THE APPA Newsletter

April 18, 2006

See This Weekend

MISSION STATEMENT:

Promote full utilization of the capabilities of the Enterprise's employees and champion the betterment of the company and community. Promote interest in Asian Pacific issues and culture and act as a bridge to all groups within our community. (substitute in your Enterprise and company, etc…)

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ed. by Douglas Ikemi

(dkikemi@pacbell.net)

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Back issues of the newsletter for all of 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 are available at http://www.ikemi.info/APPA/newsletters.html if you want to look up some past event. The website www.apa-pro.org no longer exists. This newsletter was originally published under the auspices of the Hughes Asian Pacific Professional Association (no longer extant). It currently has no affiliation and is available to anyone who is interested in downloading it.

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Please send in information on cultural events and news items to dkikemi@pacbell.net or dkikemi@mac.com . Thanks to those who have.

Long range calendar items:

Chinatown Farmers Market Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm Chinatown Business Improvement District http://www.ChinatownLA.com/ For Information (213)680-0243

Los Angeles Public Library Celebrates our DiverseCity

http://www.lapl.org/kidspath/events/diversecity/index.html

Korean Art History Lecture Series

At Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles

February 8 – March 22 , 2006, every Wednesday 6:30 p.m. -8 p.m. (6 weeks)* March 1st will be closed

Lecturer: Keehong Kim, Ph.D

The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles offers a series of lectures on Korean culture in English throughout the year. The first lecture will be on Korean art history. Subsequent lectures focus on Korean film, food, architecture, and music. [Some lecture topics may extend over two weeks or more.]

This new program is designed to cover the full scope of traditional and contemporary Korean culture. It offers a good opportunity for the general public as well as for the English-speaking Korean community in Southern California to appreciate the distinctiveness of Korean art and history. 

Schedule of classes

Class 1: Introduction / Prehistoric Korean Arts

Class 2: The Three Kingdoms and Unified Silla Period Part I Goguryeo(B.C. 37-668 C.E.)-Tomb Wall Murals, King Gwanggaeto
Baekje(B.C. 18-660 C.E.)-the Royal Tomb of King Munyeong

Class 3: The Three Kingdoms and Unified Silla Period Part II

Old Silla (B.C.57~668 C.E.) – Various artifacts from Tombs

Unified Silla (668~935) – Buddhist Art

Class 4: Korean Ceramic Art of Goryeo(918~1392) and Joseon Periods (1392~1910)

Class 5: Joseon Dynasty Period Part I Classic Style of Early and Middle Period

Master Jeong, Seon (1676~1759) and his Korean Landscape Paintings

Class 6: Joseon Dynasty Period Part II The Golden Age of Korean Style

Master Kim, Jeonghui (1786~1859) and his Calligraphy

Conclusion        

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles, 5505 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Free, registration required

open to the public

For more information please contact

Sejung Kim Tel: 323-936-7141(x123) 
sejung.kim@kccla.org
www.kccla.org

Feb 3-May 23 Japanese Paintings: Birds, Flowersand Animals at the Pavilion for Japanese Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

When China Ruled the Seas: The Treasure Fleet of the Ming Dynasty, 1405-1433

Exhibition at Ventura County Maritime Museum through May 31, 2006

Celebration of the 600th Anniversary of the Chinese Treasure Fleet Comes to Channel Islands Harbor

The exhibit features artifacts of the early Ming Dynasty as well as, the Chinese navigational and shipbuilding technology of the 15th century. A portrait commissioned by the Los Angeles artist, Pang Qi, and a replica of the Admiral’s formal uniform lllustrate the colorful and larger-than-life central Asian Islamic admiral of the Treasure Fleets, Zheng He. The Treasure Ships, some 480 feet long, the size of a small WWII aircraft carrier, are represented by a four-foot long model specially built for the exhibit.

In 1405, Emperor Zhu Di ordered a massive “Treasure Fleet” of 200-300 ships with 28,000 men to sea on the “Western Ocean” to invite envoys of foreign states to return with the fleet as guests of his court. The great fleets of specialized ships carried their own water, food, troops, horses and support –crews, as well as diplomats and linguists. They also carried gifts of silks, patterned cottons, blue and white porcelain ceramics and gold and silver items to be presented on behalf of the Chinese emperor to heads of states.

The fleets made seven voyages between 1405 and 1433. They traveled along the coast of Southeast Asia, Indonesia, India, Arabia and eastern Africa. They returned with rare woods, herbs and spices, fruit and plants, several giraffes and an oryx, gems and minerals and charts of the tides and stars. Admiral Zheng He, himself, kept a logbook and made very accurate geographic maps. In 1433, the Ming imperial policy was changed to one of isolationism. Foreign trade was banned, maps and charts destroyed and the fleet of ships left to deteriorate. China, the superpower of the 15th century, closed its doors on the world and was not successfully engaged for five centuries until President Nixon made his historic visit.

The following community organizations are participating in both the exhibit and the cultural festival grand opening activities: The Ventura County Chinese American Association, The Ventura County Chinese American Historical Society and the Conejo Chinese Cultural Association.

The museum is open daily, 11-5 pm, except on Christmas and New Year’s. Admission and all activities are free and open to the public. The Museum is located in Channel Islands Harbor at 2731 South Victoria Avenue in Oxnard, at the corner of S. Victoria and Channel Islands Boulevard.

Ventura County Maritime Museum: 2731 S.Victoria Ave, Oxnard, CA 

Cost: Free

Tel: (805) 984-6260, VCMM@aol.com

March 5 - June 4, 2006 A Letter from Japan: The Photographs of John Swope

Exhibition at UCLA Hammer Museum

A Letter from Japan: The Photographs of John Swope is the first in-depth presentation of vintage prints from the late Los Angeles photographer’s 1945 journey through post-war Japan. Shot during a three-and-a-half-week period, Swope’s photographs vividly document the impact of World War II on the local population of Japan as well as on the Allied soldiers and prisoners of war. The exhibition presents over 115 vintage prints, which also include selected highlights from his career as a renowned Hollywood photographer from the 1930s through 1970s.

About the Exhibition
The exhibition and accompanying catalogue honor John Swope’s original intention of bringing together his timeless, powerful photographs with the emotional text of a letter he wrote from Japan to his wife, actress Dorothy McGuire. Individual images are juxtaposed with short excerpts in both the exhibition and the catalogue. Published by the Hammer Museum, the catalogue also reprints the entire 144-page letter for the first time.

In addition to the Japanese series, the exhibition presents a selection of Swope’s earlier and subsequent work in photojournalism and portraiture that further reflect his striking ability to encapsulate a range of universal human experiences in photographs. Early on, Swope (1908-1979) became best known for his insider views of Hollywood in which he captured both the glamorous and the mundane sides of life through intimate portraits of celebrities and behind-the scenes views of movie and theatrical productions. He went on to have a successful career as a freelance Life magazine photographer, where he frequently covered similar stories on Hollywood.

Alongside the photographs, A Letter from Japan presents books and magazines, in which Swope’s work was originally published, the photographer’s personal documents and letters, his camera, and other ephemera. The exhibition includes significant loans from the John Swope Trust, Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Arts, Craig Krull Gallery, Ben Stiller, and other private collections.

Hammer Museum 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 11am-7 pm Thu 11am-9 pm Sun 11am-5 pm 
$5 Adults, $3 Seniors (65+) and UCLA Alumni Association Members with ID, Free for Museum members, students with ID, UCLA faculty and staff, and visitors 17 and under accompanied by an adult. Free on Thursdays for all visitors

For more information please contact

Hammer Museum Tel: 310.443.7000, hammerinfo@arts.ucla.edu, www.hammer.ucla.edu/exhibitions_upcoming.htm

March 10-Jun 18 Reflections of Beauty : Women from Japan’s Floating World at Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena.

14th Annual Juried Art Exhibition - “Surface Tension”

At The Korean Cultural Center Through April 28, 2006

Painting, Photography and installation works by 14 Contemporary Artists.

The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles proudly presents its 14th Annual Juried Exhibition which will consist of a variety of contemporary arts by exceptionally talented artists. The artists were selected by jurors David Moon (Chair & Professor of Art Dept. of CSUN), Howard Fox (Curator of LACMA), Yong Soon Min (Chair & Professor of Art Dept. of UCI).

The Juried Arts Exhibition has steadily become one of the most popular exhibitions at KCCLA, having its debut in 1993. The event has undoubtedly grown through the hearts, minds, curiosity, and opened mindedness of supporters; therefore, we are delighted to present our 14th exhibition.  The artists participating in our Annual Juried Exhibition are from different parts of America. Regardless of the much dissimilarity in their culture, ethnicity, ideology and economic background, these artists all share very important characteristics that has brought them to one place; their creative processes in developing a visual statement of their lives to present and share with us all.

This year, they had 251 applicants from across the nation and it was extremely difficult to narrow the selection down. The KCCLA has selected 14 artists to share their ideas, inspirations and abilities.

Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Korean Cultural Center, 5505 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 

Cost: Free

Special Instructions

Opening reception: April 7, 2006 from 6-8:30PM. Open Mon -Fri

Tel: (323) 936-7141 ex #112, seon@kccla.org

Merging: The Art of Diana Shui-Iu Wong March 18, 2006 – October 15, 2006

Merging features a collection of work that spans four decades, from Wong’s early impressionistic portraits and landscapes to recent abstract compositions inspired by the Chinese philosophy of the I Ching or The Book of Changes.

While Wong’s classical training in both Chinese and Western painting form the basis for her techniques, her study of the I-Ching offered her a decisive break from traditional modes as well as new creative directions. In 1962, Wong began to experiment beyond the conventions of her formal art training to explore the liberating complexity of abstraction. Discovering that she could express pride for her heritage and culture through her work, Wong has also found self- empowerment through her art making. Wong’s most recent work ventures boldly into abstraction while grounded in nature and the elements. Her striking images, like color-flooded snapshots of the cosmos, explore universal questions about being and balance.

Chinese American Museum

El Pueblo de Los Angeles

125 Paseo de la Plaza

Los Angeles, California 90012

www.camla.org, (213) 485-8567

April 29, 2006 Book Signing at the UCLA Festival of Books

Author to sign copies of his book on Korean Culture, geared for elementary school children.

Author John Stickler and his wife, fine artist Soma Han, will be signing and chopping their book, Land of Morning Calm: Korean Culture Then and Now, at the L.A. Times Festival of Books at the end of April. The 32-page picture book presents 19 facets of Korean life, from the symbolic national flag to the preparation of kimchi. Now in its second edition, it is published by Shen's Books, a national distributor of cultural and educational materials for young readers. Reviews are posted on the Internet at www.amazon.com and www.shens.com

      The Sticklers will be in Booth 191, IMCBook, in Wilson Plaza on the UCLA campus Saturday April 29 from 1-3 p.m. 

     The national children's magazine Skipping Stones selected Land of Morning Calm to receive its 2005 Honor Award, as an exceptional title in the multicultural and international category. The list of Honor Award winners may be seen on the magazine's website www.skippingstones.org/book2005.htm

     Soma Han previously illustrated a book of Korean proverbs, Tigers, Frogs and Rice Cakes, also from Shen_s Books. The Sticklers live in Southern California.

Saturday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Los Angeles, CA 90095

Cost: Free

April 29, 2006 Performance - Music of China At Hammer Museum

The Music of China Ensemble, under the direction of Li Chi, performs arias from Kun opera of the 15th century, silk-and-bamboo music from the Shanghai area, folk dances for festive celebration, zheng zither music in the Keijia style from Canton Province, music for large percussion ensemble and modern compositions for an ensemble of traditional Chinese wind and string instruments.

Saturday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

UCLA
Hammer Museum
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Cost: Free

VC FILMFEST Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival to be held from May 4 to 11. The 22nd edition of VC FILMFEST: The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is slated to return once again to its signature venues, the Directors Guild of America and Aratani/Japan America Theatre.

http://www.vconline.org/

May 05, 2006 Lecture - Virtually Exploring Southern California Asian Americana

At Santa Monica College

Seventh annual Asian Pacific Islander Celebration at Santa Monica College.

With three distinguished speakers:

Daphne Kwok, Executive Director of Angel Island Immigration Foundation Sojin Kim, Curator, Japanese American National Museum Dr. Pauline Wong, Executive Director, Chinese American Museum Moderated by Dr. Lesley Kawaguchi

A multi-media presentation and lively dialogue about the relevance of preserving material cultures into the 21st Century.

Friday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Santa Monica College
Santa Monica College Concert Hall
1900 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica , CA 90405

Special Instructions

Free and Open to the Public Seating strictly on a first-arrival basis

For more information please contact

Judy Neveau Tel: (310) 434-4303

Saturday May 6, 2006 Salute to Chinese American Actors, a premiere event of the Asian Pacific Heritage Month

VIP Reception With the Stars for Jade Level tables

and $200 ticket patrons: 5pm

Registration & No-Host Bar: 6pm

Delectable Chinese Banquet: 6:30pm

All-Star Salute: 7:30pm

San Gabriel Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom

225 West Valley Blvd

San Gabriel, CA 91776

Join us in commemorating

our 30th anniversary with an all-star gala!

Honor the actors who have made their

mark in Asian American film history.

HONORING

Michael Paul Chan

Francois Chao

Rosalind Chao

George Kee Cheung

Chao Li Chi

Tsai Chin

James Hong

Kelly Hu

Alvin Ing

Nancy Kwan

Dana Lee

Let Li

Bai Ling

Lucy Liu

Lisa Lu

Tzi Ma

Mina Na

Julia Nickson

Jack Ong

Freda Foh Shen

Elizabeth Sung

Lauren Tom

B. D. Wong

Russel Wong

Ping Wu

our prompt reservation and payment are most appreciated! Detach and mail with payment to CHSSC.

Please reserve tables of 10 people for me at the following level:

Total: $______

__ Jade $2,000 (Includes VIP reception) __ Gold ($1,500) __ Silver ($1,000)

Please reserve __ seat(s) at the following level: Total: $______

__ $200 (Includes VIP reception) __ $150 __ $100

I am unable to attend, but enclosed is my tax-deductible contribution of: Total: $______

Name ________________________________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________________________________

Phone ________________________________________________________________________

Email ________________________________________________________________________

Please list attendees sitting together on the back of this form.

Make checks payable to: CHSSC, 415 Bernard St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Chinese Historical Society of Southern California

CHSSC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

All but $50 of each ticket is tax deductible to benefit CHSSC.

For more information, please contact CHSSC:

(323) 222-0856 or chssc@earthlink.net.

www.chssc.org

May 06, 2006 Performance - Music of Korea At UCLA Hammer Museum

The Music of Korea Ensemble, under the direction of DongSuk Kim, presents a variety of styles of court and folk music and dance traditions.

Saturday, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

UCLA
Hammer Museum
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Cost: Free

Saturday, May 6, 2006

Cherry Blossom Festival

Presented by the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center

12 noon to 7:00 p.m.

West Covina Civic Center Courtyard

1444 W. Garvey Ave.

West Covina, CA 91793

Free Parking at Civic Center

For more information, please contact the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center at 626-960-2566.

http://www.westcov.org/events/index.html

May 7 Spring Festival at the Miller Garden, Cal State Long Beach, 12-4PM, Parking Lot 16. www.csulb.edu/~jgarden

May 09, 2006 Lecture- "Beyond Suzhou: Region and Memory in the Gardens of Sichuan"

At The Huntington Library

A series of public lectures on Chinese gardens and related topics begins this fall at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens.  Addressing different aspects of the history, art, and culture of China that are closely linked to traditional garden designs, these lectures will help create the historical and cultural contexts for the Huntington’s own Chinese garden, which is currently under construction.  The first series, consisting of four lectures, will focus on defining the characteristics of Chinese garden design.  The lectures are free.  All lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. in Friends’ Hall at The Huntington.

Jerome Silbergeld, the P.Y. and Kinmay W. Tang Professor of Chinese Art History at  Princeton University and director of Princeton’s Tang Center for East Asian Art, will discuss the gardens of Sichuan Province and the differences of style and patronage from other regional gardens of China.  Developed in relative isolation from Imperial and Suzhou style gardens, the gardens of this southwestern province can shed a great deal of light on the complex history of gardens in China.  Silbergeld has written several books on traditional and modern Chinese painting and on the Chinese cinema.  

Tuesday, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

The Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108

Cost: Free

For more information please contact

Lisa Blackburn Tel: (626) 405-2140, lblackburn@huntington.org

MOTTY-CHON By Perry Miyake, Directed by Alberto Isaac May 10 – June 4, 2006

Martin is 48-years old, single, works a dead-end job and lives at home with his aging Nisei parents Mits and Helen. His bachelor status is the perfect target for his meddling parents and their gossip-hungry friends. Then Gina, a white, 24-year old pierced and tattooed punker chick enters Martin’s life. What’s a parent to do? MOTTY-CHON is a comedy that shatters stereotypes about parental expectations and the search for love from the playwright of VISITORS FROM NAGASAKI and DOUGHBALL.

Preview Performances May 4-7, 2006 Thursday-Saturday @ 8 pm, Sunday @ 2 pm $20 all seats $10 all seats w/ student ID

Opening Night
Wednesday, May 10, 2006 @ 8 pm $60 all seats Includes pre-show hosted bar and post-show reception.

Regular Performances May 11 – June 4, 2006 Thursday- Saturday @ 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday @ 2 pm (no matinee on 5/13) $35 Orchestra $30 Balcony

American Sign Language-interpreted performance May 27, 2006 @ 2 pm. Tickets $20 for deaf and hard of hearing patrons.

http://www.eastwestplayers.org/motty.htm

May 20, 2006 Lotus Steps 2006

Annual dance production of the UCLA Chinese Cultural Dance Club

Tickets:

Tickets for Lotus Steps will be available in the spring. Email ccdc@ucla.edu for more information.

Doors open at 6:15 pm for Advanced Entrance (AE) ticket holders. Doors open at 6:35 pm for General Admission ticket holders. Seating is guaranteed until 6:45 pm.

Two Advanced Entrance (AE) tickets can be reserved with a contribution of $50 to the UCLA Chinese Cultural Dance Club. There is no limit to how much one can contribute, but there are a limited number of AE tickets available. Download the CCDC contribution brochure and follow the instructions to reserve your AE tickets.

General Admission tickets will become available at the UCLA Central Ticket Office or online at this website in spring. General Admission tickets are free.

Tickets are required for admission. Non ticket holders will be placed in a standby line and granted admission to the auditorium starting at 6:45 pm, space permitting.

Saturday 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Royce Hall
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA 90095

For more information please contact

Patrick Pieng, ccde.external@gmail.com, www.ccdcbruins.com

May 21, 2006Performance - Music of Bali At UCLA, Schoenberg Hall

The Music of Bali Ensemble, under the direction of I Nyoman Wenten, features gamelan music (the generic Indonesian word for orchestra) and dance. The Balinese gamelan gong kebyar is famous for its fast tempos, abrupt changes of texture and brilliantly costumed dancers who act out stories from the Ramayana.

Sunday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

UCLA
Schoenberg Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Cost: Free

June 01, 2006Performance - Music of China

At UCLA, Schoenberg Hall

The Music of China Ensemble, under the direction of Li Chi, performs arias from Kun opera of the 15th century, silk-and-bamboo music from the Shanghai area, folk dances for festive celebration, zheng zither music in the Keijia style from Canton Province, music for large percussion ensemble and modern compositions for an ensemble of traditional Chinese wind and string instruments.

Thursday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

UCLA
Schoenberg Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Cost: Free

June 02, 2006 Performance - Music of India At UCLA, Schoenberg Hall

The Music of India Ensemble performs short compositions of North Indian classical and semi-classical ragas (harmonic modes) and talas (rhythmic patterns on tabla). The ensemble comprises the students of Shujaat Husain Khan on vocals and sitar (a long-necked lute with seven principal strings, plus 12–20 sympathetic strings) and the students of Abhiman Kaushal on tabla (drums).

Friday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

UCLA
Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Cost: Free

June 03, 2006 Performance - Music of Korea At UCLA Schoenberg Hall

The Music of Korea Ensemble, under the direction of DongSuk Kim, presents a variety of styles of court and folk music and dance traditions.

Saturday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

UCLA
Schoenberg Hall Los Angeles, CA 90095

Cost: Free

June 4 Kabuki actor Bando Mitsugoro X will speak at the Pacific Asia Museum at 2PM. www.pacificasiamuseum.org

June 11 Bando School of Japanese Classical Dance presents a Charity Show benefiting senior health care services featuring Bando Mitsugoro X. 1PM and 6PM. Tickets $50. Aratani/Japan America Theatre 

Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 South San Pedro Street, 90012. For ticket info 310-539-8636

June 17 Asia America Symphony and Ahn Trio perform at the Aratani Japan America Theatre, 8PM. www.asiaamericasymphony.org

June 25 Re-creation of Tang period tea ceremony, New Oani Hotel, Little Tokyo, 1PM and 3:30PM. Call Okamura at 323-728-1990 or Kichimi at 818-547-1122

See LA Library DiverseCity events at http://www.lapl.org/kidspath/events/diversecity/index.html

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This Weekend (and earlier)

April 19-21 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization devoted to paving the way for a greater appreciation of India's cinema and diverse culture by providing the public with a selection of films from and about India by Indian and International filmmakers. The Opening and Closing Night Galas will begin with a screening of a feature film followed by receptions that will include music and/or dance performances. In addition, during the festival, various Indian-influenced art and music exhibitions will be presented at no cost to the public.The Festival will take place April 19-23, 2006 at ArcLight Cinemas, an elegant, state-of-the-art facility at Sunset and Vine in Hollywood.

Tickets for IFFLA will go on sale this Friday, March 24 at ArcLight Hollywood’s box office, located at 6360 W. Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood , and online at: www.arclightcinemas.com . Ticket prices are $11 for general admission and $9 for discounted admissions (students, seniors, and AFI and ArcLight members). Gala ticket prices are $60 each for Opening and Closing nights and $25 for the Tribute on April 21.  Festival Passes are priced at $75 for the Fest Pass (includes all regular screenings), and $200 for the All-Access Pass (includes all screenings, Galas and Seminars).

For more information on IFFLA please go to www.indianfilmfestival.org.

April 20, 2006 Screening - Men of Burden: Pedaling Towards a Horizon

At ArcLight Cinemas Part of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles

WORLD PREMIERE, USA-India/2006/78 min/Beta SP/Documentary , Director: Raghu Jeganathan Narrator: Domenic Romano , Producer: Ramesh Mourthy, Screenwriters: Kousalya Jeganathan, Raghu Jeganathan , Cinematographer: Mohandass Radhakrishnan , Sound Editor: Patrick Sasso , Music: Steve Gorn

MEN OF BURDEN showcases touching stories of cycle-rickshaw drivers in the South Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Having practiced a lucrative profession during the years of French colonialism, rickshaw pullers today battle poverty, homelessness and hunger, struggling to survive the decline of their trade’s value.

Amidst the stories about struggle and survival, the men of burden find happiness and humor in life's simple surprises. An ode to the toils of these breadwinners, the film scores through its unexpected humorous moments and heartfelt compassion.

Tamil (English subtitles)

Thursday, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

ArcLight Cinemas, 6360 Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028

Tel: (310) 364-4403, www.indianfilmfestival.org

April 21, 22 The Torrance Cultural Arts Center Foundation presents the PEKING ACROBATS in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive. 8PM

Tickets are $33/$31.  Call the Theatre Box Office at (310) 781 - 7171.

This troupe defies gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control with astonishing juggling dexterity and incredible balancing feats.  The acrobats show tremendous skill and ability with such stunts as wire-walking, trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting and gymnastics.

April 22 Contrasting Elements: A Guided Tour of Isamu Noguchi's To the Issei and California Scenario with Prof. Amy Lyford and Prof. Bert Winther-Tamaki 10AM-4PM

Isamu Noguchi explored California's culture, history, and terrain in two impressive works: To the Issei and California Scenario. The former, located on the plaza at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo, pays homage to the Issei pioneers. The latter, resting between two skyscrapers and a parking structure in Costa Mesa, offers a vivid sculptural portrait of the Golden State.

Learn more about the work and the man who created them in a special guided tour with Amy Lyford, Assistant Professor, Art History, Occidental College and Bert Winther-Tamaki, Associate Professor, Asian American Studies, UC Irvine.

Space is limited, $50 for museum members, $65 for non-members, includes transportation and lunch. Advanced reservations highly recommended. For reservations or more information, call 213.625.0414.

In conjunction with the exhibition Isamu Noguchi: Sculptural Design

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM, 369 East First Street
Los Angeles, California 90012, phone: (213) 625-0414, fax: (213) 625-1770

April 22 Sculpture in Goop: A Special Noguchi-Inspired Program for Families 1-4PM

Kids of all ages will model and mold Isamu Noguchi-inspired sculpture with goop, a quick-drying and fun material. Whether they create their own sculptures, playgrounds, landscapes, or furniture to take home with them, kids can explore the Isamu Noguchi - Sculptural Design exhibition and discover how they too can make objects that are both beautiful and functional in design.

Free with admission to Isamu Noguchi - Sculptural Design. Kids under 18 years FREE when accompanied by an adult.

In conjunction with the exhibition Isamu Noguchi: Sculptural Design

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM, 369 East First Street
Los Angeles, California 90012, phone: (213) 625-0414, fax: (213) 625-1770

April 22 Craft Class with Ryosen Shibata: Sumi-e Sparrows (Suzume) 1-3PM

Design birds in flight with the art of sumi-e. $8 for National Museum members and $13 for non-members, includes supplies and Museum admission. Reservations are recommended.

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM, 369 East First Street
Los Angeles, California 90012, phone: (213) 625-0414, fax: (213) 625-1770

April 22, 2006 Performance - Music of India At Hammer Museum

The Music of India Ensemble performs short compositions of North Indian classical and semi-classical ragas (harmonic modes) and talas (rhythmic patterns on tabla). The ensemble comprises the students of Shujaat Husain Khan on vocals and sitar (a long-necked lute with seven principal strings, plus 12–20 sympathetic strings) and the students of Abhiman Kaushal on tabla (drums).

Saturday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

UCLA
Hammer Museum
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Cost: Free

NEWSPEAK SLAM! II

Projekt NewSpeak presents:

The Asian American SLAM Poetry Showcase of the Nation

Date/Time:  Saturday April 22 at 6 PM

Location: Aratani/Japan American Theatre

Admission Info:

LIMITED Pre-Sale:

General Admission - $15

VIP - $25

Day of Event:

General Admission - $18

VIP - $30

For more information please visit Project NewSpeaks' website:

www.projektnewspeak.com

April 22 & 23, 2006 The 2006 Cherry Blossom Festival Committee and the City of Monterey Park are pleased to present the 9th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park, located at 350 S. McPherrin Avenue; Monterey Park, CA.  Entry to the Festival is FREE.

Planned and coordinated by community volunteers, the Cherry Blossom Festival strives to provide a cultural arts event that offers a forum for learning, entertainment, fun, and support of community. 

So take the time to see, hear, and taste a bit of the Japanese and Japanese American culture through a first-hand experience of watching traditional Japanese dancing, hearing the resounding beats of the taiko drums, observing the mastery and various skills of martial arts, participating in the ancient art of the tea ceremony, or buying hand-made crafts or food with an Asian flair. Other highlights of the Festival include games & crafts for children, and numerous cultural displays.

Each year the festival strives to have a mix of entertainment that will delight any taste, and this year will be no exception:

Actor Rodney Kageyama will be on hand both days to handle the M.C. duties, with David Ono of Eyewitness News and Jane Yamamoto of Fox 11 News making special guest appearances.  If you have any questions about the performance schedule, please call the Recreation & Parks Department at (626) 307-1388.

www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us

Tenth Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Set for April 23-24 at UCLA 25th Annual Los Angeles Times Book Prize Awards on April 22 to Kick Off Event

Hundreds of the country's best-selling authors will engage thousands of Southern California book lovers with millions of words at the 10th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, which will be held Saturday, April 23, and Sunday, April 24, on the UCLA campus. Festival hours are Saturday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/

April 21, 2006

At Korean Cultural Center
April 3 - April 28, 2006

“100 Books from Korea” project commemorates Korea’s participation as the Guest of Honor at The Frankfurt Book Fair 2005

Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Library & Resource Center at the Korean Cultural Center: 1st floor
5505 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 

Cost: Free

Special Instructions

10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sat.

www.kccla.org/

April 22, 2006 Second Annual NewSpeak SLAM!

At Aratani/Japan America Theatre

After a very successful debut in 2005, Projekt NewSpeak (www.projektnewspeak.com) is announcing the return of the highly anticipated NewSpeak SLAM!,  an artist showcase highlighting today’s most exciting Asian American spoken word performances featured through a SLAM Poetry Competition with great musical performances by LA’s emerging talented singer/songwriters.  
 
Special guests will include DJ K-Sly (100.3 the Beat and Steve Harvey’s Big Time on the WB Network), Shihan the Prototype (Resident Performer of Russell Simmons and HBO’s Def Poetry Jam), Janet Choi (MTV Real World and KTLA Reporter), SKIM (2005 NewSpeak SLAM! Champion), and Paul “PK” Kim (Host of the World Famous Laugh Factory and Kollaboration). Musical Performances will be performed by Next Phaze (up and coming R&B group) and David Tran (singer/songwriter).
 
The contestants for this year’s SLAM! are: 
Edren Sumagaysay (Zero3) 
Dumbfoundead (Jeet Kune Flow) 
Liza Gesuden (2006 FPAC SLAM Champion)
Johneric Concordia (Host of the Tuesday Night Café) 
Justin Nakasone
David Kim (Kaos/Project Blowed Poetry Team)
Damnyo (Da Poetry Lounge in Hollywood). 
 
Launched in the fall of 2004, Projekt NewSpeak became the name for the production company with a purpose to break and change stereotypes and images of Asian Americans in the mainstream media through the development, organization and promotion of innovative and thought-provoking art that speaks to the minds and hearts of all people.

Saturday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Aratani/Japan America Theatre
244 S. San Pedro St
Los Angeles, CA 

For more information please contact

Geena Oh
Tel: (310) 709-4957
www.projektnewspeak.com

April 23, 2006 Cinema Symposium 3: Vietnamese American Filmmakers Showcased

At UCLA

A panel discussion with a showcase of film clips

3:00pm - 5:30pm -- Symposium with Guest Panelists:

Ham Tran (Director/Journey from the Fall), Kathy Uyen (Actress/Kieu), Le-Van Kiet (Director/Dust of Life), 
Linh Le (Actress/Dust of Life), Mike Nguyen (Director/My Little World),Nguyen Tran (Film Sales Agent), Ringo Le (Director/Saigon Love Story), Tuan Tran (Director/Finding Madison)

5:30pm - 6:15pm -- Special screening of Passage of Life, directed by Luu Huynh
Co-winner of ViFF 2003 Audience Choice Award for Best Short Film

6:15pm - 7:30pm -- Light refreshments

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 12, 2006) –The UCLA VietNamese Language & Culture (VNLC) & Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association (VAALA) present  “From Script to Screen”, a cinema symposium and film screening featuring Vietnamese American professionals in the film industry.  Cinema Symposium 3 will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 3:00 PM at Haines Hall 39 on the UCLA campus.  nvited guests include Director Ham Tran (“Journey From the Fall”); Actress Kathy Uyen (“Kieu”, “Asian Stories”); Director Le-Van Kiet (“Dust of Life”); Actress Linh Le (“Dust of Life”); Animator and Director Mike Nguyen (“My Little World”); Film Sales Agent Nguyen Tran; Director Ringo Le (“Saigon Love Story”); and Director Tuan Tran (“Finding Madison”). Following the success of the 2005 Vietnamese International Film Festival (ViFF), Cinema Symposium 3 aims to bring together Vietnamese-American professionals working in the film industry whose achievements in front of and behind the camera advance and celebrate Vietnamese identity and culture.  “The main purpose of Cinema Symposium 3 is to promote Vietnamese American filmmaking and support up and coming filmmakers,” said CS3 Co-Director To Phuong Tran, “Yet, it is also meant to give direction, inspiration and insight to film students and anyone in the general public who is passionate about film.” The theme, “From Script to Screen”, delves into the arduous journey that filmmakers embark on to realize their dreams.  The path by which an idea is transmitted to a script and advances to the screen is an enigma of sorts to the general public.  CS3 endeavors to uncover those mysteries as our eight-person panel candidly shares their experiences through the discussion and Q&A.  Drawing from a range of professions and backgrounds, guests will answer questions from the audience regarding all aspects of the filmmaking process, as well as showcase clips from their most recent works.   Additionally, there will be a special screening of Luu Huynh’s Passage of Life (Duong Tran).  Filmed on 35 mm and digitally projected, the film is in Vietnamese with English subtitles.  Passage of Life won the Audience Choice Award for Best Short Film (tied with Ham Tran’s The Anniversary) at the Vietnamese International Film Festival in 2003. Cinema Symposium 3 will also kick-off the official 2007 Vietnamese International Film Festival call for submissions. The Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association (VAALA) is a highly active and visible Vietnamese-American cultural non-profit organization. Founded in 1991 by prominent artists, journalists, and community activists in Orange County, VAALA’s mission is to support and encourage artists and writers of Vietnamese descents and promote the vitality of Vietnamese arts and literature. Founded in 1994 to preserve and promote Vietnamese culture, the UCLA VietNamese Language and Culture (VNLC) realizes its goals through community outreach and sharing the Vietnamese culture with the larger community through organized tutorials and cultural projects. 

Sunday, 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM

UCLA
Haines Hall 39, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Cost: Free

Special Instructions

Parking $8

www.vaala.org

Last weekend I went to:

Friday I went to listen to Icy Smith, author of “The Lonely Queue” at the JACL singles meeting. She narrated a slide presentation on the history of the Chinese Americans in Los Angeles and the West. I found out that Icy is a literal translation of her Chinese name, Sui Bing Tang.

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Links to selected articles from the LA Times. To actually access the articles, you may have to sign up for a free account.

China Hopes Hu Makes Good Impression

The president lacks the spontaneity of his predecessors. But officials know the image he projects on U.S. visit could pay dividends.

By Mark Magnier, Times Staff Writer

April 18, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-image18apr18,1,715478.story

Toyota Touts U.S. Investment

The automaker places billboards in regions where it has factories or suppliers.

From the Associated Press

April 18, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toyota18apr18,1,4768033.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

The Changing Face of the LAPD

Once overwhelmingly white and male, its demographics now look more like the city's.

By Jim Newton, Times Staff Writer

April 17, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/la-me-lapd17apr17,1,869417.story

Versatility In Action

"Charlie's Angels" or "Charlie Chan," Lucy Liu gets her kicks from variety.

By Susan King, Times Staff Writer

April 16, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-ca-brief16apr16,1,2859546.story

Nebraska Votes to Divide Schools

Move to split the Omaha system largely by race is called state-sponsored segregation by its critics.

From the Associated Press

April 14, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-omaha14apr14,1,4286588.story

Chinese films win awards

From the Associated Press

April 14, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-quick14.1apr14,1,2616948.story

William Woo, 69; First Asian American Editor of Major U.S. Newspaper

By Dennis McLellan, Times Staff Writer

April 14, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-woo14apr14,1,2704542.story

Lodi Terror Trial Enters Final Round

Defense plans to rest after saying U.S. hasn't proved Hamid Hayat was at Pakistani camp -- and even if he was, it wasn't run by Al Qaeda.

By Rone Tempest, Times Staff Writer

April 11, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lodi11apr11,1,3128391.story

The quake that toppled taboos and built a family

By Aimee Liu, AIMEE LIU's novel, "Cloud Mountain," is based on the story of her grandparents' marriage.

April 18, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-liu18apr18,1,1695072.story

Missing Japanese WWII Soldier Alive in Ukraine

From the Associated Press

April 18, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-japan18apr18,1,3861213.story

Mr. Kono and the Tramp

Toraichi Kono, an aide to Charlie Chaplin for years, was forgotten until crates of his papers came to light.

By Bruce Wallace, Times Staff Writer

April 16, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/business/custom/cotown/la-ca-chaplin16apr16,1,5674331.story

Olympian's Avalanche of `Families'

U.S. skier Toby Dawson was adopted as a toddler from South Korea. Now many people claim to have information about his parentage.

By Barbara Demick, Times Staff Writer

April 14, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/la-fg-dawson14apr14,1,7667990.story

Frank Gibney, 81; American Expert on Japan

By Elaine Woo, Times Staff Writer

April 14, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-gibney14apr14,1,5945727.story

Fighting for citizenship

Put foreigners who enlist in the U.S. armed forces on a fast track to naturalization.

April 12, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-boot12apr12,1,7409366.column

1906 Quake Still Registers in S.F.

Taren Sapienza's tireless efforts have made her the epicenter of an annual reunion for survivors of the disaster.

By Lee Romney, Times Staff Writer

April 18, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-me-quake18apr18,1,239066.story

Supreme Court Rejects Chinese Muslims' Appeal

The military agrees they should be freed from Guantanamo, but it has no place to send them.

From the Associated Press

April 18, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-muslims18apr18,1,3255336.story

Moderate Muslims Seek Help From the Dalai Lama

By Louis Sahagun, Times Staff Writer

April 16, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lama16apr16,1,5361213.story

China's Honor Code

In a society where caring for parents is no longer a given, the state has stepped in. Shirkers face public shaming, fines, even prison.

By Mark Magnier, Times Staff Writer

April 15, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/la-fg-piety15apr15,1,6658484.story