| Front Page | In This Week's Issue | Subscribe | Advertise | Archive | About AsianWeek |
September 24 - 30, 1998

Calendar

Northern California

Southern California

The Rest of the West

The East

Community Calendar

Northern California

National

 

Uncle Gunjiro's Girlfriend
Brenda Wong Aoki's new play, based on the true love story between her great-uncle and a deacon's daughter will be performed Oct.10 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Northern California

FINE ARTS

Art After Incarceration Pro Arts presents this exhibition featuring the works of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II, along with works by other artists who have been imprisoned more recently. Featured artists include Ruth Asawa, Key Sekimachi, Dan Haruda, Hideo Kobashigawa, Ruth Okimoto, Wendy Yoshimura, Mine Okubo, Chiura Obata, Miguel Varea, Harold Betsell and Alan Laird. Ends Saturday. Free. (Pro Arts, 416 Ninth St., Oakland. 510-763-4361.)

Chindonation: Thoughts on Chinese in Indonesia Works on paper by Indonesian-born Chinese artist Ramon Markus Kadi, exploring relations between the Chinese and the indigenous Indonesians, are on display. Through Sept. 30. Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon- 4 p.m. (Mill & Short Gallery, 555 Sutter St., Suite 406, San Francisco. 415-398-3630.)

Chinese Bronze and Buddhist Arts Over 100 pieces from the museum's permanent collection are on display. Ongoing. (Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 415-379-8800.)

Eng Tay Internationally acclaimed Malaysian artist Eng Tay will exhibit etchings and sculpture. Tay's works are in permanent collections, including those of the Fukutama Museum of Art in Hiroshima, the Taipei Fine Art Museum, the Development Bank of Singapore and the Merv Griffin estate. The display runs Oct.9-Oct.31. (Big Pagoda, 1903 Fillmore St., San Francisco. 415-563-8727.)

Forgotten Holocaust The secret wartime human experimentation by Japan against Asian countries during World War II is the subject of this exhibit. Ends Sunday. Weekends only. Free. (Treasure Island, Navy Library, San Francisco. 415-398-7758.)

Grand Garden Surprise New works by H. Alan Cheung bring to life in a series of collages the natural beauty and evanescent youthful sexuality of the classic Chinese novel, Dream of the Red Chamber. Through Oct. 5. (Terrain Gallery, 165 Jessie St., Second Floor. 415-543-0656.)

Hokusai Woodblock prints by the Japanese master are on view in a major exhibition. Ongoing. (Asian Art Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 415-379-8800.)

Picturing History: Manzanar A collection of 45 photographs and artifacts documenting the internment during World War II of Japanese Americans, featuring works by Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange and Toyo Miyatake, is on display. Ongoing. (Ansel Adams Center for Photography, 250 Fourth St., San Francisco. 415-495-7000.)

Shining Stars The convergance of Eastern and Western ideas, processes and styles is explored in the work of four artists--two from the United States and two from China--Lampo Leong and Zhengfu Lu of China and Judith Foosaner and Joe Botherton of the Bay Area. Ongoing. (Pacific Heritage Museum, 608 Commercial St., San Francisco. 415-399-1124.)

Storytelling The stories depicted in the artwork in the museum's permanent India galleries are retold in a style appealing to families through this special tour. Every Sunday, 1 p.m. Ongoing. (Asian Art Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 415-379-8800.)

Through My Father's Eyes The San Francisco Public Library presents Through my Father's Eyes: Pioneers of the San Francisco Filipino American Community, an exhibition of black-and-white photos by Richard Alvarado. The exhibition documents life in San Francisco and surrounding rural farm areas in the 1950s. Through Nov. 30. (Main Library, Jewett Gallery, 100 Larkin St., San Francisco. 415-557-4277.)

Young Kim A new work by the artist titled Dispersion is on display. Through Oct. 8. (Ansel Adams Center for Photography, 250 Fourth St., San Francisco. 415-495-7000.)

[Top of Page]

DANCE


Camp Stories A series of dances make up this performance, which explores family stories of adversity during the Japanese American internment among other experiences. The dances, choreographed by Claudine Naganuma, Kimiko Guthrie-Kupers and Debra Kajiyama, will be performed by the Unbound Spirit Dance Company. Sept. 28, 8 p.m. $8. (Theater of Yugen, 2840 Mariposa St., San Francisco. Call 415-441-8831 for more information.)

[Top of Page]

EVENTS

Chinese Folk Lantern Festival Dozens of Chinese artists participate in this celebration of the arts and culture of China. The festival features continuous performances of a royal tea ceremony, a traditional wedding celebration, drum dancing, emperor's palace dancers and pageants and parades and more. Through Oct. 25. Fees vary. (Pier 45, San Francisco.)

Circus Chimera This Big Top-theater-in-the-round will showcase performers from nine countries in a two-hour, animal-free production. Through Oct. 12. $10-$25. (Mission Bay, Fourth and Channel streets, San Francisco. Call 888-ONE-RING for tickets and information.)

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival This Vietnamese-style festival will include a mini-parade, student performances and a lantern contest. Oct.3, 6 p.m. (Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth St., Suite 290, Oakland. 925-208-6080.)

Opening Reception for Filipino Experience Exhibit A free performance will open an exhibit on Filipino experiences in America and abroad. Oct. 3, noon-1 p.m. (Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth St., Suite 290, Oakland. 925-208-6080.)

Sansei Live! Wendy Tokuda of KRON-TV and actor Todd Nakagawa host the Sansei Live! fundraiser for Kimochi, Inc. Jazz artist Deems Tsutakawa headlines the entertainment wth George Yoshida's Sentimental Journey Quartet, as well as Jest Jammin', led by Rev. Norman Fong. There will also be a silent auction and raffle drawing. Oct. 10, 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary. (Hyatt Embarcadero, Market and Drumm streets, San Francisco. Contact Kimochi for tickets and information at 415-931-2294.)

[Top of Page]

FILM

Melting Pot or Salad Bowl Celebrating Culture & Community has produced a 15-part TV series to adress the meanings of culture and community in West Contra Costa County. Moderator Eva M. Ma interviews people representing more than 20 ethnic groups in the area. Fridays, through Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.-7 p.m., on CCTV.

[Top of Page]

MUSIC


Charity Concert for Animation Film of Brother Zeno Koto master Kazusa Shimaoka, Shakuhachi player Yofu Metsueda and jazz band Influx will give a concert to benefit San Francisco Zeno Promotion, a nonprofit organizing and promoting an English version of an animation film depicting the life and works of Brother Zeno Zebrowski. Oct. 2, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. $10 donation. (Takare Sake USA Inc. Tasting Room, 708 Addison St., Berkeley. 925-540-8250.)

Gen Taiko The intergenerational drumming group will perform. The comedy group Rice Crackers will also perform a skit. Oct. 3, 7 p.m. $8-$10. (Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter St., San Francisco. 415-567-5505.)

Kazusa Shimaoka Japanese koto master Kasuza Shimaoka will perform traditonal pieces and new compositions with the San Francisco Koto Ensemble. Oct. 4, 4 p.m. $5-$9. (Old First Church, 1751 Sacramento St., San Francisco. 415-474-1608.)

Murasaki Ensemble: Music With A World View The Murasaki Ensemble, featuring koto master Shirley Muramoto, combines Japanese, Middle Eastern, Latin and jazz rhythms. Also featured will be koto virtuosos Tamie Kooyanaga and Shoko Hikage. Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. $12 advance, $14 at the door. (Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth St., Suite 290, Oakland. 510-208-6080.)

[Top of Page]

READINGS


Plantation Boy Milton Murayama presents his new novel, Plantation Boy. Oct.10, 7 p.m. (Eastwind Books, 2066 University Ave., Berkeley. 925-548-2350.)

[Top of Page]

THEATER

Sina Una Written and directed by Cecilia Gaerlan, this performance will feature musical ensemble Mahal, vocalist Chinh Nguyen, the Barangay Dance Co., the Chinese Folk Dance Association, and the Thai Cultural Center Dance Co. Oct. 10, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $10 adults, $8 seniors and students. (925-208-6080 or 415-731-2594.)

Uncle Gunjiro's Girlfriend Brenda Wong Aoki will present her new work, with musical accompaniment by Mark Izu. In Uncle Gunjiro's Girlfriend, Aoki discovers a family secret: the love story that made headlines in 1909, between her great-uncle, a samurai, and an archdeacon's daughter. Archival footage, newspaper headlines, and photos are interwoven into a montage of large-screen projections behind the stage action. Oct. 10, 8 p.m. $18; Oct.11, 3 p.m., $16. (Forum at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission, San Francisco. 415-392-4400.)

[Top of Page]

WORKSHOPS

Music Lessons The Salvation Army is offering choir, instrumental and music theory lessons, as well as hands-on lessons in piano, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute and violin. Classes begin Oct. 3. $120 per quarter. (Call 415-777-2677 for more information.)

[Top of Page]

 

Southern California

FINE ART

Art of Lilian May Miller "Between Two Worlds," the first retrospective exhibit of artist Lilian May Miller, features her prints, tools, personal belongings and several paintings. Miller was an American artist whose work was influenced by the art of her birthplace, Japan. Ongoing. $5 adults, $3 seniors and students, free for children. (Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N.Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-449-2742.)

Basketry of the Luzon Cordillera, Philippines Fifty baskets from the museum's collection created by the agricultural peoples of this mountainous region are on display. Ongoing. (UCLA Fowler Museum, Los Angeles. 310-825-4361.)

Confrontations, Crossings and Convergence UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History presents this exhibit of photographs of the Philippines and the United States from 1898 to 1998. Ongoing. (Fowler Museum, UCLA. 310-825-4361.)

From Bento to Mixed Plate Representations of Hawaiian settings, including wooden benches, ice box, fishing poles and tofu grinder, a living room with typical nisei furniture, and text discussing all aspects of Hawaiian life and history make up this display. Ongoing. (Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. First St., Los Angeles Little Tokyo. 213-625-0414.)

Graphic Art of Tanaka Ikko The Pacific Asia Museum presents the works of Japanese graphic artist Tanaka Ikko. The exhibition will include Ikko's exceptional poster, book and corporate logo designs. Through Oct. 11. (Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-449-2742.)

LACMA Chinese Art Galleries Six new galleries feature 500 objects and paintings related to both the religious and wealthy classes. Ongoing. (Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-857-6000.)

Sounds of Nirvana: The Tibetan Series The paintings of Cao Yong, which resonate with Buddhist spirituality and reveal the texture of the Tibetan culture, are on view. Through Oct. 17. (Sunyata Gallery, 331 W. Seventh St., San Pedro. 310-832-5516.)

[Top of Page]

EVENTS

Thai Cultural Day The event features traditional dances, costume contests, folk music, vegetable carvings and Thai boxing. Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Barnsdale Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, 310-827-2910.)

[Top of Page]

MUSIC

Sounds From Silk and Bamboo The Chinese Classical Music Ensemble presents a free performance of classical masterpieces and contemporary favorites of Chinese silk and bamboo instruments. In addition to demonstrations of techniques, ensemble members will discuss composition, aesthetics and symbolism between American and Chinese music. Oct. 3, noon-12:30 p.m. (18th Street Arts Complex, 1639 18th St., Santa Monica. 213-887-0328.)

[Top of Page]

THEATER

LAVA The East West Players will present the world premiere of LAVA, a dark comedy set in Hawaii that brings together a local and a mainlander who must face each other as adversaries. Through Oct. 4. $15-$27. (David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 N. Judge Aiso St., Los Angeles. Call 800-233-3123 for details.)

[Top of Page]

WORKSHOPS

Chinese Brush Painting Guang-Li Zhang teaches basic and advanced techniques. Saturdays, 9 a.m. (Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-449-2742.)

[Top of Page]

 

Rest of the West

FINE ART

Arts of Korea Vivid Choson dynasty decorative screens that include scenes from literature and Korean rural life make up this exhibit. Ongoing. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect, Volunteer Park, Capitol Hill, Seattle. 206-654-3165.)

Chinese Shadow Puppets A collection of Chinese shadow puppets collected in Beijing during the 1930s are on display. The collection includes 360 puppets dating from the 19th century. Ongoing. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect, Volunteer Park, Capitol Hill, Seattle. 206-654-3100.)

Japanese 19th Century Painting "Diffusion and Diversity in Japanese 19th Century Painting" features paintings from the Edo period and Meiji restoration, highlighting the political, social and economic tensions and changes of the era. Ongoing. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St., Volunteer Park, Seattle. 206-654-3100.)

Korean Folk Painting Folk art screens and portraits from private collections featuring colorful imagery and bright colors, highlighting classical themes are on display in the museum's art gallery. Ongoing. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St., Volunteer Park, Seattle. 206-654-3100.)

Pacific Voices Part of the museum's permanent collection, this exhibit features artifacts and testimonials from Asians, Pacific Islanders and others about settling in the Pacific Northwest. Ongoing. (Burke Museum, University of Washington, Seattle. 206-543-7907.)

Vietnamese Ceramics The first U.S. exhibit to explore this tradition--which incorporates features from such diverse cultures as Cambodia and India--features more than 50 pieces dating from the second through the 16th century. Ongoing. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect, Volunteer Park, Seattle. 206-654-3165.)

Voices of the Community: Korean American Youth This installation examines the recent cultural history of Korean American youths in Shoreline, Wash., exploring topics such as school, church, family and pop culture. Ongoing. (Shoreline Historical Museum, 749 N. 175th, Shoreline, Wash. 206-542-7111.)

Wonders of Clay and Fire The evolution of artistic traditions in ceramics and their manufacturing technology over a 7,000-year period is traced in this comprehensive survey of Chinese ceramic history, from the fifth millennium B.C. to the 15th century. Ongoing. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St., Volunteer Park, Seattle. 206-654-3100.)

Woven Legacies Art and social history merge in this exhibit, which aims to illustrate the transition of traditional Asian clothing to Asian American clothing. It traces the movement of Asian clothing from the Chinese and Japanese upper classes to the use of selected forms of Asian clothing in Seattle. Ongoing. (Wing Luke Asian Museum, 407 Seventh Ave. S., Seattle. 206-624-5124.)

[Top of Page]

MUSIC

Eth-Noh-Tec Musical Storytellers Eth-Noh-Tec transforms traditional storytelling into vignettes of Pacific Rim folktales and original pieces, weaving East-West cultures to create humor and satire through tribal and urban music, dance and theater. Oct. 4, 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. $5-$12. (Nippon Kan Theater, 628 S. Washington St., Seattle. 206-623-5124 ext. 120.)

[Top of Page]

 

Hokusai.
This woodblock prints and others by Hokusai, one of Japan's most important artists, are on display at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.

The East

FINE ARTS

America's Concentration Camps The Japanese American internment of World War II is the subject of this exhibit, which incorporates the stories of former internees. Ongoing. (Ellis Island Immigration Museum, New York.)

Ancient Chinese Pottery and Bronze A selection of eight ceramic and 29 bronze vessels dating from around 2000 B.C. to the second century show the complex relationship between two of China's oldest artistic traditions. Ongoing. (Smithsonian Institution, Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive at 12th St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 202-357-2700.)

Buddha's Art of Healing Fourteen paintings from an illustrated medical treatise from the 17th century are on view, which illuminate the medical traditions of Buddhist healing. Ongoing. (Smithsonian Institution, Arthur Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 202-357-2700.)

Chinese Celadon Ceramics Forty-four glazed stoneware vessels made in China between the Western Han dynasty and the Qing dynasty are on display. Ongoing. (Smithsonian Institution, Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive at 12th St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 202-357-2700.)

Chinese Galleries at the Met Chinese paintings are on view at the Metropolitan's expanded galleries of Chinese art--the most comprehensive repository of Chinese painting outside China. Ongoing. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, New York. 212-570-3951.)

Creativity: The Essence of Tradition The recent pottery and ceramic works of Kenji Imanari and Richard Milgrim will be on display in their New York debut. Through Oct. 10. (Gallery Dai Ichi Arts, New York Gallery Building, 24 W. 57th Street, New York. 212-262-0239.)

Favorite Sons: Folk Images of Ebisu and Daikoku The Japanese gods of abundance and prosperity are the theme of this exhibit. Ongoing. (Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Boca Raton, Fla. 561-495-0233.)

I.M. Pei Rare conceptual sketches by the architect, which highlight his early creative designs are among 20 works on view. Through Oct. 11. (National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street at Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 202-737-4215.)

Images of Internment The Balch Institute of Ethnic Studies is hosting an exhibition of photographs by Hansel Mieth and Otto Hagel documenting the internment of Japanese Americans at Heart Mountain Camp in Wyoming. Ongoing. (Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies, 18 S. Seventh St., Philadelphia. 215-925-8090.)

Inside Out: New Chinese Art The dramatic social, economic and cultural changes in late-20th century China are the subject of this major international exhibition of contemporary art from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as Chinese expatriates. Ongoing. (Asia Society, 725 Park Ave., New York. 212-288-6400.)

Jesuits and the Grand Mogul: Renaissance Arts at the Imperial Court of India This exhibition of 22 paintings, engravings, manuscripts and sculptures show how the royal artists of Mughal India adapted Christian imagery. Ongoing. (Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 202-357-4880.)

Nature as Metaphor: Paintings from China, Korea and Japan The similarities in theme and style between East Asian paintings and Japanese lacquer designs forms the basis of this exhibit, which includes a selection of later Chinese, Korean and Japanese paintings that feature the details of nature. Ongoing. (Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. 617-495-9400.)

[Top of Page]

THEATER

Eclipse This unique equestrian theater experience, which features a blend of theater, opera, dance and a magical horse show, features Korean Pansori music. Through Nov. 1. (Bigtop at Battery Park, Manhattan. Call 718-636-4100 for information.)

[Top of Page]

WORKSHOPS

Advanced Poetry Workshop Timothy Liu will lead this workshop, which will focus on lyric poetry. Class begins Oct. 6. Thursdays, 7 p.m. $200. (Asian American Writer's Workshop, 37 St. Mark's Place, New York. 212-228-6718.)

[Top of Page]

Community Calendar

Northern California

EVENTS

Asian American Achievement Awards UC Berkeley professor Chang-Lin Tien, Sybase CEO John Chen, vice chair of the Stanford University Board of Trustees, Ivan Fong, executive director of the East Bay Local Development Corp., Lynette Lee and Jan Yanehiro will be among those honored at this benefit organized by the Organization of Chinese Americans 6 p.m. Sept. 26. The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Francisco. For additional information call 650-341-6036.

Building Careers & Communities: Opening Our Doors Asian Americans Together will present this panel of Asian American speakers, who will share their backgrounds and describe the challenges they have faced in building their respective careers. The event will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Marina Community Center located at 15301 Wicks Blvd. in San Leandro.

Immigrant Pride Day The fourth annual Immigrant Pride Day Festival will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Mendelsohn House, 737 Folsom St. There will be cultural performances, games and information tables. Call 415-243-8215 x343 for more information.

JACL Women's Day Forum Florin JACL will hold a one-day forum Sept. 26 at the California State University Library in Sacramento on women taking the initiative. Call Utako Kimura at 916-421-3927 or Nancy Ito at 916-393-8010 for more information.

UC Berkeley Asian Pacific American Alumni Student Reunion A reunion of all Asian American UC Berkeley graduates will take place Sept. 25 at the Alumni House. Call Mary Lai at 510-643-5497 or Jay Lai at 510-643-2033 for more information.

Women of Taste An evening of fine cuisine by leading women chefs and restauranteurs will benefit Girls Incorporated. The event will be held from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Oakland Museum of California.

[Top of Page]

LECTURES

Tibetan Traditional Medicine Yangdron Kalzang, who completed a study program at the Tibetan Traditional Medicine University in Lhasa, will speak about the history of Tibetan traditional medicine and the relationship of Tibetan medicine and Buddhism. Kalzang will speak from noon-3 p.m. Sept. 30 at Rosenberg Library at City College of San Francisco.

[Top of Page]

MEETINGS

Caregiver's Support Group This group offers an opportunity to share experiences, concerns and the pain of caring for elderly family members. Tuesdays, 1 p.m. (Oyama Hall, Kimochi Home, 1531 Sutter St., San Francisco. 415-922-9972.)

Gay Asian Pacific Alliance Meets the second Sunday of each month. 6 p.m. (150 Eureka St., San Francisco. 415-282-GAPA.)

[Top of Page]

WORKSHOPS

English Classes The YMCA offers morning English classes with bilingual counselors to help Cantonese speakers with little or no English skills. Open enrollment. Free. (YMCA Literacy School, San Francisco. 415-928-4419.)

Free Legal Advice and Referral Volunteer attorneys are available to provide free legal advice and referral to elderly and low- and moderate-income Asian Americans. Chinese translation is available. Tuesday nights, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Free. (Asian Law Caucus, 720 Market St., Fifth Floor, San Francisco. 415-391-1655.)

[Top of Page]

 

National

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hear Our Voices The Asian Pacific American Women's Leadership Institute will hold a leadership summit, Oct. 9-11. Special events include the "Profiles: Asian and Pacific American Women Heroines" luncheon, and workshop sessions. Registration deadline in September 25. For information, call 303-399-8899 or check the APAWLI Web site at http://www.apawli.org.

Mike Masaoka Congressional Fellowships Awarded Andrew Daisuke Stewart, 22, of Kawasaki-shi, Japan, and Christina Aya Nagao, 22, of Santa Monica, Calif., have been named as this year's recipients of the Mike M. Masaoka Fellowship Fund Congressional Fellow awards. Stewart will serve in the office of Rep. Robert Matsui, D-Calif., and Nagao will serve in the office of Rep. Patsy T. Mink, D-Hawaii, beginning in spring 1999.

Soros Fellowships for New Americans The fellowship provides $20,000 maintenance and half tuition wherever the fellow attends for up to three years of graduate study in any subject anywhere in the United States. The deadline is Nov. 20 and recipients will be announced in February. Call Warren Ilchman or Carmel Geraghty at 212-547-6926 for more information

[Top of Page]

Send calendar listings to AsianWeek, Calendar Editor: 809 Sacramento St., San Francisco, Calif. 94108.


©1998 AsianWeek. The information you receive on-line from AsianWeek is protected by the copyright laws of the United States. The copyright laws prohibit any copying, redistributing, retransmitting, or repurposing of any copyright protected material.