Wednesday October 21st -- New York

Laughs for Literacy

Six Fil Am comedians perform together to help increase literacy among Filipino youth as well benefit as the Philippine National Red Cross's flood relief efforts. Featuring Kevin Nadal, Air Tabigue, Jamaal Sedayao, Regie Cabico, Kevin Camia, and hosted by Pete Isip.

8:30 pm
Laugh Lounge
151 Essex St, New York
$ 10 plus two drink minimum; $ 7 with book donation

October 21st to November 21st -- Nationwide

Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour

This year's 2009 tour spans over 30 cities and will include hip hop artists Lyraflip, Dumbfoundead, DJ Zo, Magnetic North, L. Scatterbrain, and Lyricks & Manifest. Check here for complete tour listings.

Thursday October 22nd -- Santa Monica

Battle of the Pitches

Screenwriters go head-to-head competing in front of a live audience and panel of judges (including actor and comedienne Amy Hill) with one-minute pitches to win a meeting with FOX executives. Screenwriters will be judged on performance and persuasive techniques, quality and originality of writing, and presentation. "Battle of the Pitches", part of Breaking the Bow: The First Annual Independent API Performing Artists and Writers Festival, promotes API writers and scripts that have prominent, non-stereotypical, and strong API characters and themes. complete entry information here.

8 pm
Miles Memorial Playhouse
1130 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica
$ 10

Thursday October 22nd -- NYC

Revenge of the Mooncake Vixen Book Party

Pushcart Prize-winning poet, translator, and essayist Marilyn Chin will read from her debut novel Revenge of the Mooncake Vixen, described by Kirkus Reviews as "fresh, chaotic and sexy". Discussion to follow.

7 to 9 pm
The Workshop
16 West 32nd St, 10th floor, New York
$ 5 suggested donation

Thursday October 22nd to Sunday October 25th -- Santa Monica

Breaking the Bow: First Annual Independent API Performing Artists and Writers Festival

This festival aims to connect up-and-coming artists and writers and their more-established counterparts, and strengthen the overall artistic community. Breaking the Bow includes Battle of the Pitches, Ten-Minute API Play Contest, AARGH!! cabaret, and play readings and premieres. Complete schedule and reservations here.

10/22 Kick Off Party with Cold Tofu and Dawen
5 pm
Miles Memorial Playhouse
1130 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica
$ 5

Friday October 23rd -- Washington DC

Tribute to Filipino American World War II Veterans

Commemorating Filipino American History Month, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program presents a panel discussison to honor the history of Filipino and Filipino American veterans and their campaign for recognition and equity for citizenship and veterans; benefits. Photojournalist Rick Rocamora, who documented the plight of elderly veterans starting new lives in the US, will discuss his documentary photography and sign copies of his book America's Second Class Veterans. Complete info here.

6:30 to 8:30 pm
Rasmuson Auditorium National Museum of the American Indian
4th Street & Independence Ave NW, Washington DC
FREE

Saturday October 24th -- NYC

NYC Dumpling Festival and Eating Contest

Clear out your gut! The Sixth Annual NYC Dumpling Festival, which is a fundraising event for the Food Bank for New York, presents a dumpling eating contest extravaganza. With men and women's divisions and a $ 1000 prize for first place. Festival-goers will also have a chance to eat dumplings the world over. More info here.

 Noon to 5 pm
Sara D. Roosevelt Park
East Houston and Bowery, New York
FREE

Saturday October 24th -- Los Angeles

Hollywood Chinese: The Arthur Dong Collection

The Chinese American Museum partners with Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Arthur Dong for an exhibition on the century-deep history of Chinese American cinematic contributions, both in front of and behind the camera. A collection of classic and contemporary movie memorabilia and depictions of how the Chinese have been imagined in Hollywood will be on public display. More info here. Exhibit runs October 24th through May 30, 2010.

Sunday October 25th -- NYC

Poetry Master Class with Myung Mi Kim

Join this conversation with award-winning poet Myung Mi Kim, Director of The Poetics Program at the University of Buffalo. This is an opportunity to hear Kim reflect on her body of work, ask questions about craft and practice, and receive feedback on your own writing.

2 to 5 pm
The Workshop
16 West 32nd St, 10th floor, New York
$ 45 general / $ 40 AAWW members