The Lao Heritage Foundation is holding their 11th annual cultural Gala on September 26 at Herndon Community Center in Herndon, Virginia.

The evening starts at 7pm and tickets are $35 for most people at the door.Participants will have a chance to enjoy delicious traditional Lao cuisine, and traditional music and dance performed by the students of the Lao Heritage Foundation. A community dance will follow with music provided by the Woodbridge Band.

There will be items for auction and raffles to raise funds to sustain and expand the cultural programs of the Lao Heritage Foundation.  Several Lao American authors will be in attendance who will sign their books for audience members.

This year is a significant year for the Lao community as it marks 40 years since the beginning of the modern Lao diaspora. Over 230,000 Lao are rebuilding their lives across the US in all walks of life with many who hope to maintain the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Laos.

Some of the master artists the Lao Heritage foundation has worked with in the past have included Bounseung Synanonh, a master of the kaen, and Thongtanh Souvannaphanh, a master of the saw. Tiao (Prince) Nithakhong Somsanith, a master of traditional Lao gold-thread embroidery has also given many presentation across the country as part of the Lao Heritage Foundation. They have also had a partnership with Puangchampa Luang Prabang.

You can visit them online at: http://www.laoheritagefoundation.org/