Diversity discussed

Magdalen Hsu-Li, prominent Asian-American musician, lecturer, and feminist, will be the featured guest at an upcoming conference at Grand Valley State University addressing Asian awareness and diversity.

Magdalen, as the artist is known, will speak at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 6,
in the Loosemore Auditorium of the DeVos Center, on GVSU's Pew Grand Rapids Campus, 401 W. Fulton St. Her lecture is free and open to the public.

Magdalen's appearance caps the daylong RICE Conference (Realizing and addressing Issues in our Culture and Education), sponsored by the Asian Student Union of Grand Valley. The conference is held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the DeVos Center with the goal of increasing awareness and understanding of Asian and Asian-American culture and ideas. It is open to the public.

A pioneering musician, Magdalen is one of the first Chinese-American singer/songwriters in the United States to become a star in the acoustic/pop/folk/alternative genres. Her 2001 release, 'Fire,' was selected as one of the 12 Best DIY (Do It Yourself) Albums by 'Performing Songwriter.' Magdalen's song 'Monkeygirl' from her critically acclaimed 1998 release 'Evolution' also received acclaim. Her music is described as an eclectic mix of pop, folk, alt, punk and jazz.

In addition to performances, Magdalen's lecture series presents programs which challenge stereotypes and encourage diversity and understanding. She has shared the stage and the podium with notables such as The B-52's, Mary Lou Lord, Windham Hill recording artist Barbara Higbie, Grace Jones, Kathy Sledge (of Sister Sledge), and many others, and is a familiar face on the college, acoustic, women's and GLBT Pride circuits.

Magdalen's appearance at Grand Valley is sponsored by the Asian Student Union and the GVSU Women's Center.