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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260507T080000
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DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
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SUMMARY:CAAMFest 2026 Spotlights Independent Filmmaking and Unexpected Stories From Asian America
DESCRIPTION:  \nSAN FRANCISCO\, April 2\, 2026 — CAAMFest is returning for its 44th year\, May 7-10\, 2026\, featuring over 60 films that capture the current zeitgeist of Asian American communities. The festival’s completely in-person screenings\, panel discussions\, and other programs will be centered around the AMC Kabuki in San Francisco Japantown\, highlighting the city’s long history as a hub for Asian American community building with national impact.  \n“After 2025\, a year of historic challenges and change for the media\, 2026 is shaping up as a time of renewed vigor for Asian American independent storytellers\,” says CAAM Executive Director Donald Young. “The energy of the future is palpable. CAAMFest 2026 in many ways returns us to our roots\, with an ethos that is scrappy\, inspired\, and full of attitude.” \nThis year’s festival also includes five World Premiere films and an increased focus on showcasing documentaries funded or produced by the San Francisco-based Center for Asian American Media (CAAM)\, which produces CAAMFest. Opening Night will begin at the AMC Kabuki Theater with an advance screening of the documentary feature The A-List: 15 Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas. Following the film\, CAAM will host a Gala at the Asian Art Museum featuring tastes of the most talked about Asian American food and beverages in the Bay Area.  \nAlong with the film screenings\, CAAMFest also includes the Filmmaker Summit and Industry Hub\, a free event attracting filmmakers from around the nation to discuss the topics facing independent creatives who are focused on undertold stories.  \n“CAAM doesn’t just showcase Asian American stories\, we also play an integral role in the pipeline of unique stories that reflect the experiences of our communities\,” says CAAM Talent Development and Special Projects Director Sapana Sakya. “We’re proud to screen 19 CAAM supported documentaries in this year’s festival.” \nAcross the over 60 films that will be shown at this year’s festival\, thematic throughlines are emerging. \n“Each feature film that we programmed included characters that were morally conflicted\, went against the grain\, and shook the status quo\,” says CAAMFest Program Manager Dino-Ray Ramos. “The stories featured flawed people that defied the model minority myth and subverted stereotypical ‘good Asian’ behavior. Along with similarly themed and defiant documentaries\, we were subconsciously building a program of bad Asians causing good trouble.”
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/caamfest-2026-spotlights-independent-filmmaking/
LOCATION:CA
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260507T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260509T213000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
CREATED:20260324T164412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T164412Z
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SUMMARY:The Sa Dance Company presents RISE
DESCRIPTION:The Sa Dance Company comes to New York for the final stop on their national tour of RISE. Performances run on May 7 & 8 at 7:30PM\, and May 9 at 2PM and 7:30PM at New York Live Arts Inc.\, 219 W. 19th Street\, New York\, NY 10011 as part of New York Live Arts Independent Works. Tickets are $49 and can be purchased at https://newyorklivearts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/. \n“They danced with irresistible good humor and high energy… breathtakingly pretty with combined stamina\, skill\, and wonderful glee.” – The New York Times \nRISE is a visually stunning full-length dance work that fuses Indian classical and folk traditions with contemporary storytelling to create an immersive theatrical experience. Audiences have described the show as “mesmerizing\,” “deeply moving\,” and “an experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls.” Through breathtaking choreography and deeply personal narratives\, RISE explores resilience\, identity\, and the strength it takes to rise. Both intimate and epic in scale\, RISE transcends genre and generation. It is not simply watched — it is experienced\, remembered\, and carried forward. \n“The choreography fused classical Indian movement with contemporary expression\, earning a standing ovation.” – Forbes \nCredits\nFOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER: Payal Kadakia Pujji\nTHE COMPANY:\nRoshni Badlani\, Rashi Birla\, Radhika Mehta Kirpalani\, Nitya Srikishen Lakhi\, Bhavika Kapadia Patel\, Dhruti Patel\, Juhi Patel\, Kesar Patel\, Neha Pathmanaban\, Payal Kadakia Pujji\, Sharanya Mukhopadhyay Sekhri\, Manisha Nair Sokka\nLIGHTING DESIGN: Christopher Chambers\nMUSIC COMPOSITION: Niraj Chag\nDRAMATURG: France Nguyen Vincent\nSTAGE MANAGER: Stacey-Jo Marine\nCREATIVE PRODUCTION: Raakhi Kapur\nANIMATOR: Elyse Filigheri\nPROJECTION DESIGN: Tia Chinai\nAUDIO ENGINEER: Simon Larson Greenberg \nPayal Kadakia is the Artistic Director and founder of The Sa Dance Company. Her artistic roots lie in traditional Indian folk dance\, and she began training at the age of three with her lifelong Guru\, Smt. Usha Patel. She is also trained in Kathak and Bollywood\, and\, growing up in the United States\, studied jazz\, contemporary\, and ballet. These dual cultural influences shaped her distinctive choreographic style\, blending Indian movement traditions with Western technique to create a contemporary expression of South Asian dance. \nKnown for her powerful and expressive choreography\, Kadakia’s work has been featured at numerous festivals\, cultural events\, and film and television productions. Highlights include performances at Lincoln Center SummerStage\, The Ailey Citigroup Theater\, and the inaugural White House Diwali Celebration\, as well as appearances for Disney\, Art Basel\, and New York Fashion Week. Her work has also been published in the Bollywood anthology Global Bollywood\, alongside legendary choreographer Farah Khan. \nThrough The Sa Dance Company\, Kadakia seeks to elevate Indian dance on the global stage while fostering a deeper understanding of Indian American identity through movement and storytelling. \nKadakia is also the founder of ClassPass\, the global fitness and wellness platform. \n“They danced with irresistible good humor and high energy… breathtakingly pretty with combined stamina\, skill\, and wonderful glee.” – The New York Times \nThe Sa Dance Company: An Indian American Dance Experience\nThe Sa Dance Company [Sa] is a pioneer in contemporary Indian dance. Comprised of an all-female ensemble\, Sa blends the essence of Indian and American stories and movement to create a transformative audience experience. Sa’s productions celebrate the rich tapestry of the Indian-American identity\, centering themes of womanhood\, community\, and the journey of the female spirit. They honor the past\, reflect on present society\, and pave the way for future generations. \nBy crafting a contemporary folk form\, Sa’s performances transcend boundaries\, merging both classical and contemporary influences to create a unique and distinctly Indian-American dance idiom. Sa’s work resonates on a deeply emotional and spiritual level\, uniting and immersing audiences through the universal language of dance. With sold-out shows across the country\, Sa brings a diverse audience into the realm of performing arts. \nUnder the leadership of Artistic Director Payal Kadakia\, Sa Dance Company stands as a cultural beacon within the South Asian community. Sa’s name\, derived from Indian classical music\, signifies the foundational note of the octave\, symbolizing its commitment to blending ancient traditions with modern narratives. Sa’s work is a celebration of identity\, community\, and the boundless possibilities of human expression. sadancecompany.com
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/the-sa-dance-company-presents-rise/
LOCATION:New York Live Arts\, 219 W 19th St\,\, New York\, NY\, 10011\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260509T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260509T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
CREATED:20260403T170808Z
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SUMMARY:TRIKAALA THEN NOW BECOMING A SOLO PERFORMANCE BY RASIKA KUMAR
DESCRIPTION:  \nSAN JOSE\, CA\, April 2\, 2026—Abhinaya Dance Company\, an Indian classical dance company\nfounded by Artistic Director Mythili Kumar announces Trikaala – Then\, Now\, Becoming\, a new\nsolo performance by Abhinaya Principal Artist and Choreographer Rasika Kumar on Saturday\,\nMay 9\, 4 pm at the Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto.\nThirty years after her arangetram (the debut\, full-length solo performance in Indian classical\ndance)\, Rasika Kumar returns to the solo Bharatanatyam (South Indian classical dance) \nrepertoire to ask a question: what does it mean to inherit a tradition and to choose it anew?\nUsing the margam (a structured\, traditional repertoire of a Bharatanatyam dance performance)\nas a timeless framework\, this solo performance weaves personal memory\, mythology\, and\nspiritual inquiry to explore lineage and the evolving voice of an Indian American artist.\nMusicians include: Asha Ramesh (Vocal)\, Malavika Walia (Nattuvangam)\, Sruti Sarathy (Violin)\,\nAshwin Krishnakumar (Flute)\, and Amit Ranganathan (Mridangam).\n“I am excited to share my solo performance with the local community\,” said Rasika Kumar\,\nsoloist and choreographer for Abhinaya Dance Company. “Bharatanatyam is a living form\ncapable of holding contemporary experience. As I begin teaching my own children\, the question\nof lineage and inheritance come into sharp focus for me. This work asks how these inherited\nimages and myths can be made alive again\, through personal connection\, for ourselves and the\nnext generation.”\nAbhinaya Dance Company’s programs are supported in part by a Cultural Affairs grant from the\nCity of San Jose\, the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation\, SV Creates in partnership with the\nCounty of Santa Clara\, and individual donations. Past funders include the California Arts Council\nand the National Endowment for the Arts.\nCALENDAR LISTING\nAbhinaya Dance Company\, a San Jose-based Indian classical dance company announces Trikaala\n– Then\, Now\, Becoming\, a solo performance by Rasika Kumar\nWHO:       Rasika Kumar of the Abhinaya Dance Company\, an Indian classical dance\ncompany founded by Artistic Director Mythili Kumar. \nWHAT:       Trikaala – Then\, Now\, Becoming\, a solo performance by Rasika Kumar\nWHEN:          Saturday\, May 9 at 4 pm\nWHERE: Cubberley Theatre\, 4120 Middlefield Road\, Palo Alto\nTICKETS: $25-$35 (Event is free for “Friends of Abhinaya members”)\nTo purchase tickets\, visit: https://tikkl.com/abhinaya/c/trikaala/\nAbout Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose\nThe Abhinaya Dance Company of San José was founded by its Artistic Director\, Mythili Kumar in\n1980\, to present innovative and professional quality performances of South Indian classical\ndance forms.\nSince 1991\, Abhinaya has been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts\,\nRockefeller Foundation\, California Arts Council\, and City of San José\, for its collaborations with\nmusicians\, Kathak (The Guru-1991 with Chitresh Das Dance Company)\, Margaret Wingrove – \n(modern dance company – 1993)\, Japanese Taiko drummers (In the Spirit with SJ Taiko-1993\nand 2010)\, and a Balinese ensemble (Ramayana – with Gamelan Sekar Jaya- 1997\, 2010).\nThe company has appeared several times in the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival and in\nseveral different Asian Performing Arts Festivals. Abhinaya has been invited to present its\nacclaimed dance theater production\, Gandhi – The Mahatma\, at the Asian Art Museum in San\nFrancisco\, and in 2007 to New York and New Jersey. Abhinaya has also won recognition through\nthe Isadora Duncan dance awards committee for its collaboration with SJ Taiko and its 2016\nproduction of Vaanara Leela.\nAbhinaya offers ongoing classes for students of all ages in San José and Monte Sereno.\nAbout Rasika Kumar\nRasika Kumar is an accomplished Bharatanatyam performer and choreographer\, steeped in\ntradition but with contemporary sensibilities. She served as the Associate Artistic Director of\nthe Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose (ADC) and was a featured soloist\, principal dancer\,\nand choreographer for all of ADC’s performance seasons from 2005 to 2016. Rasika learned\nBharatanatyam from her mother Mythili Kumar\, Artistic Director of ADC and continued her\ntraining under renowned teachers including Padmabhushan Kalanidhi Narayanan\, Prof. C.V.\nChandrasekar\, Bragha Bessell\, and most recently with Mavin Khoo. Her innovative solo\, group\nand collaborative choreography have been featured throughout the SF Bay Area and abroad\,\nearning her an Arts Council of Silicon Valley Performing Arts Fellowship (2008)\, Isadora Duncan\nAwards (2011\, 2018)\, and Lakshmi Viswanathan Award (2014) from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha\n(Chennai\, India) for her solo performance.
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/trikaala-then-now-becoming-a-solo-performance-by-rasika-kumar/
LOCATION:CA
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260509T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260509T183000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
CREATED:20260330T191221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T221008Z
UID:10007343-1778344200-1778351400@indiacurrents.com
SUMMARY:A Musical Extravaganza by BOOMM
DESCRIPTION:A musical event organized by the Rotary Club of Silicon Valley Passport\, supporting the causes of Education and Literacy\, Women’s Health\, and Heigene. Make a difference by sponsoring the event.
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/a-musical-extravaganza-by-boomm/
LOCATION:Foothill Elementary School\, 13919 Lynde Ave. Saratoga\, CA 95070\, 13919 Lynde Ave.\, Saratoga\, CA\, 95070\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Fundraising campaign,Health & Wellness,Music
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260511T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260511T220000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
CREATED:20260223T173621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T173621Z
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SUMMARY:Final US Stop of the Anuv Jain North American Tour Set for San Francisco
DESCRIPTION:San Francisco\, CA – Anuv Jain is bringing his Dastakhat 2026 World Tour to the United States\, performing live in six major cities this May. The US run follows a critically praised opening leg of the world tour in India\, along with sold-out international stops across Australia\, Europe\, and the Middle East\, where Jain performed to packed venues and earned widespread audience acclaim. \nThe Dastakhat 2026 World Tour will include concerts in Chicago\, Boston\, New York\, Atlanta\, Dallas\, and San Francisco. Known for his emotionally intimate live performances and acoustic-driven sound\, Jain continues to connect with a global audience through music that centers on honesty\, vulnerability\, and shared experience. \n“Dastakhat is my way of leaving something honest behind in every room I perform in\,” says Anuv Jain. “The opening shows reminded me how powerful shared silence and shared singing can be. Bringing this tour to the US feels especially meaningful because listeners here have grown with these songs for years. I am excited to finally experience that connection in person.” \nAnuv Jain’s live concerts are known for their emotional intimacy and minimalistic production\, allowing the music and lyrics to take center stage. Each performance is driven by acoustic arrangements\, storytelling\, and direct audience connection\, creating an environment where fans actively participate by singing along and sharing the emotional journey. The Dastakhat World Tour reflects Jain’s commitment to authenticity and vulnerability\, offering audiences an experience that feels personal\, reflective\, and lasting. \nAnuv Jain has amassed over 800 million streams worldwide\, with breakout releases such as “Husn” surpassing 500 million global streams and topping viral charts across multiple countries. His music consistently resonates with young audiences through themes of love\, longing\, and self-discovery. The Dastakhat World Tour represents a defining chapter in his evolution from an independent online artist to a globally touring performer. \nThe US leg of the Dastakhat World Tour is produced by Kash Patel Productions. \nKash Patel\, Founder of Kash Patel Productions\, emphasized the importance of the US run within the broader Anuv Jain World Tour. \n“Anuv Jain represents a rare honesty in today’s music landscape\,” Patel said. “From the first night of Dastakhat\, audiences responded to the emotional clarity of his performances. As producers\, our responsibility is to protect that experience while expanding its reach. We are proud to produce the Anuv Jain US tour and bring this powerful live concert experience to North America.” \nTickets for the Anuv Jain US Tour will go on sale Friday\, February 20th at 12 PM EST. \nTickets are expected to sell quickly due to limited venue capacities and strong demand across North America. \nDastakhat World Tour 2026 US Tour Dates:\nFriday\, May 1\, 2026: Park West in Chicago\, Illinois \nSunday\, May 3\, 2026:  Big Night Live in Boston\, Massachusetts \nTuesday\, May 5\, 2026: The Town Hall in New York\, New York \nFriday\, May 8\, 2026: Variety Playhouse in Atlanta\, Georgia \nSaturday\, May 9\, 2026: The Studio at Bomb Factory in Dallas\, Texas \nMonday\, May 11\, 2026: The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco\, California \nWATCH: Dastakhat World Tour 2026 Announcement Video \nLISTEN:  JO TUM MERE HO\, BAARISHEIN (ACOUSTIC)\, AFSOS ft. AP DHILLON\, \nMAZAAK \nFor more information and tickets\, visit https://www.axs.com/events/1317887/anuv-jain-tickets?_gl=1*15bthj9*_gcl_au*NDcyMjEyNDc0LjE3NzE0Mjg3MTA.
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/final-us-stop-of-the-anuv-jain-north-american-tour-set-for-san-francisco/
LOCATION:CA
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260528T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260530T173000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
CREATED:20251103T193414Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T193414Z
UID:10007160-1779960600-1780162200@indiacurrents.com
SUMMARY:Global Summit on Vaccines\, Immunology & Public Health
DESCRIPTION:Advances in Vaccine Technologies mRNA Vaccines and Applications Viral Vector-Based Vaccines DNA Vaccines: Progress and Challenges Peptide and Protein-Based Vaccines Nanotechnology in Vaccine Delivery Novel Vaccine Adjuvants & Immunopotentiators Vaccines for Neglected Tropical Diseases Combination and Multivalent Vaccines Vaccine Formulation and Stability Innate and Adaptive Immune Mechanisms Immunogenetics and Vaccine Response Immunoinformatics in Vaccine Design Autoimmunity and Vaccination Immune System Aging and Vaccine Efficacy Mucosal Immunity and Oral Vaccines T-cell & B-cell Immunity in Vaccination Immune Evasion Mechanisms of Pathogens Immunoengineering and Synthetic Immunology Cold Chain and Logistics in Vaccine Distribution One Health Approach to Zoonotic Diseases Behavioral Science in Vaccine Uptake Vaccines Against Respiratory Viruses Media and Misinformation in Public Health Lessons Learned from COVID-19 Vaccine Trials Immunotoxicology and Safety Evaluation Childhood Immunization Strategies Health Economics of Vaccination Programs Regulatory Affairs and Vaccine Approvals Surveillance & Monitoring of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Global Immunization Programs & Policies Phase I–IV Vaccine Trials: Insights and Outcomes Ethical Issues in Vaccine Testing Community Engagement and Vaccine Literacy 3D-Bioprinting for Immunological Models Herd Immunity in Vulnerable Populations Vaccines in Pregnancy: Benefits and Barriers Emerging Zoonoses & Vector-Borne Diseases Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Perception Pandemic Preparedness and Response Strategies Antimicrobial Resistance and Vaccine Role Vaccine Development for Bioterrorism Threats Training and Capacity Building in Immunology CRISPR and Genomics in Vaccine R&D Systems Biology in Vaccine Research Hepatitis Vaccines: Advances and Challenges Adolescent Immunization Coverage Maternal Immunization for Neonatal Protection Real-World Evidence and Post-Market Surveillance Role of NGOs in Immunization Programs Artificial Intelligence in Vaccine Discovery HIV\, Tuberculosis & Malaria Vaccine Development Vaccine Access and Equity in Low-Resource Settings Organoids and In-vitro Models for Vaccine Testing AI and Big Data in Epidemiological Forecasting Science Communication in Vaccine Awareness Blockchain in Vaccine Supply Chain Management Vaccine Clinical Trial Design and Implementation Geriatric Vaccines and Immune Senescence Personalized Vaccinology and Precision Medicine \nResearch Connects is delighted to extend a warm invitation to participants from across the globe to join us at the Global Summit on Vaccines\, Immunology & Public Health\, scheduled to take place from May 28–30\, 2026 in Madrid\, Spain.\nThe summit will feature keynote and plenary presentations by experts in the field. VACCINES2026 aims to unite global experts and young researchers to exchange ideas and explore key advancements in vaccine research and immunology. Scientific sessions will focus on Vaccine Design\, Immune Responses\, Novel Delivery Systems\, Pandemic Preparedness\, Public Health Strategies and Innovations like AI in Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy offering insights into the future of global health.\nWe sincerely believe that VACCINES2026 will serve as an invaluable international platform for researchers worldwide. It will facilitate professional networking\, foster new collaborations\, and provide avenues for sharing state-of-the-art developments and innovative technologies in the field.\nWe eagerly anticipate your participation at VACCINES2026 in Madrid!
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/global-summit-on-vaccines-immunology-public-health/
LOCATION:CA
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260529T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
CREATED:20260225T183311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T183311Z
UID:10007293-1780041600-1780246800@indiacurrents.com
SUMMARY:12th Annual Bay Area Book Festival Calls for Radical Imagination and Literary Resistance
DESCRIPTION:The Bay Area Book Festival (BABF)\, Berkeley’s largest festival and one of the nation’s most prestigious literary events\, returns even bigger for its 12th year on May 29–31\, 2026\, with the theme “Writing The Future.” This three-day celebration of literature\, storytelling\, and cultural activism will bring together 300 authors and speakers in more than 120 programs on 21 stages\, and 25\,000+ attendees from across the Bay Area. BABF transforms Downtown Berkeley into a lively fair for all ages to enjoy. Attendees will be able to participate in 15 free writing workshops\, book readings\, and author conversations\, with numerous opportunities to support local small presses\, emerging authors\, book artists\, and other literary-oriented vendors\, organizations\, and service providers. \n\n \n\nInspired by the transformative legacies of Octavia Butler and James Baldwin\, “Writing The Future” challenges authors\, readers\, and communities to move beyond reacting to crises and instead embrace responsive\, imaginative action that builds toward justice and liberation. The festival serves as both a cultural celebration and a critical gathering space where activists\, authors\, and audiences unite around urgent contemporary issues while uplifting marginalized voices. \n\n“The future is not something that just happens to us\, it is shaped by our collective imagination and courage\,” shares J. K. Fowler\, BABF Executive Director. “In this era of increasing authoritarianism\, we must be clear-eyed about the realities we face while remaining steadfast in our commitment to building something better. Dreaming is not escapism; it’s resistance\, and it’s strategy.” \n \nThe festival’s headliners are the only ticketed events\, featuring intimate conversations with some of today’s most influential thought leaders including: \n \n• World Building\, Imagination\, and Social Change – Nnedi Okorafor and Marshall Ganz \n \n• Write the Future: Publishing Initiatives to Celebrate Diversity – A conversation with Phoebe Robinson (Tiny Reparations Books)\, Kate Gale (Red Hen Press)\, Hannah Moushabeck (Interlink Publishing)\, and Cynthia Leitich-Smith (Heartdrum) \n \n• Global Capitalism\, Activism\, and Hope in Uncertain Times – Saul Williams and Rebecca Solnit\n \n\n“Old friends\, new ideas\, the panoramic vistas from the top of the hotel hq for some of the events and visitors\, and most of all thousands of people who are passionate about books are what I look forward to in the festival” shares author and headliner speaker\, Rebecca Solnit. “And I’m excited to talk about “The Beginning Comes After the End” there\, which proposes that\, when you add up all the forces of change over the past several decades\, it adds up to a magnificent\, transformative revolution of ideas and values\, of culture and society (against which the current administration is attempting a counterrevolution).”\n \n\n• What Haunts Us Still: Surviving and Storytelling – Tananarive Due\, Stephen Graham Jones\, moderated by Ayize Evertt-Jama \n \n• Black Feminist Futurescaping – Alexis Pauline Gumbs and Susana M. Morris will explore how Black feminist theory\, Afrofuturism\, and speculative storytelling can help us imagine liberatory futures that transform relationships to power\, land\, bodies\, and the planet itself. \n\n \n\nFree & Open Programming \nThe festival’s robust programming across all venues is mostly free and open to the public. At the Brower Center\, 15 one-hour Writers’ Workshops (free with registration) cover a wide range of topics. From generative nature poetry and audiobook narrating to memoir writing\, zine-making\, and navigating MFA programs and literary communities\, plus dedicated workshops for youth and transitional-age young adults. Highlights include Getting Unstuck with Ramona Ausubel\, Chismes Con Safos: Speculative Storytelling as Collective Resistance with Rosanna Alvarez\, and What is That Beautiful House: Crafting Engaging Settings and Playful Prose with Miah Jeffra and Tomas Moniz. \n\n \nDemocracy Dialogues tackles some of today’s most pressing issues\, including academic freedom\, press freedom\, detentions\, and civil rights\, alongside conversations about maintaining mindful\, sustainable engagement in turbulent times. A featured program will celebrate Civil Rights and Structural Attacks: Conversations with Walter Riley\, with Walter Riley\, Jesse Strauss\, and Boots Riley in conversation. \n\n \nPoetry programming expands to two stages on Sunday\, including a two-hour open mic on the BART Plaza Stage open to youth poets of all experience levels. Topical readings explore themes of Bodies and Belonging\, Blood and Chosen Kin\, Beginning when the World Ends\, and more\, with poets including Achy Obejas\, Papi Grande\, Danielle P. Williams\, and many others. \n \nSunday’s Inside Ideas programming features themed stages spanning general fiction\, romantasy\, sci-fi\, thriller\, mystery\, horror\, nonfiction\, and a dedicated Native California stage. Highlights include an exclusive pre-sale and celebration of Greg Sarris’ new book The Last Human Bear\, Julian Brave NoiseCat in conversation with Terria Smith on native memoirs\, Renee Swindle and Emily St. James discussing found families and intergenerational friendships\, Annalee Newitz on a panel about whimsical robots\, Elaine Hsieh Cho on identity and expectations\, and a rich lineup of sci-fi and fantasy with Makiia Lucier\, Tim Pratt\, Susanna Kwan\, and T.K. Rex.  \n\n \nThe program also features romance and romantasy panels with Sophia Benoit\, Delali Adjoa\, and Angela Montoya\, a climate crisis discussion with Vince Beiser\, and much more across thriller\, mystery\, translation\, and beyond. \n\n \nYouthLit Expands to Two Days\, Plus New Chill Zone  \nYouthLit\, the festival’s youth and family-oriented programming\, expands to two full days this year. Leading the program curation is the Oakland-based Social Justice Children’s Book Fair\, joined by a special activation from ArtEsteem\, a West Oakland nonprofit healing arts organization\, and much more. \n\n\n \n“The Social Justice Children’s Book Fair is thrilled to partner in planning YouthtLit programming for this year’s festival\,” said the organization’s co-director Laura Atkins. “We’ve brought our social justice lens\, helping to uplift BIPOC\, LGBQT+\, and social justice-minded children’s book creators and topics to the program. Again this year\, we will be celebrating fantastic books for children and the amazing creators who make them.“ \nAt the Berkeley Public Library\, panels\, interactive programming\, and exhibitors will offer engaging fun for all ages\, with a standout lineup of speakers including award-winning librarian and Reading Rainbow host Mychael Threets\, alongside Kyla Zhao\, Byron Graves\, and Alice Faye Duncan\, and more. \n\n \nThe free Bookworm Block Party returns on Sunday along several blocks of Allston Way\, marking a celebratory homecoming to the recently renovated Martin Luther King\, Jr. Civic Center Park\, which had been closed last year due to construction. The Block Party features 150 literary exhibitors and an expanded selection of children’s book vendors\, giving attendees the chance to browse and shop from local small presses\, emerging authors\, book artists\, and a wide range of literary-oriented organizations and service providers — all while enjoying two YouthLit stages showcasing spoken word performances and readings with celebrated children’s authors\, including Hannah Moushabeck\, Dashka Slater\, and Kyle Casey Chu aka Panda Dulce. \nThe newly renovated park will also be home to the festival’s new Chill Zone\, sponsored by Bay Area retailer Sports Basement. Outfitted with camping chairs and picnic tables\, the Chill Zone offers a festive and cozy outdoor reading lounge where attendees can relax between panels with a new book\, grab lunch from downtown eateries and food trucks\, take in the outdoor atmosphere\, join local reading group meetups\, or take part in youth-focused events and activities. \n\n \nHow To Get Involved \nAttendees can become a “Friend of the Festival” to secure headliner tickets and other perks\, including free access to year-round programming like our Merritt Dialogue Speaker Series\, access to the kickoff Authors’ Party\, and much more. \n \nThe Bay Area Book Festival is powered by more than 250-300 volunteers from across the Bay Area who come together to create this extraordinary literary celebration. Volunteer opportunities include event support\, author hospitality\, stage management\, and more. Festival organizers are still accepting application for vendors and sponsors. \n\n \nThe complete festival schedule\, tickets to headliner events\, and writing workshops registration will be released on March 28\, 2026. \n \n \nAbout the Bay Area Book Festival:\nThe Bay Area Book Festival unites readers\, writers\, and changemakers through three cornerstone programs—the flagship Bay Area Book Festival presented by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria\, the Merritt Dialogues\, and the Affinity Lit Collectives. Our mission is to uplift and honor the full spectrum of literary voices\, with particular care for those who have been historically excluded or marginalized\, while encouraging reading\, creative expression\, and critical thinking across all ages and backgrounds. We aim to build authentic relationships among communities that foster understanding\, resilience\, and collective action\, and we stand for social justice and equity by centering urgent conversations and nurturing emerging leaders in the field of literature.
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/bay-area-book-festival-calls-for-radical-imagination-literary-resistance/
LOCATION:CA
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260610
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260702
DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
CREATED:20260317T180503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T180503Z
UID:10007326-1781049600-1782950399@indiacurrents.com
SUMMARY:Kathak Summer Program\, 2026
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the dance floor this summer! Noorani Dance has multiple programs for all ages & levels: \n🌟 4 Week Session 🌟\nLevel: Beginning Children (Age 8+)\, Teens & Adults\nWednesdays\, June 10-July 1\, 6-7pm \n🌟 4 Week Session 🌟\nLevel: Int & Adv Children (Age 8+)\, Teens & Adults\nWednesdays\, June 10-July 1\, 7-8:30pm \n🌟 Kathak Youth Summer Program 🌟\nMixed Level Children (Age 5+)\nMon\, Aug 3 – Fri\, Aug 7: 9:30am-3:30pm \nExplore the joy of movement while connecting to a rich cultural tradition. \nLimited spots available – sign up today! \n🗓️ Register by March 31 for the highest discount\n📍 Menlo Park\, CA \nVisit NooraniDance.com or the link in our bio for details and to register.
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/kathak-summer-program-2026/2026-06-10/
LOCATION:Menlo Park\, CA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dance,school students,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://indiacurrents.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ND-4x5-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260628T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260628T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
CREATED:20251219T212410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T212410Z
UID:10007221-1782633600-1782666000@indiacurrents.com
SUMMARY:2026 International Student Trip to Hemalkasa
DESCRIPTION:After the overwhelming success of the 2025 Youth LEAD international immersion to Hemalkasa\, ICA is delighted to announce that we will be organizing the trip again in Summer 2026. Last year’s participants had an extraordinary experience working alongside the Lok Biradari Prakalp team—learning firsthand about community service\, problem-solving\, leadership\, empathy\, and cultural understanding. The feedback from students and parents was heartwarming\, with many calling it a life-changing experience. \nDue to the high demand in 2025\, we were unable to accommodate all interested students. Keeping this in mind\, ICA has decided to open additional spots for the 2026 program so more young leaders can participate in this transformative journey. \nSpecial Attraction for Pre-Med Students \nPre-med and aspiring healthcare students will have a unique opportunity to shadow doctors and gain first-hand exposure to hospital and clinical operations at Hemalkasa healthcare center—an invaluable experience for\nthose considering a career in medicine. \nTravel Dates: June 28 – July 12\, 2026\nDestination: Hemalkasa\, Maharashtra\, India \nMore Details & Application Information:\nhttps://www.icaonline.org/impact/youth-leadership.php \nWe encourage families to explore the program early and consider this rare opportunity for students to broaden their worldview while making a meaningful impact.
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/2026-international-student-trip-to-hemalkasa/
LOCATION:CA
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://indiacurrents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ICA-YLP-Updated-Flyer.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260628T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260712T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
CREATED:20260323T170828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T170828Z
UID:10007335-1782633600-1783875600@indiacurrents.com
SUMMARY:Youth LEAD Program
DESCRIPTION:  \nNurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Purposeful Action \nFounded in 1968\, ICA – Indians for Collective Action is a Bay Area–based\, volunteer-driven nonprofit\ndedicated to supporting innovative\, community-led development initiatives across more than 20 states in\nIndia. For over five decades\, ICA has served as a bridge between the Indian diaspora and grassroots\norganizations in India\, enabling meaningful\, sustainable impact. We invite you to learn more about ICA\nand its wide-ranging programs at www.icaonline.org.\nAmong ICA’s many impactful initiatives\, the Youth LEAD Program holds a special place. Designed to\nnurture socially conscious\, empathetic\, and confident young leaders\, the program offers students\nimmersive\, real-world experiences that go far beyond the classroom.\nStudents between the ages of 16–22\, from any part of the United States and from any country\, are\nwelcome to apply.\nA cornerstone of Youth LEAD is ICA’s international student immersion trips\, which provide\nparticipants firsthand exposure to community service\, leadership in action\, problem-solving\, empathy\, and\ndeep cultural understanding.\nFollowing the overwhelming success of the 2025 Youth LEAD international immersion to Hemalkasa\,\nICA is delighted to announce that we will be organizing the program again in Summer 2026. Last year’s\nstudents had an extraordinary\, often life-changing experience working alongside the Lok Biradari Prakalp\nteam—an experience that received deeply heartwarming feedback from both students and parents. Due to\nhigh demand\, we were unable to accommodate all interested applicants in 2025; to address this\, ICA is\npleased to open additional spots for the 2026 cohort\, allowing more young leaders to participate in this\ntransformative journey.\nSpecial Opportunity for Pre-Med Students\nPre-med and aspiring healthcare students will have the added opportunity to shadow doctors and gain\nfirsthand exposure to hospital and clinical operations at the Hemalkasa healthcare center—an invaluable\nexperience for those considering a career in medicine.\nProgram Details\n• Travel Dates: June 28 – July 12\, 2026\n• Destination: Lok Biradari Prakalp Hemalkasa\, Maharashtra\, India (https://www.lokbiradariprakalp.org/#)\n• More Details & Applications:\nhttps://www.icaonline.org/impact/youth-leadership.php\nWe encourage families to explore the program early and consider this rare opportunity for students to\nbroaden their worldview while making a meaningful and lasting impact.
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/youth-lead-program/
LOCATION:CA
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260706T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260706T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
CREATED:20260206T181347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T181347Z
UID:10007265-1783324800-1783357200@indiacurrents.com
SUMMARY:The 2026 High School Changemaker Program
DESCRIPTION:  \nInterested in mental health\, storytelling\, or using your voice to create change in your community? \nThe Rcoz High School Changemaker Program is a 4 week immersive experience for South Asian high school students who want to explore mental health in a real\, relatable way while building leadership\, communication\, and creative skills. \nThis program is designed for students who see the pressure and silence around mental health in South Asian families and want to be part of changing that conversation. \n\nAs a Changemaker\, students will: \n\nLearn how mental health impacts families and communities from culturally informed experts\nCreate real content including blogs\, social media posts\, and awareness campaigns\nBuild leadership\, marketing\, and communication skills\nEarn up to 40 volunteer hours\nGain hands on experience that strengthens college applications\n\n\n  \nProgram Details\n\nWho can apply: High school students only\nProgram dates: July 6 to August 2\, 2026\nLocation: Online with one in person meetup\nProgram fee: $500*\nEarly Bird price: $400 if you apply by Feb 7\, 2026\nApplication deadline: Feb 22\, 2026\n\n*Limited scholarships are available. \nApplication and Selection Process\n\nSubmit the online application form\nSelected applicants will be invited for a short interview\nFinal decisions will be shared no later than first week of March\nProgram fees are due within 10 days of acceptance
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/the-2026-high-school-changemaker-program/
LOCATION:CA
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260711T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260726T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
CREATED:20260309T175751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T175751Z
UID:10007315-1783756800-1785085200@indiacurrents.com
SUMMARY:Vishal & Sheykhar "The Superhit Tour"
DESCRIPTION:  \nVishal & Sheykhar return to the United States in July 2026 with “The Superhit Tour\,” produced by Kash Patel Productions. Following a completely sold-out U.S. run in 2025\, the acclaimed composer duo brings their arena-scale live experience to new cities across the country. \nWith music composed for over 350 films\, 72 number-one singles\, and more than 3 billion global streams\, Vishal & Sheykhar have shaped the sound of contemporary Indian cinema for more than two decades. Their work has earned the IIFA Award for Best Music Director\, multiple Mirchi Music Awards\, Zee Cine Awards\, and a Filmfare nomination\, as well as international collaborations that have expanded their global reach. \nBacked by a full live band and large-scale production\, “The Superhit Tour” delivers nonstop energy\, massive sing-along moments\, and an immersive concert experience that brings together generations of fans. Known for their commanding stage presence and their ability to engage with the crowd\, Vishal & Sheykhar turn every arena into a celebration. \nAbout Vishal & Sheykhar:\nVishal & Sheykhar are one of Bollywood’s most iconic music composer duos\, made up of VishalDadlani and Shekhar (formerly Shekhar) Ravjiani. With a career spanning over two decades\, they have composed music for more than 350 films across Hindi\, Tamil\, Telugu\, and Marathi cinema. Known for delivering blockbuster hits like “Jhoome Jo Pathaan\,” “Ghungroo\,” “Manwa Laage\,” and timeless tracks from Om Shanti Om\, their music has shaped the sound of modern Indian cinema. \nThey have won the IIFA Award for Best Music Director (Om Shanti Om)\, the Zee Cine Award\, and multiple Mirchi Music Awards. Their work on Om Shanti Om also earned a Filmfare nomination for Best Music Director. Individually\, Shekhar Ravjiani won the Mirchi Music Award for Sound Engineering of the Year for Titli\, and Vishal Dadlani has received critical acclaim as both a playback singer and the lead vocalist of India’s pioneering rock band\, Pentagram.
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/vishal-sheykhar-the-superhit-tour/
LOCATION:CA
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260803
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260804
DTSTAMP:20260405T190517
CREATED:20260317T180503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T180503Z
UID:10007327-1785749400-1785771000@indiacurrents.com
SUMMARY:Kathak Summer Program\, 2026
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the dance floor this summer! Noorani Dance has multiple programs for all ages & levels: \n🌟 4 Week Session 🌟\nLevel: Beginning Children (Age 8+)\, Teens & Adults\nWednesdays\, June 10-July 1\, 6-7pm \n🌟 4 Week Session 🌟\nLevel: Int & Adv Children (Age 8+)\, Teens & Adults\nWednesdays\, June 10-July 1\, 7-8:30pm \n🌟 Kathak Youth Summer Program 🌟\nMixed Level Children (Age 5+)\nMon\, Aug 3 – Fri\, Aug 7: 9:30am-3:30pm \nExplore the joy of movement while connecting to a rich cultural tradition. \nLimited spots available – sign up today! \n🗓️ Register by March 31 for the highest discount\n📍 Menlo Park\, CA \nVisit NooraniDance.com or the link in our bio for details and to register.
URL:https://indiacurrents.com/event/kathak-summer-program-2026/2026-08-03/
LOCATION:Menlo Park\, CA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dance,school students,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://indiacurrents.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ND-4x5-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR