/ 15th/ 22nd Intro to Ashtanga Yoga with Roxy Family 9-10am
Ashtanga Yoga is a gentle practice that links asanasas (posture), to breath and drishti (gaze), helping to detoxify the body and nervous system. This beginners class is for everyone.
Roots Store; Free http://www.roots.com" rel="nofollow">LINK
********************
-Signed-