Santa Monica, May 23, 2023 - Santa Monica City Hall's Ken Genser Square was abuzz with excitement on Tuesday as people gathered for the highly anticipated event, Rhythm and Spice, in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Organized by the Coalition of Asian & Pacific Employees of Santa Monica (CAPE SM), the event aimed to showcase the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the AAPI community.

In attendance were esteemed guests, including Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis, Santa Monica Police Chief Ramone Batista, and Santa Monica Fire Chief Danny Alvarez, who showed their support and joined the festivities.

The festivities kicked off with a captivating display of Martial Arts demonstrations by the renowned UCLA Martial Arts team and the Muay Thai Academy. The skill, discipline, and grace of the performers left the audience in awe as they showcased their mastery of various martial arts techniques.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, The Immortals, a local cultural group, mesmerized onlookers with a traditional Dragon Dance. The rhythmic drumming, vibrant costumes, and synchronized movements of the dancers brought a touch of mystique and tradition to the event.

The celebration truly embraced the spirit of diversity and inclusivity with performances by the Rangeela Dance Company and UCLA Nashaa, who treated the audience to dynamic Bollywood Fusion Dances. The fusion of traditional Indian dance elements with contemporary styles brought a unique flavor to the stage, captivating everyone in attendance.

Not to be outdone, Samahang Modern, UCLA's premier competitive dance team, took the spotlight with a high-energy hip-hop routine. Their precise choreography and infectious energy had the crowd cheering and clapping along, showcasing the versatility and talent within the AAPI community.

In addition to the captivating performances, Rhythm and Spice featured a culinary experience that reflected the diverse flavors of Asian cuisine. Food trucks serving Korean, Thai, and Indian delicacies tantalized attendees' taste buds, offering a literal taste of the cultures represented at the event.

The event was met with enthusiasm from attendees, who praised the organizers for their efforts in showcasing the diversity and talent within the AAPI community. Many expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn, engage, and celebrate the contributions of AAPI individuals to the fabric of American society.

Rhythm and Spice is just one of the many events taking place throughout the month of May in Santa Monica to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The City of Santa Monica, in collaboration with CAPE SM, has curated a series of events to raise awareness, promote cultural understanding, and foster community connections.

As AAPI Heritage Month continues, Santa Monica remains committed to fostering an environment that values and celebrates the contributions and rich cultural heritage of the AAPI community.