Cal State Monterey Bay’s APIDA Night Festival celebrated Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) culture through music, art and community engagement in the Otter Student Union (OSU) ballroom on Thursday. The event, part of API Week at CSUMB, featured performances from acclaimed artists such as rapper Ruby Ibarra, drag queen Tori Tia and alumni musicians Pak Joko and Akif. Attendees also enjoyed food, a student art market and various cultural showcases.
According to event organizers, the goal of the festival was to highlight APIDA culture and foster a sense of community on campus.
“We really wanted to collaborate with community members, vendors and especially student artists because I think it’s really important to have that cultural representation that can honestly go lacking at the school,” said Adriana Hay, a senior liberal studies major and member of the APIA club. “We’ve been planning this event since last school year, so it’s really fulfilling to see it actually come to fruition.”
Students engaged with vendors at the market, browsing handcrafted goods, chatting with artists and learning about the creative process behind their work. Zoe Kapp, a third-year design major and artist, showcased her work inspired by nature and color.
“I love painting fruit. I love playing with color and light – that’s my favorite thing,” said Kapp, who is also The Lutrinae’s illustrator. As someone of Chinese descent, she shared how her background has influenced her work ethic.
“Honestly, I feel like my parents taught me to be a really hard worker. I’m always grinding, always on it and I think that’s something they passed down to me,” she said.
The festival’s performances later in the night brought high energy to the ballroom, with students loudly cheering on each artist. Drag performer Tori Tia kicked off the lineup with an energetic Beyonce-filled set, complete with death drops and hair flips. The APIA Dance Team also captivated attendees with their “Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride” dance routine straight from Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch.”
Ruby Ibarra, known for her powerful spoken-word lyrics and Filipino heritage, delivered a thought-provoking performance that resonated with many in the audience.
With approximately 125 students registered for the event and positive feedback from attendees, organizers hope to continue expanding the event in the future to further promote APIDA voices on campus.