The EANC welcomes both Andy Valvur and Laura Põldvere to perform at its gala dinner and awards ceremony this November 5th. The awards ceremony is held every two years and honors Estonian-Americans for their service and achievements.

Andy Valvur (www.andyvalvur.com) is well-known for his deep knowledge of the Estonian-American experience and sharp wit and humor. His performances entertain by turning fresh eyes on our common experiences. Andy was born in New York City to Estonian parents, grew up in Japan, attended school in Switzerland and college in California, where he earned degrees in international relations. He makes his living as a stand-up comedian, freelance writer/radio journalist, voiceover actor and comedy writer. Today he divides his time between Cologne, Germany and San Francisco.

Laura Põldvere (www.lauraofficial.com) is a pop, jazz and blues singer from Estonia who represented Estonia in Eurovision 2005 as part of the group SunTribe. Laura also took part in Eesti Laul 2007, leading up to that year’s Eurovision. Laura studied music at Berklee Music College in Boston.

The evening culminates a day of public programs. There will be panels on important issues for Estonian-Americans, including Transatlantic Security and US-Estonia relations; how Estonian-Americans are continuing to engage with and pass on their history; and strategic directions and issues for EANC, as well as other Estonian-American organizations.

A special lunchtime event will include a sampling of Estonian start-ups, and discuss their formula for success. In between, don’t miss the photo exhibit “The Waterfowl People,” which follows the expeditions of Lennart Meri to record the lives of Finno-Ugric peoples, or the the showing of the documentary short film “Master Plan.”

Watch for announcements on this year’s award winners.