The University of Connecticut will celebrate Asian American Heritage Month in October with lectures, films, exhibits and performances focusing on the theme "Asian Americans Expanding the Arts."

In opening ceremonies on October 2, Peggy Myo-Young Choy, a choreographer and dance faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will perform "Ki-Ache: Stories from the Belly" at 4:30 p.m. in von der Mehden Recital Hall.

Highlights of the month include a lecture by Susan Asai, a professor of music at Northeastern University. Asai will present "Sansei Voices in the Community: Japanese American Musicians in California" on October 8 at 4 p.m. in the Asian American Cultural Center.

On October 23, a cast of three Japanese Americans who spent their childhood years in an internment camp will tell their personal stories through music, oral histories and poetry at 4 p.m. in the Asian American Cultural Center.

Other events in the month include:

September 22 - October 30 - Art Exhibit. Internationally acclaimed artist Genara Banzon's exhibit at the Jorgensen Gallery leads viewers through the history of the Philippines.

October 1 - Film. Gandhi is being shown to commemorate the 50th anniversary of India's and Pakistan's independence; The film is co-sponsored by Tarang, a society aimed at increasing the understanding and appreciation of South Asian culture; 7 p.m., von der Mehden Recital Hall.

October 4 - Lecture. Genara Banzon will talk about her art exhibit that is on display in the Jorgensen Gallery; 1 to 3 p.m., Jorgensen Gallery.

October 17 - Film. Masala is being shown in celebration of the 50th anniversary of India's and Pakistan's independence; 7 p.m., von der Mehden Recital Hall; admission is $4.

October 18 - Concert. Fred Ho and the Afro Asian Music Ensemble will take a musical journey that combines world music with progressive jazz. The concert is co-sponsored by the Student Union Board of Governors, the School of Fine Arts, WHUS, the African American Cultural Center and the Connecticut Commission on the Arts; 8 p.m., von der Mehden Recital Hall.

October 24 - Film. Gabbeh; Iranian writer/director Mohsen Makhmalbaf's lyrical vision of nomadic life in eastern Iran is a fantasy of a young woman who magically appears from a handwoven carpet; 7 p.m., von der Mehden Recital Hall; admission is $4.

October 25 - Homecoming Weekend. Visit the Asian American Alumni tent; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Student Union Mall.

October 29 - Musical Presentation by San Jose Taiko. Fusion of traditional Japanese drumming and world music; 8 p.m.; tickets are available at Jorgensen Box Office.

LM