Chinese student group celebrates at gala on Friday

As the Chinese New Year approaches, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association will hold its Spring Festival Gala on Friday, Jan. 31 at the Overture Center in downtown Madison.

The admission-free gala begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors open at 7 p.m., at Overture’s Capitol Theater.

Kelly Wang, a member of the group, says that the annual gala celebrates the Chinese New Year for many international students who are unable to be with their families for the holiday.

“This year, we have a variety of performances from individuals and student groups on campus, ranging from singing, dancing, magic shows, original comic skits and much more,” Wang says. “This event is held not only for Asian students but also for domestic students who are learning Chinese or who are interested in Asian culture.”

Although the majority of the program is held in Mandarin, the group has invited other organizations to join in and diversify the program, such as the a cappella group Redefined, Bellydancing UW, the SAAZ Indian Music Group, the African Dance Group and others.