Wednesday May 25th -- NYC

Jay Legaspi Live

Check out singer-songwriter Jay Legaspi (with Matt Pana and John Violago) perform a live set and celebration of the one year anniversary of Legaspi's debut album Picture Perfect. More info here.

7:30 to 9 pm

The Bitter End

147 Bleecker St, New York

$5 + 2 drink minimum

18+

Thursday May 26th -- NYC

Marvels and Monsters: Unmasking Asian Images in US Comics, 1942-1986

Over four decades which included some of the most turbulent times in our nation's history, science fiction author William F. Wu gathered an archive of comics that is perhaps the world's only and largest collection of comic books featuring images of Asians and Asian Americans. The exhibition Marvels and Monsters: Unmasking Asian Images in U.S. Comics, 1942-1986 isn't just a treasure trove for fans of graphic fiction, it's also a unique and fascinating look at America's evolving racial and cultural sensibility — showing how images that began as racist propaganda have coalesced into archetypes that in many ways still define America's perception of Asians today. Curated by Jeff Yang and D. Daniel Kim. Exhibition runs through August 19, 2011.

Opening reception: 6 to 8 pm

The Tracey/Barry Gallery, Fales Library and Special Collections

70 Washington Square South, 3rd floor, New York

FREE, RSVP and more info here

Asian Pacific American Visionaries Conference

Verizon Wireless presents Asian Pacific American Visionaries: Innovate. Inspire. Rule., a conference in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The event will feature an eclectic group of Asian American visionaries in the fields of business, fashion, arts, sports, and entertainment -- such as Jenny Shimuzu, Teddy Zee, Suchin Pak and more. Hosted by Christine Gambito (Happy Slip of YouTube fame). Verizon is also holding a video contest for emerging visionaries. More info on the contest and event here.

7 to 10 pm

Webster Hall

125 E 11th St, New York

Wednesday May 25th -- Oakland

Oakland Asian Cultural Center Breaking Ground Fundraiser

Join OACC for its spring fundraiser "Breaking Ground", celebrating the unprecedented accomplishments of Bay Area APIA elected officials. For the first time ever, both cities of Oakland and San Francisco selected Asian Americans as their mayors, and APIAs won elections in every one of the nine counties that make up the greater San Francisco Bay Area. OACC will celebrate this important juncture, and the program will also include performances by some of OACC's diverse APIA artists and a dinner catered by a local business. More info here.

6 to 10 pm

Oakland Asian Cultural Center

388 9th St, Suite 290, Oakland

$60-65; tickets here

Saturday May 28th -- Alhambra, CA

OSMOSIS Benefit Concert

Akufuncture clothing presents "Osmosis", the first in a series of concerts to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Featuring live performances from Andrew Fung, David Fung,  Vincent Bantasan, Dawen, Kevin Lien, and afterschoolspecial. All proceeds from the show will be donated to the Education Fund at the Chinese American Museum. More info here.

7:30 to 10 pm

Gallery Nucleus

210 East Main St, Alhambra, CA

$7 presale / $10 door; tickets here

Tuesday May 31st -- San Francisco

APA Heritage Month Closing Celebration

Join Bay Area community organizations such as Hyphen, Laotian American National Alliance, Asian Business League and more for an end-of-APA-Heritage-Month celebration. With performances by cellist Charles Wang, traditional Burmese dance, and Visitacion Valley Ukulele Club. Happy hour specials all night and food provided by Let's Cupcake and New Delhi Restaurant. More info here.

6:30 to 9 pm

Carnelian by the Bay Restaurant & Lounge

1 Ferry Plaza, San Francisco

FREE, RSVP here

                                                      Opportunities

Call for Entries: Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival welcomes East/Southeast Asian filmmakers from around the world to submit their work, and also features a number of awards. Films and videos of all genres are eligible, including but not limited to: narrative, documentary, short, animation, experimental, etc. This is Canada's largest and longest-running showcase, and will take place on November 8 to 19, 2011. More details and submission here.  Application deadline: June 1 (submission fee $20 CAD)