A spokesperson says---
“...EVOLUTION: Asian American Arts Festival is a two-day celebration of the transformation and creativity of Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiians in Chicago and includes more than 125 artists and performers, from a variety of disciplines including dance, theatre, interactive art displays, film and music and a food and craft market representing the community…"
Highlights of Chicago’s brightest talents participating in EVOLUTION currently include:
"...Saturday, May 2
Festival hours: 12 - 8 p.m.
Upstairs
12 - 8 p.m.
Vendor/Music: Henna Zamurd Butt
12:15 p.m. (60+ minute showcase)
Spoken Word Showcase: Lisa Low, Randy Kim, Sofia Javed
1:45 p.m. (30+ minute showcase)
Theatre Showcase: Catherine Yu, Zihan Xiong, Zachary Series, Aqdas Aftab, Tanima
2:45 p.m. (45 minute performance)
Performance Lecture: Olivier
4 p.m. (30 minute performance)
Multimedia Dance: Noori, Wannapa P-Eubanks
4:45 p.m. (40 minute performance)
Theatre: Rusty Allen
5:45 p.m. (40+ minute showcase)
Standup Comedy Showcase: William Paik, Bok Joy, Yzzy Zarate, Jerry Tran
6:45 p.m. (55 minute showcase)
Films by KT Wester, Leena Kurishingal, Christina Seo
Downstairs
12:30 p.m. (45 minute performance)
Live Music: Sona Umbra
2 p.m. (45 minute performance)
Live Music: Kay tear
3 p.m. (30 minute showcase)
Dance Showcase: Preeti Veerlapati, Vrisa Odedra, Mustafa Anwar
4:30 p.m. (15 minute performance)
Performance: AiRos 頌恩 medill
5 p.m. (40 minute performance)
Live Music: My Little Realities
6 p.m. (15+ minute showcase)
Drag: Twinka Masala, Tiffany Miller
Audiences are encouraged to bring dollar bills to tip the performers.
7 p.m. (30 minute performance)
Live Music: Ochin Pakhi
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Festival hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Upstairs
10:15 a.m. (40 minute performance)
Theatre Solo Show: Lauren Kee
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Pop-Up Book Workshop: Jaerin Son
11:30 a.m. (30 minute performance)
Theatre Solo Show: Huy Nguyen
12:30 p.m. (60 minute performance)
Theatre Solo Show: Kento Morita
2 p.m. (45 minute showcase)
Film Showcase: Hannah Ii-Epstein, Okyoung Noh, Asuka Lin
3 p.m. (40 minute showcase)
Spoken Word Showcase: Ada Cheng, Jeannie Hua, Ivy McPherson
4 p.m. (20 minute performance)
Solo Performance: Xiaolu Wang
4:45 p.m. (60 minute showcase)
Comedy Showcase: Becca Nix Tham, Mantra, Stir Friday Night
Downstairs
Flashmob Dance: Ajumma Rising
10:15 a.m. (20+ minute performance)
Music: Treblemakers
11:30 a.m. (45 minute performance)
Music: Dawn Xiana Moon
1 p.m. (40 minute performance)
Music: Steven Cristi Music
2 p.m. (10 minute performance)
Tap Dance: Megan Davis, Martin Bronson, Tristan Bruns
3 p.m. (20 minute performance)
Dance: IS/LAND with Qū Jié, Olivia Lemmenes, Tuli Bera
4 p.m. (45 minute performance)
Music: Sierra Sikora Music
5 p.m. (30 minute performance)
Music: SamaSama Project
Highlighted performances include:
Sierra Sikora is a 19-year old Filipino American guitarist and singer songwriter making huge waves
Native Hawaiian Hannah Ii-Epstein is artistic director of Nothing Without a Company and presents her short film
Korean American puppeteer and artist Jaerin Son presents an interactive workshop teaching festival goers how to create their own pop-up books, and displays her handmade puppets
Jerry Tran is a Vietnamese American comedian who produces and hosts comedy shows at First Sip Cafe, a longtime staple in Chicago’s historic Argyle neighborhood
Twinka Masala is an award-winning drag king who hosts South Asian and Middle Eastern drag shows and facilitates drag workshops
Kirin Kane is a queer multiracial AAPINH person who uses mixed media sculpture and installation to investigate the intricacies of cultural belonging..."
