By Lexi Garcia, Editorial Assistant

This weekend, Pendleton Heights is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage. Verak Jayavarman Ven and Tuna Jr. Moe are teaming up to bring food, culture and entertainment to PH Coffee from 12 to 4 p.m. at 2200 Lexington Ave. this Sunday.

Live entertainment will be provided by Moe’s fathers band, Kona Winds, as well as various Polynesian dancers and Samoan Fire Knife dancing. Food trucks Reyn’s Hawaiian BBQ, Phnom Penh and Bambu will be in attendance. The event is sponsored by PH Coffee, FMK Social Gallery and Art Garden KC.

“The event we’re putting on this weekend is to not only perpetuate the culture from the Asian Pacific Island community, but to encourage those who don’t know about our culture and food and to experience the food, music, and entertainment,” Moe said.

Moe has been doing small festivals for the past 20 years in Independence, Mo., like Island Friday Festival held each year, and wants to take this opportunity to give something to the community to be excited about and that they’re here and want to make some noise all while collaborating with his Cambodian brothers.

This will be Verak’s first event as he will be promoting his restaurant Phnom Penh and will be doing pop-ups as well in future events.

“It is important that we all stand up for each other during these difficult time and especially for those who can’t defend themselves,” said the event’s Facebook page. “We will be donating a portion of our earnings to stop hate against AAPI community and we would like you also to join in. We aren’t living unless we all live together!”

There is no entry fee, and all money made through it will be donated to the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Foundation. Those who wish can also donate online at the AAPI website.