THE APPA Newsletter

July 11, 2007

Obon is here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obon

http://www.buddhistchurch.com/events/Obon.htm

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 FROM 2-6PM, the Chinatown Farmers' Market takes place at Hill & Alpine bringing fresh fruits and produce by California Farmers to the Chinatown Community. FRIED BANANA, FRIED YAM, HAWAIIAN CHICKEN. We invite you to come and experience the Chinatown Farmers' Market. Free parking with purchase.

The Downtown Arts District/Little Tokyo Farmers' Market

Weller Court 2nd & San Pedro in

Little Tokyo Summer Hours 10-3pm

Features fresh produce, Hawaiian Chicken, more food gifts...and live jazz band.

Tuesdays from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

The weekly market is held every Tuesday from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m year round, rain or shine.

Sponsored by LARABA the market will include farm-fresh produce, Asian produce, organic produce, eggs, seafood, cheese, olives, olive oils, flowers, plants, bread and prepared foods and more.

Hawaiian Chicken, Roasted corn on the cobb

Local businesses interested in having a prepared food booth at the market or individuals interested in volunteering at this non-profit event, please contact Susan Hutchinson at 323-660-8660 for more information

Los Angeles Public Library Celebrates our DiverseCity

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

May 20 - July 1 Yellow Face By David Henry Hwang

A co-production of Center Theatre Group Mark Taper Forum and the Public Theater of New York in association with East West Players

A biting and funny new play about race and identity in America by Tony Award-winner David Henry Hwang will have its world premiere as the final production of the Taper's 40th Season. Hwang writes himself into the middle of his play, which is launched with the backstage revelations of an earlier play he had written that flopped infamously on Broadway. It appears that a white actor had been unknowingly cast in the role of an Asian, which is especially embarrassing for Hwang who had led the Asian American uproar when a Welsh actor was cast as a Eurasian in the 1991 Broadway opening of Miss Saigon.

PERFORMANCES HELD AT THE MARK TAPER FORUM

Remember Promo code: 8873 to ensure 10% of your ticket benefits East West Players!

Order Tickets at the Center Theatre Group website. (http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=506)

Regular Performances

May 20 - July 1, 2007 Tuesday - Saturday @ 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday @ 2:30 pm, Sunday @ 7:30 pm $20 - $55

American Sign Language-interpreted performance June 16, 2007 @ 2:30 pm

For more information, please call East West Players at (213) 625-7000 or email info@eastwestplayers.org.

Click here to visit the Mark Taper Forum online for more details.

March 17 - July 29, 2007

Tokyo ADC Exhibition

A blend of pop, tradition and innovation, this exhibition provides a glimpse into the world of Tokyo Advertising Director's Club. Tokyo ADC promises to showcase some of the most trend-setting minds in commercial visual arts in the world today through examples of logos, print and television advertising, and book and product design.

Simple avant garde, comedic and crisp; the competition to stay ahead of the game is so intense, that these commercial artists explore and discover new ways, and new twists on a few old ways of delivering their products to the consumer market.

George J. Doizaki Gallery

Admission Free

Gallery Hours:

Tuesday - Friday, 12 noon to 5pm

Saturday & Sunday, 11am to 4pm

Closed Mondays & Holidays

June 30, 2007 - Sept. 2, 2007 Whose Utopia

An exhibition by Guangzhou artist, Cao Fei at The Orange County Museum of Art

The Orange County Museum of Art launches the Pacific Initiative, an ongoing series of exhibitions, artist residencies, and international collaborations to build relationships with artists and institutions in Asia and Latin America. Cao Fei: Whose Utopia, the first of these projects, presents the work of Cao, an artist born in Guangzhou, Guangdong, who addresses the complexities of the rapidly shifting contemporary moment. The artist spent six months at the OSRAM China Lighting Ltd., a factory in the Pearl River Delta in China, a major manufacturing base for everyday products for Chinese and foreign markets that has drawn workers from throughout China in search of economic opportunities and a better life. The installation is anchored by a video, Whose Utopia, and includes the everyday personal mementos and metal bunk beds present in the workers dormitories. The video is an eerily beautiful portrait of the factory and of the workers’ daily lives, fantasies, and aspirations. Scenes from the flow of the regular workday are interspersed with performances by a peacock dancer, a ballerina dressed as an angel, an electric guitar player, and a break dancer.

Whose Utopia is presented in collaboration with the Walter & McBean Galleries at the San Francisco Art Institute. Cao Fei: Whose Utopia was organized by Aimee Chang, OCMA curator of contemporary art.

Admission

Adults: $10

Students (w/ valid ID) & Seniors (65+): $8

Children under 12: free Members: free

Thursdays are free!

Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Orange County Museum of Art

850 San Clemente Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Tel: 949-759-1122

Tales of Krishna Exhibition at LACMA Through July 2007

The South and Southeast Asian Art Department presents an exhibition on the representation of Krishna and his legendary deeds in the visual arts throughout India. Drawn primarily from LACMA's renowned collection of South Asian art, the exhibition consists principally of opaque watercolor paintings and drawings, but also includes sculptures in a variety of media, decorative artworks, and ritual objects associated with annual festivals devoted to Krishna. The thematically organized exhibition explores various aspects of Krishna's life, Including his miraculous birth, childhood pranks, heroic exploits, and romantic dalliances.

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Los Angeles County Museum of Art 5905 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036

Cost: Free

www.lacma.org

FACES OF BATTLE: Japanese Prints from the Permanent Collection

On display from May 26 - September 26, 2006

This installation explores the themes of samurai virtue in conflicts ranging from legends of pre-history to epic moments of civil war in the late 19th century.

The thirty woodblock prints from the installation are also presented online in an interactive feature with stories of the protagonists, zoom screens enabling close inspection of the images, and a brief biography of the influential printmaker Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-92).

http://collectionsonline.lacma.org/MWEB/about/japan_about.asp

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

5905 Wilshire Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90036

323 857-6000 (general information)

323 857-0098 (TDD) http://www.lacma.org

An Urban Oasis: The Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum at the Fullerton Arboretum

Spotlighting the rich agricultural legacy of Orange County and the Japanese American community’s contributions to that chronicle.

Sowing Dreams, Cultivating Lives: Nikkei Farmers in Pre-World War II Orange County.

Opens February 10, 2007.

The Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum has been built on the grounds of the Fullerton Arboretum and has been designed along the lines of a packing house. California State University, Fullerton, and the Fullerton Arboretum are working together to open the museum to the public. The inside of the building is divided into four sections: Nikkei, Pioneer, Educational, and Transportation and Geography. There is a small bookstore and the Potting Shed will move its plant sales adjacent to the bookstore alcove.

The museum will highlight the history, development, and impact of agriculture, as well as the contributions of the Japanese American community and the local pioneer families, to the growth of Orange County. This introductory exhibit will be a peek into upcoming planned exhibitions and will be open throughout the summer.

The first major exhibit will focus on the Nikkei. Sowing Dreams, Cultivating Lives: Nikkei Farmers in Pre-World War II Orange County will journey with the early Japanese immigrants to California, and follow their stories as they establish permanent communities in Orange County by marrying, raising families, founding schools and social groups, and above all, cultivating the land.

Fullerton Arboretum, California State University, Fullerton

1900 Associated Road

Fullerton, California 92831

Persian Visions: Contemporary Photography from Iran

June 22, 2007 - September 9, 2007

Mohammad Farnood, Norooz, 2002

On Friday, June 22, 2007, Pacific Asia Museum will open Persian Visions: Contemporary Photography from Iran, an exhibition that provides a rare, revealing view of Iranian life with more than 60 photographs by renowned Iranian photographers. Subjects include public life as well as the intimate – such as family life and celebrations. This will be the only West Coast venue for this exhibition.

The twenty artists in the exhibition are among Iran’s most celebrated photographers, all of whom use the medium for cultural expression and self-exploration. Many of the artists are well known throughout Europe where they have extensively exhibited their works. Several of these artists have lived abroad and experienced western culture before returning to Iran to document their own culture. This perspective of life in Iran contradicts the way many foreign photographers use the medium: to represent Iran and its people as purely exotic.

Sadegh Tirafkan, Persepolis

Iran has distinguished itself with the quality and international presence of its film and visual art. Now we can extend our appreciation of Iranian artists with the photographic work of Shokoufeh Alidousti, whose self-portraits and family photographs explore both cultural and female identity. Esmail Abbasi draws on Persian literature for his subject matter and adds contemporary side notes on present circumstances in Iran. And Shahriar Tavakoli focuses on his family history through a series of portraits capturing the mood of an Iranian family with all its subtleties.

Persian Visions will travel to the University of Michigan Museum, the Southeast Museum of Photography in Daytona Beach, the Mulvane Art Museum in Topeka, and the Missoula Museum of Art. Recently it was on view at the Honolulu Academy of Art, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum at Cornell University, and the Art Gallery of the University of Maryland.

Persian Visions was developed by Hamid Severi for the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Iran, and Gary Hallman of the Regis Center for Art, University of Minnesota, and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C. This exhibition was made possible in part by the ILEX Foundation, University of Minnesota McKnight Arts and Humanities Endowment, and the Department of Art, Regis Center for Art, University of Minnesota.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

Whose Utopia?

An exhibition by Guangzhou artist Cao Fei at the Orange County Museum of Art

The Orange County Museum of Art launches the Pacific Initiative, an ongoing series of exhibitions, artist residencies, and international collaborations to build relationships with artists and institutions in Asia and Latin America. Cao Fei: Whose Utopia, the first of these projects, presents the work of Cao, an artist born in Guangzhou, Guangdong, who addresses the complexities of the rapidly shifting contemporary moment. The artist spent six months at the OSRAM China Lighting Ltd., a factory in the Pearl River Delta in China, a major manufacturing base for everyday products for Chinese and foreign markets that has drawn workers from throughout China in search of economic opportunities and a better life. The installation is anchored by a video, Whose Utopia, and includes the everyday personal mementos and metal bunk beds present in the workers dormitories. The video is an eerily beautiful portrait of the factory and of the workers’ daily lives, fantasies, and aspirations. Scenes from the flow of the regular workday are interspersed with performances by a peacock dancer, a ballerina dressed as an angel, an electric guitar player, and a break dancer.

Whose Utopia is presented in collaboration with the Walter & McBean Galleries at the San Francisco Art Institute. Cao Fei: Whose Utopia was organized by Aimee Chang, OCMA curator of contemporary art.

Exhibition will last from June 30, 2007 - Sept. 2, 2007

Admission

Adults: $10

Students (w/ valid ID) & Seniors (65+): $8

Children under 12: free

Members: free

Thursdays are free.

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Orange County Museum of Art

850 San Clemente Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Tel: 949-759-1122

www.ocma.net

July 21 & 22 Venice Buddhist Temple Obon

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 6:30 pm

12371 Braddock Drive, Culver City, CA, 90230

Call for event times- (310) 391-4351

Website: http://www.vhbt.org

July 22 Sozenji Buddhist Temple Community Obon Festival

One day only

12 noon ~7:30pm

Carnival and entertainment

2pm- Obon Service

3020 Beverly Blvd.

Montebello

More info 323-724-6866

www.sozenji.org

July 26, 8pm The Fish Fall in Love tells the story ofpolitical prisoner Aziz, returning after 25 years to take possession of his family estate only to find his former flame, Atieh, is now running it as a restaurant. Director Ali Rafiee uses the language of food to tell a story of passions over generations. Starring Reza Kianian, Roya Nonahali, Golshifteh Farahani. With English subtitles. $6 for members, $10 for non-members. Includes museum admission. To register, call (626) 449-2742, ext. 31. Space is limited.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

July 28 & 29 West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Obon

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 6:30 pm

2003 Corinth Ave., West Los Angeles, CA 90025

Call for event times- (310) 477-7274

July 28 & 29 Higashi Hompa Honganji Buddhist Temple Obon

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 6:30 pm

505 E. Third Street, Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles, CA, 90013

Call for event times- (213) 626-4200

E-Mail: HHonganji-LA@mindspring.com

Website: www.hhbt-la.org/higashi.html

Sunday, July 29, 2007, 2pm - 4pm Special Lecture

Celebration and Conflict: A Historical Look at Nisei Week

A talk by Lon Kurashige

Associate Professor, American Studies and Ethnicity and History, Unisversity of Southern California and author of "Japanese American Celebration and Conflict: A History of Ethnic Identity and Festival, 1934 - 1990."

Do racial minorities in the United States assimilate to American values and institutions, or do they retain ethnic ties and cultures? In exploring the Japanese American experience, Kurashige recasts this tangled debate by examining what assimilation and ethnic retention have meant to a particular community over a long period of time.

This is an inner history, in which the grooup identity of one of America's most noteworthy racial minorities takes shape.

Sponsored by the Japanese American Historical Society of Southern California (JAHSSC) in conjunction with the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and USC AMerican Studies and Ethnicity departmenrt.

Click here for informational flier on this event.

For more information, contact Jeff Murakami at 213.200.8277 or jeffmurakami@gmail.com.

JACCC Conference Rooms, 2nd Floor

Admission Free

2pm Authors on Asia

Rattle of Bamboo: A Haiku Anthology. Join us for a reading and signing of a splendid new anthology of haiku by Southern California haiku poets. Program co-sponsored by The Southern California Haiku Study Group. Founded in 1997, The Southern California Haiku Study Group is devoted to studying, writing, and sharing haiku in English based upon traditional Japanese haiku. The group currently meets on the third Saturday of every month from 2–4 p.m. at Pacific Asia Museum. Free w/admission, call ext. 20 to RSVP

449-2742

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

Aug 4, 5 GARDENA BUDDHIST CHURCH

OBON DANCE AND CARNIVAL

Sushi – Udon – Teriyaki Chicken – Rides – Games – Crafts – Dry Goods – Dancing

August 4th -Saturday: 3 - 10pm August 5th - Sunday: 2 - 9pm

OBON Dancing Saturday & Sunday 6 - 8pm

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, CA 90247

Website: http://www.gardenabuddhistchurch.org/

Call for event times- (310) 327-9400

August 9, Led by Artistic Director Shida Pegahi, Ney Nava Dance Theatre has been performing fine Persian classical and contemporary dance since 1994. They will bring their beautifully costumed classic dances to Pacific Asia Museum for an evening of timeless beauty. $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Includes museum admission.To register, call (626) 449-2742, ext. 31. Space is limited.

Thursday, 8pm

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

Community Photography Exhibition

Friday thru Sunday, August 10-12 Photos by and of the Southern California Persian community will be displayed in the Foyer Gallery. For entry information click here [PDF: 46KB, 2pg]. Contest begins June 15. Free with admission.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

August 18-26 Nisei Week

Sunday, August 19, 6pm

Nisei Week Grand Parade

Downtown Los Angeles, Little Tokyo

Central Avenue to Second Street

Los Angeles Street to First Street to Central Avenue

Saturday & Sunday, August 25 & 26

Nisei Week Street Arts Festival and Carnival

San Pedro Street

Sunday August 26

Nisei Week Closing Ceremonies & Ondo Community Dance Celebration

First Street/ San Pedro & Central

http://www.niseiweek.org/

Aug 18-19

Tofu Festiva http://www.tofufest.org/

67th Annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival Events at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center

Saturday & Sunday, August 18 & 19 and

August 25 & 26, 2007

A celebration of Japanese American (JA) culture and Japanese heritage through exhibits, concerts and demonstrations.

Nisei Week Events on the JACCC Plaza

Sunday, August 19

JACCC Plaza

Admission Free

1pm Sumo Demonstration

2:30pm Martial Arts Demonstration

Shorinji Kempo of Los Angeles Branch

Concerts on the JACCC Plaza

Saturday, August 25, 2 - 6pm

JACCC Plaza

Admission Free

Next Generation Remix Concert

A celebration of Nikkei culture! This showcase features the 'next generation' of rising young artists from the community expressing their own voice through taiko, modern dance, music and hip-hop performance.

Sunday, August 26, 11am - 4pm

JACCC Plaza

Admission Free

14th Annual Taiko Gathering

Experience the sheer power and spirit of Japanese American taiko. Taiko groups from throughout greater Los Angeles area showcase the growing performance styles of taiko today.

Presented by the JACCC and Nisei Week Japanese Festival.

67th Annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival Events at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center

Japanese American Cultural and

Community Center

244 South San Pedro Street, Suite 505

(between 2nd and 3rd Streets)

Los Angeles (Little Tokyo), CA 90012

(213) 628-2725

Saturday & Sunday, August 18 & 19 and

August 25 & 26, 2007

The annual celebration of cultural heritage and transformation, the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center is pleased to host a variety of exhibitions that are rooted deep in the traditions of Japanese and Japanese American culture.

This year's exhibitors include; Ikebana by Nanka Ikebana Kyoju-kai; Ceramics by the California Japanese Ceramics Guild; Sumie by Long Beach Sumie Club and Kawai Sumie; Calligraphy by Nichibei Godo Shodo; a Samurai Sword display by the Nihon Token Hozon-kai; two Japanese Doll exhibitions by the Ukari-kai and Hirofumi-kai; Tea Ceremony by Urasenke School; Bonsai by Nampu-kai; and Textiles by Akane-kai.

Nisei Week Cultural Exhibits

Saturday & Sunday, August 18 & 19, 10am - 4pm

Ikebana: Flower Exhibit

Nanka Ikebana Kyoju-kai

Ceramics Exhibit

California Japanese Ceramic Guild

Sumie: Japanese Brush Painting Exhibit

Long Beach Sumie Club

George J. Doizaki Gallery, Main Floor

Japanese Doll Exhibit

Yukari-kai

Library, Second Floor

Tea Ceremony

Urasenke School of Tea

Cultural Room, Fifth Floor

Brush Painting Exhibit

Kawai Sumie

Room 302, Third Floor

Nisei Week Cultural Exhibits

Saturday & Sunday, August 25& 26, 10am - 4pm

Bonsai: Miniature Tree Exhibition

Nampu-kai

Textile Exhibit

Akane-kai

Calligraphy Exhibit

Nichibei Godo Shodo

George J. Doizaki Gallery, Main Floor

Japanese Doll Exhibit

Hirofumi-kai

Library, Second Floor

Brush Painting Exhibit

Kawai Sumie

Cultural Room, Fifth Floor

Sunday August 26

Nisei Week Closing Ceremonies & Ondo Community Dance Celebration

First Street/ San Pedro & Central

For more information on the Nisei Week Schedule of Events visit: www.niseiweek.org.

August 18-26

Shojo Manga

"Girl Power"

Manga (Japanese comics) has played an important role in Japanese society. Blending ink and storytelling, the Manga can simultaneously be viewed as entertainment, art and a reflective study in pop culture. This exhibition of Manga focuses on those published specifically for Shojo (young girls) and features a variety of posters, prints andbooks spanning over 60 years of art and style.

While the early Shojo Manga remains timeless in its unique style and storytelling, it is the contemporary Manga and artwork that has transcended borders and has received great interest throughout the world.

Through the vast examples showcased, this exhibition will provide a look at the role Shojo Manga has played and continues to play in Japanese society and through reflection of 60 years of artwork, observe how the lives of young girls and women hanve changed in Japan since the post-war era through today.

Japanese American Cultural and

Community Center

244 South San Pedro Street, Suite 505

(between 2nd and 3rd Streets)

Los Angeles (Little Tokyo), CA 90012

(213) 628-2725

www.jaccc.org

JACCC North Gallery

Sunday, August 26 1-3pm Lecture/Demonstration

The Tale of Genji Comes to Life: Courtly Kimonos of Japan’s Golden Age. Following a presentation by Shikoku University’s Professor Hiroaki Sera on the lifestyle and language of the courtly class during Japan’s Heian period, the fashions of the time will be showcased. Historically accurate costumes used in period dramas will be shown by instructors visiting from Seo Shizuko Kimono School. Presented in Japanese with English translation. Free with admission. To R.S.V.P., call (626) 449-2742, ext. 31. Space is limited.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

Runs September 20 - October 14, 2007 DURANGO

By Julia Cho

Directed by Chay Yew

When Boo-Seng Lee is laid off from the job to which he has devoted the last 25 years of his life, he decides to take his two sons Jimmy and Isaac on a road trip to Durango, Colorado. As they make their way across the Arizona desert, they confront family secrets, peeling back the layers of identity, alienation and duty that define being Asian in America. DURANGO promises to be a thought-provoking examination of the fears, fantasies, and failures of a family standing in the shadow of the American Dream.

Single Tickets Available Starting August 20th!

WEST COAST PREMIERE

Previews September 13 - 16, 2007

Opens September 19, 2007

Wednesday - Saturday @ 8 pm, Sunday @ 2:00pm

$60 Opening Night

$35 Regular Tickets

$30 Students & Seniors

$20 Preview Tickets

American Sign Language-interpreted performance October 7, 2007 @ 2:00 pm

$20 Tickets for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Patrons

For more information, please call East West Players at (213) 625-7000 or email info@eastwestplayers.org.

Click here to visit the Mark Taper Forum online for more details.

Saturday, November 03, 2007Forty-eight Buddhas of Measureless Life: Court Eunuch Patronage at the Sculpture Grottoes of Longmen

Amy McNair presents the Twentieth Sammy Yukuan Lee Lecture in Chinese Archaeology & Art

PARKING: Enter UCLA from Sunset Blvd. at Westwood Plaza. Proceed directly ahead to Lot 4. There is an elevator at the southeast end of Lot 4 and a stairwell at the northeast end, closest to the museum. Parking is $8.

The centerpiece of the sculpted cave-shrines at Longmen is the colossal Vairocana assembly sponsored by Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu during the Tang dynasty (618-907). Fifty years after its completion, however, a consortium of court eunuchs added a display of forty-eight Buddha figures to its walls. This intrusive project allows us to explore questions about the spiritual and social purposes of Buddhist statuary and patronage in medieval China.

Amy McNair is the author of Donors of Longmen: Faith, Politics, and Patronage in Medieval Chinese Buddhist Sculpture, published in 2007 by the University of Hawaii Press. She is Associate Professor of Chinese Art at the University of Kansas, where she teaches and researches early and medieval Chinese art.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Lenart Auditorium Fowler Museum of Cultural History UCLA Los Angeles, CA 90095

For more information please contact

Richard Gunde

Tel: 310 825-8683

gunde@ucla.edu

DAWN'S LIGHT: THE JOURNEY OF GORDON HIRABAYASHI

By Jeanne Sakata

Directed by Jessica Kubzansky Based on a true story. During the Japanese Internment of WWII, UW student Gordon Hirabayashi refused evacuation orders as a violation of his civil rights and became a federal prisoner. His 1942 conviction was not overturned until 1987.

WORLD PREMIERE

Previews - November 1 - 4, 2007

Opening Night - Wednesday November 7, 2007

Performance Run - November 8 - December 2, 2007

Wednesday - Saturday @ 8 pm, Sunday @ 2:00pm

*NO PERFORMANCE Thursday, November 22, 2007

$60 Opening Night

$35 Regular Tickets

$30 Students & Seniors

$20 Preview Tickets

American Sign Language-interpreted performance Sunday, November 25, 2007 @ 2:00 pm

$20 Tickets for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Patrons

For more information, please call East West Players at (213) 625-7000 or email info@eastwestplayers.org.

Click here to visit the Mark Taper Forum online for more details.

Dec 1, 2 Japan Expo 2007

*NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Chinese American Museum

Jake Lee exhibit opens.

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

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This Weekend (and earlier/later)

Thursday, July 12, 2007 6:30pm

First & Central Summer Concerts

Southern California Ukulele Showcase

Our popular summer concert series kicks off with a celebration of all things "uke." The evening will include performances by Daniel Ho, Herb Ohta Jr., Bill Tapia, Dan "Soybean" Sawyer, Steven Espaniola, Makena, King Kukulele, The Bilgewater Brothers and more. This is definitely one not-to-be-missed concert for ukulele lovers everywhere. Guest Curator: Ali Lexa, Host, KPFK's Ukulele Spotlight.

FREE!

Made possible, in part, by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission; the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles; the James Irvine Foundation, and the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. Media sponsors KPFK 90.7 FM and "Los Angeles Downtown News."

2007 1st & Central Summer Concerts schedule

June 28 - Prelude: Enzo Avitabile and Bottari

July 12 - Southern California Ukelele Showcase

July 26 - San Jose Taiko

August 2 - Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca

August 9 - For Alice with Love: Celebrating the Music of Alice Coltrane

September 13 - Celso Duarte and Sonex

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

Friday, July 13, 2007

Opening of the exhibition Akio Morita

Developed by members of the Akio Morita family, this exhibition commemorates the remarkable life and achievements of Mr. Akio Morita (1921-1999), co-founder of Sony Corporation.

While more widely known as an electronic innovator who left an incredible impact on music, movies, and entertainment, it was Akio Morita's efforts to produce closer ties between Japan and the rest of the world that brought him international recognition, including an Honorary KBE (Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for strengthening Anglo-Japan relations.

The Akio Morita exhibition is comprised of photographs, videos, and artifacts which provide insight into a devoted husband, father, internationalist and visionary genius.

The Los Angeles presentation of the Akio Morita exhibition was made possible, in part, by the generous support of William G. & Carol K. Ouchi, the Sig & Betsy Kagawa Foundation, Yoshiko Morita, American Airlines, and Sony Electronics Inc. Additional support was provided by Hiroko Onoyama Sugawara.

Media Sponsors: Los Angeles Downtown News, LA18 KSCI-TV and The Rafu Shimpo.

Sunday, July 15, 2007 2:00pm - 3:30pm

National Museum Presents!

A Tribute to Akio Morita by the Asia America Youth Orchestra

Formed by renowned pianist-composer, David Benoit, the mission of the Asia America Youth Orchestra is to provide young musicians with a rigorous training program to develop their talents and prepare them for multi-faceted careers in the arts. The program will reflect Mr. Morita's visionary legacy of promoting U.S.-Japan relations through innovation, exchange, and respect. $8 National Museum Members; $13 non-members. Advance ticket purchase recommended; seating is limited.

Made possible by the generous support of Ted Tokio Tanaka Architects and the Asian American Symphony Association.

In conjunction with the exhibition Akio Morita

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

Saturday, July 14, 2007 11:00am - 4:00pm

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

Target Free Family Saturday

For over a thousand years, the Japanese have flown kites made out of bamboo and washi paper and decorated with cultural motifs. Drop in and let your imagination soar as plain pieces of paper, bamboo sticks, and string are transformed into beautiful, high-flying kites! All materials included.

FREE!

Other 2007 Target Free Family Saturdays

September 8 - Shake, Rattle, and Bang!

November 10 - Flower Power!

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

Saturday, July 14, 2007

National Museum Presents!

East West Players Conservatory Lab Project

The East West Players Studio Conservatory Lab Project is a works-in-progress presentation by students who have completed the Fundamentals of Acting series. Their intensive sequence of classes led by veteran actor and director, Leslie Ishii, culminates in this performance at the National Museum.

''As the nation's premier Asian American theatre organization, East West Players produces outstanding works and education programs that give voice to the Asian Pacific American experience. For more information visit www.EastWestPlayers.org.

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

July 13-15 30th Anniversary of the Lotus Festival sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks

WHEN:

Friday, July 13, 2007 - 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

(Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.)

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m.

(Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.)

Sunday, July 15, 2007 - 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m.

(Dates coincide with the anticipated blooming of the Lotus Flower)

LOCATION:

Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, California, located on Park Avenue between Glendale Avenue and Echo Park Boulevard, just north of the Hollywood (101) and Pasadena (110) freeway junction, near Dodger Stadium

GENERAL PARKING LOCATIONS:

LOGAN STREET SCHOOL:

1711 W. Montana Street, Los Angeles.

Cross streets Lemoyne St. and Montana St.

ECHO PARK BASEBALL DIAMOND: 1632 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles

Cross streets Temple St. and Glendale Blvd

CITY OF ANGELS MEDICAL CENTER:

1711 W. Temple St, Los Angeles

Cross Streets Temple St. and Glendale Blvd.

MISSION:

The mission of the Lotus Festival is to develop, promote and create an atmosphere of understanding in which Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Southern California are brought together for one (1) evening and two (2) days of cultural sharing. The Festival also seeks to preserve and enlighten the public with a sampling of distinctly different and unique Asian and Pacific Islander culture and traditions through displays, art, music, dance and food. Providing a fun and enjoyable festival for the entire family.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Inaugural Friday Twilight Jazz Series on Friday July 13, 2007 and Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 12:00 p.m., to earmark the celebration of the 30th Lotus Festival, which include live music, dance and entertainment from a variety of performers representing many of the diverse countries of Asia and the Pacific Islands. This year the Festival will highlight the people and cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. A fabulous fireworks display over Echo Park Lake will take place both Friday night and conclude the day's activities Saturday at 9:00 p.m. with the legendary Taiko Drummers playing in the background. Asian and Pacific Islander personalities from the media and acting professions will act as emcees/hosts during this two-day event.

Artisans-at-work will be on hand to demonstrate their skills on the beautifully decorated Flower Island Pavilion. Their artwork illustrates their spirit, tradition and pride of the Asian and Pacific Islander handiwork. Includes: paper-cutting, hand painted scrolls, calligraphy, plant and flower expertise, fish, birds and other Asian artifacts and wares.

The Health Fair will feature educational lectures on holistic fitness. Other services to be provided include: free screenings, information and referrals.

The Community Service Area will feature a variety of organizations offering free information, assistance and referrals in areas of employment, social services, immigration, legal services, education, housing and translating.

The Art Exhibit will feature artwork with the “lotus flower” theme. The 2007 exhibit will be opening for viewing during Festival hours at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, 850 Echo Park Avenue, located across the street from the boathouse.

The International Marketplace will offer a variety of Asian and Pacific Islander items and gifts for sale, including clothing, jewelry, artwork, hand-made crafts, incense, body oils and much more.

Children's Courtyard will give children the opportunity to learn Asian and Pacific Islander arts & crafts, enjoy live music, stories, songs and dances.

Queens and their Courts representing local communities will be in native dress.

Dragon Boat Races are held both days with media, community service groups, political and business organizations, local colleges and universities whom will be competing for awards, while enjoying a day on the lake.

The Food Booth Area will provide a variety of Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine that will feature enticing delicacies, and exotic beverages which are traditional to the Asian and Pacific Island cultures.

Last year’s estimated attendance alone was well over 100,000. The population was composed of the diverse cultures that make-up Los Angeles!

CONTACT:

City of Los Angeles

Department of Recreation and Parks

2007 Lotus Festival

3900 West Chevy Chase Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90039

(213) 485-1310; FAX (213) 485-8746

Email: Lotus.Festival@lacity.org  Website: www.laparks.org/grifmet/lotus.htm

Saturday, July 14, 1pm Lecture Join Persian Visions co-curator Gary Hallman to learn more about the art, artists, politics, and story behind this bi-national exhibition. Following the presentation, Dr. Hallman will answer questions in the gallery. Free with admission. To R.S.V.P., call (626) 449-2742, ext. 31. Space is limited.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

July 14 & 15 Pasadena Buddhist Temple Obon

Odori- 7pm each day

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 7 pm

1993 Glen Ave, Pasadena, CA, 91103

For event times call- (626) 798-4781

website: http://www.janet.org/~pjci/PasadenaBuddhistChurch/pbc.html

July 14 & 15 Orange County Buddhist Temple Obon

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Sat 2-9, Sun 2-8:30

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 7pm both days

909 So. Dale Street, Anaheim, CA 92802

Website: http://www.bca-ocbc.org

Call for event times- (714) 827-9590

July 14th Oxnard Buddhist Church Bon Odori –– 6:00 p.m.

250 South “H” Street Oxnard, CA 93030

Tel. (805) 483-5948 Fax (805) 483-2353

Sunday, July 15, 2pm Talk and film screening

Over the past 20 years, photographer and filmmaker Abbas Hojatpanah has been documenting Iranian artists now scattered around the world. He will discuss why this subject, so close to his heart, is of such historical importance and what impact it is having on the youth of Iran. He will then screen several of his video portraits. Mr. Hojatpanah’s book, Portraits of Iranian Artists in Exile, will also be available for purchase. Free with admission. To R.S.V.P., call (626) 449-2742, ext. 31. Space is limited.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

July 15 1pm Artist's Talk

Sumi Foley’s inventive reuse of vintage kimono fabrics can be seen in the Religious Arts of Japan exhibition, where her wall hanging, incorporating Shinto animal imagery, is on display. She will discuss that work, as well as its role in her ongoing series featuring Inari’s messenger, the fox. Takes place in the Gallery of Japanese Art. Free with admission

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

Last weekend (or so) I went to:

Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Obon

Zenshuji Obon

Anime Expo

Landscaping America at the JANM

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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.

60 million Californians by mid-century

Riverside will become the second most populous county behind Los Angeles and Latinos the dominant ethnic group, study says.

By Maria L. La Ganga and Sara Lin, Times Staff Writers

July 10, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/la-me-population10jul10,1,4480975.story

Other Times' beloved 'eccentric'

The West L.A. bookstore had one asset that no other bookstore could match: its owner, Andrew Dowdy. His health, and the changing times, write its final chapter.

By Scott Timberg, Times Staff Writer

July 10, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-othertimes10jul10,1,413081.story

THEATER REVIEW

'NWC' skewers race with wicked humor

A trio of versatile actors wields words that empower in disarming ways.

By Charles McNulty, Times Staff Writer

July 9, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-nwc9jul09,1,5641927.story

Choi rises in Woods' show

With the world's No. 1 player as host, the South Korean golfer prevails in the AT&T National.

From the Associated Press

July 9, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-pga9jul09,1,5489922.story

Early Challenges, Different Paths, Same Goal

* Antonio Villaraigosa began his teen years on unsteady ground. In the heady world of politics, he found a salve for his childhood wounds.

By Tina Daunt, Times Staff Writer

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-mayorprofile,1,7073481.story

Racial issues take a back seat in 37th

Multiracial support has Laura Richardson poised to represent a largely Latino district. Her take: 'We are a new America, very diverse.'

By John L. Mitchell, Times Staff Writer

July 3, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-congress3jul03,1,1161369.story

'The Best Years': a teen drama that's light on darkness

The N network show just skims the surface of college angst.

By Jon Caramanica, Special to The Times

July 1, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-ca-monitor1jul01,1,6406661.story

An activist in transition

Tom Hayden, a leading voice of '60s protest, has a new life: tackling gang violence, embracing L.A.'s evolution -- and catching his kid's soccer games.

By Jim Newton, JIM NEWTON is Editorial Page Editor of The Times.

July 1, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/lavisions/la-op-newtonhayden1jul01,1,5081213.story

The dangers of dim sum history

By Jeffrey N. Wasserstrom, JEFFREY N. WASSERSTROM, a professor of history at UC Irvine, is the author of "China's Brave New World -- And Other Tales for Global Times," published this month.

July 8, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-op-wasserstrom8jul08,1,611005.story

'Noriko's Dinner Table'

By Kevin Thomas, Special to The Times

July 6, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-noriko6jul06,1,7803591.story

Atom bombs' fallout still felt by Japanese survivors in Southland

By Teresa Watanabe, Times Staff Writer

July 3, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-survivors3jul03,1,7605826.story

An art fest for the eyes: anime

June 28, 2007