Performance Schedule

Festival Schedule – August 24th

Performers

Musei no Tora Bujinkan Dojo

Musei no Tora Dojo preserves the lineages from six samurai families which each have their own specialty and rich history

The Spirit of Indonesia’s Art Heritage by Ramona Gayaku

Fashion Show to show Indonesian Diversity

Santi Budaya

Indonesian dance. Santi Budaya LLC is a performing arts company dedicated to promoting the music and dance of Indonesia. Based in classical Javanese dance, the group also performs Balinese dance, as well as choreographed pieces based on the dance traditions of Sunda, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan. The company was founded in 2005 by Erna Santi Widyastuti and performs regularly at the Indonesian Embassy as well as cultural festivals throughout the Washington DC area. Special performances include events at the World Bank, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian.

Natyarpana School Of Dance & Music

We are an institution that provides instruction in Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music through private & group lessons as well as outreach programs in schools and colleges across North Carolina and Tennessee. Bharatanatyam is a codified form of the original “Sathir” dance that became prevalent in the post-colonial period in South India. The form includes both abstract, rhythmic movements as well as story-telling through gestures and facial expressions. As first generation immigrants we use story-telling and dance theater to connect to our rich heritage while making it accessible and relevant to the current generations. Artistic Director Ramya Kapadia has won several awards and fellowships for her work in community development through the arts and collaborations with scientists and artists alike. Currently she is working on developing a pedagogy that employs the philosophy of Bharatanatyam to empower persons in recovery as well as those suffering from dementia.

Filipino Line Dance Lessons

Mirai Kanai Eisa Taiko

Mirai Kanai Eisa Taiko is a chapter of the nonprofit organization Atlanta Okinawa Kenjinkai (a club for people from the Okinawa prefecture in Japan). We have been performing in various southeastern states for more than 15 years. Eisa is a traditional folk dance of Okinawa, characterized by rhythmic movements and the use of Okinawan drums. While it is performed throughout the year at various festivals, Eisa holds special significance after the Obon summer festival—a time when families honor their ancestors. This centuries-old tradition marks the end of the Obon Festival with vibrant performances. Originally rooted in karate kata (forms), Eisa has evolved to incorporate both small hand drums and large taiko drums, making it a dynamic and culturally rich art form.

Prismarine Idols

We are Prismarine Idols! An East Tennessee cosplay-idol group that focuses on LoveLive! We are brought together by our love of performing and idols, and we hope to bring some shine to you and the stage!

Instagram: @prismarine.idols

Pyrexiaa

Pyrexiaa is a two-member K-pop cover dance group that has been performing together for nearly a decade since their debut in 2017. They have showcased their talents at various festivals in the region, including past performances at the Knoxville Asian Festival. Get ready to cheer, clap, and join in the excitement as they take the stage!

Bangladesh Student Association

From the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, they represent Bangladesh—a nation born through sacrifice, rich in culture and history. They bring the soul of Bangladesh to the stage through their timeless music and graceful dance. So, get ready to experience the rhythm, color, and spirit of Bangladesh. Classical Dance, Music with (Tabla, Harmonium, Cajon), Recitation, Puppet Show.

Atlanta Korean Culture Center

Atlanta Korean Cultural Center (AKCC) from GA. At Atlanta Korean Cultural Center (AKCC), we’re a non-profit organization with a mission centered around education, engagement, and empowerment. We’re all about connecting communities and sharing the vibrant aspects of Korean culture and traditions. Our goal is to create a community that values both preserving our rich history and embracing new expressions for the present. Through performing arts, we weave together the threads of Korea’s diverse heritage, teaching and showcasing traditional Korean costumes, dances, and instruments.

Knox Kpop

Straight out of Knoxville, TN, Knox Kpop delivers show-stopping performances that blend the precision and flair of K-Pop with unmatched energy. With sharp choreography, undeniable stage presence, and a passion that lights up every crowd, this dynamic group redefines what it means to bring K-Pop to life. From iconic hits to the latest tracks, Knox Kpop creates an unforgettable experience that leaves audiences breathless and wanting more.

Benten-ya

Bentenya, the chindon girls, promote your business while entertaining people, playing music, and marching in the street. That’s their profession. Formed in 2008, they don glamorous kimonos and colorful wigs, with a captivating chindon sound that blends nostalgia and modernity. They released a debut album Senkyakubanrai in 2021. Going beyond the traditional chindon style, they have taken on acting and shows at the Gionza and Nagoya Chukyo theaters. They surprised audiences by making an appearance in The Yellow Monkey’s dome tour, and have gained attention for their performances in six overseas countries so far. They have been featured on various media outlets including television and newspapers. Their approachable demeanor is nostalgic to the older generation, refreshing to the younger crowd, and beloved by children. Their unique, electricity-free, and sustainable form involves only voices and live instruments. They possess a portable improvisational quality that allows them to perform without a traditional stage even while parading. Bentenya’s triumphant journey of spreading smiles and joy to street corners around the world has only just begun. In 2020, they were appointed as Nagoya Tourism Ambassadors.

In September 2023, Bentenya traveled the entire length of Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica to shoot the documentary film. Since then, they have revisited Route 66 towns and expanded their journey to cities beyond the Mother Road, including Phoenix, Houston, New York, Detroit, Carmel, and Cincinnati. The film is slated to complete in 2026, the Centennial of Route 66.

Knoxville Chinese Culture / UTK World Culture & Languages

Collection of short acts from local performers will be presented, including: traditional Chinese dance, modern Chinese dance, martial arts, singing, musical instruments. Many of these groups have performed for years at the Knox Asian Festival and at the East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival.

Chinese Martial Arts
The East Tennessee Wushu Team will perform a series of energetic routines that showcase new students who are just beginning their journey into the world of Chinese martial arts!

Dance: Motion of Colors
This adult group’s vibrant performance combines energetic movements with a visual celebration of color. It uses dynamic choreography and vivid hues to evoke emotion and tell a story through dance.

Dance: Young Blood
Knoxville Star Light Dance Group
The Chinese Dance “Young Blood” reflects on the innocence and joy of youth, emphasizing how life evolves with age. It underscores the importance of holding onto hope and dreams.