Yangon Timeout
By Marie Starr 28 March 2019
‘Enchantress’ Art Exhibition by Zwe Mon
At Gallery 65 this weekend, see the first solo exhibition of Zwe Mon which will feature more than 30 of her works of art. Zwe Mon studied at the State School of Fine Art and her paintings use bright colors and often depict typical everyday scenes, important persons as well as some historical events, such as the Saffron Revolution.
March 29 to 31 | Gallery 65 | No. 65, Yaw Min Gyi Road, Dagon Township
Reaching Across the Divide: A Fundraising Concert
This musical event hosted by education non-profit Thabyay Education Foundation is now in its fourth year. In conjunction with Global Voices, 20 young Myanmar people of diverse cultures and backgrounds get the opportunity to use music and song to express the issues in social justice here today. As well as some favorites, they will perform four new songs which have been collectively composed. US Ambassador to Myanmar Scott Merciel will make special remarks. Thabyay Education Foundation is a very worthy cause working to empower, enable and inspire Myanmar’s future leaders.
March 30 | 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | YWCA Hall | 119 Bogolayzay Street, Botahtaung Township
Pre-Water Festival Pool Party
The new Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel, with fine views over Kandawgyi Lake and Karaweik Palace, is the place to be this weekend if you just can’t wait for Thingyan to arrive. At this pool party there will be a live DJ and canapes will be served with a free flow of sparkling wine, beer, wine and soft drinks included in the ticket. Tickets $25 nett.
March 30 | 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel | Corner of Kan Yeik Thar Road & U Aung Myat Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township
‘A Fan and a Bowl’ Art Exhibition by Aung Kyaw Htet
This is the solo art show of reputed painter Aung Kyaw Htet. Aung Kyaw Htet is well known on the international artist circuit yet an art show in Myanmar is rare for him. His imaginative work most often depicts Buddhist symbols like statues, alms bowls and pagodas and he is perhaps most famous for his lively paintings of novice monks and nuns going about their daily rituals. Exhibition opening is on March 30 at 5:30 p.m.
March 30 to April 3 | River Gallery | No. 33/35, 37th& 38th Streets, Kyauktada Township
Duwun Food Carnival
Foodies should head to People’s Park this weekend for the third annual Duwun Food Carnival. As well as a huge variety of food stalls, you can enjoy food talks, a DFC Run, games, live music performances and other entertainment. Famous singers to perform include Athen Cho Swe, Key Lashi, Kaung Kaung and Kay Kay Moe and groups to perform will include Project K, Team 143 and Definite.
March 30 to 31 | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Area 2 (Pyay Road Entrance) | People’s Park, Dagon Township
Earth Hour in Yangon
This is an international movement that has been happening worldwide since 2009. For one hour every year, the world’s biggest landmarks – the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House and more recently Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda – switch off the lights and every individual and household is encouraged to join in this statement of commitment to preserving the Earth. In Yangon this year, a number of locations are joining in including Savoy Hotel and Catrium Hotel while Pullman Hotel will have an outdoor event with music, wine, opera signing and a fire show. #Connect2Earth
March 30 | 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | Worldwide
Makers Market
This is the fourth edition of the very popular afternoon/evening market event where you will find an exciting range of the finest locally made and handmade arts and crafts, clothing, food and food vendors and get the chance to meet the makers, designers and artists behind the products. Some interesting vendors include Moon Craft (bamboo goods), Mai Su (handwoven textiles) and Paloma Yaya (natural fabrics). For food and drinks you can head to The Satay Shack, Othentic, Shwe Sa Bwe, Union Bar & Grill popups. Note, this is a plastic-free event.
March 31 | 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Karaweik Gardens | Kandawgyi Nature Park, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township
The Future of Myanmar Art Industry
Hosted by Asia Art Connect, this event will be a discussion in Burmese about the future of art in Myanmar. The talk will be moderated by artist Moe Kyaw Thant who will be joined by panelists curator and artist Aung Myat Htay and artist Khin Zaw Latt.
March 31 | 2 p.m. | Phandeeyar | 10th Floor, Royal Riverview Condo, 628/636 Merchant Road
Myanmar Color Festival
This is another colorful festival where attendees are given bags of colored powder to throw at their friends and others while they dance, party and play. The event aims to bring diverse members of the community together in a shared space for shared enjoyment. Regular tickets 8,000 kyats; special tickets 20,000 kyats.
March 31 | 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | People’s Park | Pyay Road, Dagon Township
Echelon Roadshow 2019
Join the best and brightest of Myanmar’s tech ecosystem at the Echelon Roadshow for an afternoon of sharing insights and making connections. The speaker, Matt De Luca, is the founder of JobNet.com and tell his own startup story and dispense advice and tips to help you out in your own entrepreneurial journey. Pre-registration recommended.
April 2 | 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Phandeeyar | 10th Floor, Royal Riverview Condo, 628/636 Merchant Road
Book Launch: Annual Peace & Security Review 2018
The non-profit, non-governmental Myanmar Institute for Peace and Security will present a comprehensive overview of the conflict and peace process in Myanmar with data from its advanced monitoring system together with pointed insight and analysis. This event is the launch of their annual report.
April 2 | 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Melia Hotel | Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin Township
