Artists, Performers & Vendors

from PAPA Expo 2023 Event Program

Thank You To Our Annual Sponsors

LAS VEGAS KAMINARI TAIKO EXPO OPENER

Friday, May 19, 8:45

Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko was formed in 1993 by George Goto and Doug Muraokaunder the name “Las Vegas Taiko”. George served as the drum maker and Doug was the director. After practicing on tires and building their own drums, Las Vegas Taiko became Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko (LVKT) because of the impressive thunderous sounds the drums made. As part of the Las Vegas chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, it is LVKT’s mission to spread the art form of taiko to the Southern Nevada community and celebrate its cultural diversity. Over the past 20+ years, LVKT has performed all over Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas at schools, conventions, casinos and community festivals. LVKT maintains the traditional roots of taiko instruction, while bringing some modern flavor and influence into their music. LVKT consists of students and performers of all ages who are taught and directed by Jennifer Caballero.

KIM DUNG HO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOTH 112

Thursday & Friday, May 18 & 19, 13:00-15:00

Complimentary headshots brought to you by Atlas Air

My name is Kim Dung Ho. I am a professional photographer based in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a woman and minority owned business, I am proud to be a trusted source for high quality headshots and photography for clients throughout Southern Nevada. I specialize in corporate headshots, branding video & photo services, camera presence coaching, full service portrait experience and event photography. My work focuses on QUALITY, not quantity. I can assure that every picture from my studio conveys the professionalism and uniqueness of my clients. I am an experienced camera performance coach and my ability to help you relax and engage with the camera will result in images that shine, every time.

Ever since I was 12, I have been a huge fan of Elvis. I love singing and imitating his moves. “Blue Suede Shoes” was the first song I learned on my guitar. So far, I have played and sang songs of Elvis for friends and relatives. Since 2018 I have also been performing as the “Asian Elvis” at birthday parties, weddings, conferences and other celebrations, using high quality backing tracks or alongside a live band. I can’t wait to be your special guest at the Expo 2023 of the Professional Asian Pilots Association at Westgate Hotel Las Vegas on May 18 and 19. “A little less conversation, a little more Asian Elvis please!”

Filipiniana Dance Company Of Las Vegas Festival

The Filipiniana Dance Company of Las Vegas (FDCLV) was established as a nonprofit organization formed in 2001 and has made a name for itself in the Las Vegas community performing in various community events. It’s mission is to educate, promote and preserve the Filipino Cultural Heritage through the development, performance and presentation of traditional Filipino folk dances. FDCLV aims to nurture the talents of young dancers and those interested in the dance form.

Te-Awhi dance group have performed for locals and tourists since 2006. We have lei greeters, hula girls, warriors, drummers, musicians and fire knife dancers. For all the fun details visit our website lasvegashula.com

Thursday, May 18, 8:45

Las Vegas Modern Kung Fu was founded by Zengjiao Jian (“JJ”), a World Champion of Wushu Kung Fu and seven-time National Wushu Champion of China where he served as a member of the infamous Beijing Wushu Team. JJ is joined by his wife, Zula, a Mongolian contortionist whose performance art and contortion have proven to be a much sought after skill set. Las Vegas Modern Kung Fu is home to a wide variety of skills training including Kung Fu, contortion, tumbling, trapeze and hoop.

Li Linhong Chinese Music Ensemble was established in June 2008 by Pipa Virtuoso Ms. Linhong Li. The first Las Vegas Chinese musical ensemble, formed to promote culture and introduce traditional Chinese music instruments and music with members ranging from 5-year-olds to 60+. Director Li combines a curriculum of traditional and modern Chinese and western music that’s popular with her students. Members have competed and won in many state, national and international music competitions. They have also been invited to perform for many cultural exchanges.

Soudachnah Thammavongsa also known as Sou is a singer, spokesmodel, works in healthcare and is Asian Community Ambassador of Las Vegas. In 2019 her National Anthem performances and work in the community lead her to hosting Thai AM TV, a show broadcasted on ACTV network; from there her journey has led her to emceeing various events such as Asian Night Market and Lunar New Year and becoming a spokesmodel for Tei Spa, a beauty supply company. Born in upstate New York, Sou is Asian American with a Thai, Laos, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese ethnic background. She spent most of her adolescence teaching her immigrant parents how to speak and write English and helping them raise her younger siblings. She and her family moved to Las Vegas where she graduated from Clark High School and went on to pursue a career in healthcare, where she is now a Regional Business Office Manager. Sou has always believed: when doing anything in life, it’s best to keep it simple but make it significant.

Modern Apsara Festival

The Modern Apsara Company bridges the modern world to the sacred art of Cambodian classical dance. Through performance, training, and workshops, the Modern Apsara Company honors the legacies of past and current dance masters by showcasing their work in elevated spaces. The company was founded by first generation Cambodian-American refugee, Reaksmey “Mea” Lath, with the purpose of preserving the integrity and majestic quality of the traditions left by the ancestors.