Arts & Entertainment Calendar
A regional roundup of events of special interest to Asian Americans

Regions: Northern Calif., Southern Calif., Rest of the West, East Coast, Midwest

Jade This exhibition explores the technical aspects of jade production and the Chinese love for one of the most treasured and admired materials in east Asian culture. On view through March 19. (Asian Art Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 415-379-8801.)

Keiko Naka Art Exhibition Japanese artist Keiko Naka will present her renaissance-inspired works through Jan 28. (Gallery on the Rim, 386 Ellis St., San Francisco. 415-771-7065.)

New Drawings by Stephen Namara The show runs through Jan. 22. (Dolby Chadwick Gallery, 266 Sutter St., San Francisco. 415-956-3560.)

Passing Why do some people feel they need to pass for someone they aren’t? This exhibition explores various facets of that the phenomenon. On view through Jan. 27. (Euphrat Museum of Art, De Anza College, Cupertino. 408-864-8836.)

Rien Car Nation An exhibition of recent mixed media works by Hanoi artists Vu Dan Tan and Le Hong Thai will be on display through Jan. 29. (Pacific Bridge, 95 Linden St., No. 6, Oakland. 510-451-8840.)

Sascha Yungju Lee Artist Lee focuses her works on Asian American’s role in mass media. On view May 5-June 7, with a reception and lecture May 9. (Triton Museum of Art, 1505 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara. 408-247-3754.)

Dance
Chinese Traditional Dances Shanghai native, Lily Cai will narrate and perfom dances from the T’ang and Qing Dynasties on Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. (The California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 415-750-7145.)

Millennium Celebration The Diablo Ballet will present new works by Val Caniparoli, K.T. Nelson and Nikolai Kabaniaev. Saturday at 8 p.m. (Zellerbach Hall, Univerisity of California, Berkeley. 510-642-9988.)

Peking Acrobats This troupe of 28 Chinese acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, gymnasts and musicians will perform on Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25, $16 for children 14 and under. (Marin Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael. 415-472-3500 or any BASS ticket center.

Events
Celebrating Women The Japanese American Historical Society’s 10th year anniversary, “Celebration of Strength & Diversity: Japanese American Women,” will honor Hawaii Congresswoman Patsy Mink on Feb. 26. at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt at Union Square. (For more information, call NJAHS at 415-921-5007.)

Chinese New Year at the Bay Area Discovery Museum Create arts and crafts 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Feb. 21 and learn about the Chinese New Year. Free with museum admission. Also, on Feb. 20 and 21, watch the Red Panda Acrobats perform acts of balance, dexterity and flexibility, with shows at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Tickets are $12 in addition to museum admission. Museum admission is $7, $6 for children. (Bay Area Discovery Museum, Fort Baker, Sausalito. 415-289-7266.)

Dinosaurs 2000Lawrence Hall of Science presents this exhibition featuring 16 lifelike robotic dinosaurs running Feb. 5-June 4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $2-$6, free for children under 3. (Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley. 510-642-5132.)

Hatsugama Celebrate the Japanese New Year by attending San Francisco’s first tea gathering of the millennium on Monday at 6 p.m. Reservations are required. Tickets are $20. (Urasenke Foundation, 2143 Powell Street, San Francisco. 415-421-2109.)

Red Panda Chinese AcrobatsWayne and Nancy Huey will demonstrate barrel contortionism and the unicycle bowl flip on Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. (The California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. For more information, call 415-750-7145.)

Tennis Tournament Pacific Bell presents Sybase 2000 Open, Bay Area’s premiere tournament for men’s professional tennis from Feb. 7-13. Andre Agassi, Mark Philippoussis and Michael Chang, the 1999 Sybase champion, will be competing in the event. (For more information, call 408-ACE-2121. To purchase tickets, call 408-998-TIXS or 415-421-TIXS, or order on-line at http://www.ticketmaster.com.)

Film
Asian Directors Film Series Four of Asia’s rising filmmakers present their newest projects as part of IFFCON 2000, a fundraising event for North American independent film. Jan. 13-15 at the (AMC Kabuki Theatre, San Francisco. For more information, call 415-281-9777 or visit www.iffcon.com on the Web. )

Shabondama Elegy This film by provocative and controversial filmmaker Ian Kerkhof is a vibrant love story about two outcasts in Japan. It stars Thom Hoffman and Japanese porn actress Mai Honisho and features an original soundtrack by Yoshihide Otomo. March 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $6. (Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., San Francisco. 415-978-ARTS or visit www.yerbabuenaarts.org on the Web.)

Unfolding Horizon: The Films of Hou Hsiao-HsienThe San Francisco Film Society and the Asian Art Museum present seven works by Taiwan’s Hou Hsiao-Hsien, an internationally recognized master of narrative film, running Friday through Sunday. Tickets are $8. (Trustees’ Auditorium, Asian Art Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. For more information, call 415-931-3456.)

Music
Azerbaijan ConcertMaster pianist Chingiz Sadykhov, garmon player Rahman Asadollahi and singer Behrooz Haydaroglu will perfom on Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. at the Clarion Music Center. Tickets are $11. (Clarion Music Center, 816 Sacramento St., San Francisco. 415-242-4085 or 415-391-1317.)

Kodo The taiko drumming ensemble will perform in the bay area during the first week of February. On Feb. 2, they will be at the Marin Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium in Sausalito at 8 p.m. (Tickets are $28 - $40, available by phone at 415-472-3500 or any Bass ticket center.) The group will perform at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall on Feb. 4-Feb. 5 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. (Tickets are $20 - $40, available by phone at 510-642-9988 or by e-mail at tickets@calperfs.berkeley.edu.)

Piano Recital Allison Lovejoy will present selections from early 20th century composers such as Rachmaninov, Stravinsky and de Falla on Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. Admission is free. (Community Music Center, 544 Capp St., San Francisco. 415-647-6015.)

Readings
Arts of Japan This lecture series covers the development of Japanese art from the Heian period to the 20th century. Friday mornings, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Jan. 21-April 28. (Society for Asian Art, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. 415-379-8805.)

Intersections II: Five Nights of Literature and Music The second annual literary and music performance series, beginning Monday, features nationally-known poets, prose writers and jazz musicians, including Jon Jang. (San Jose Museum of Art, 110 South Market St., San Jose. 408-271-6840.)

Japan Year in Review The Japan Society of Northern California presents two lectures to highlight recent developments and future prospects for Japan. Economics and Politics, will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Society and Culture, will be at 6 p.m. on Jan. 26. Both lectures are preceded by receptions beginning at 5:15. $10 non-members, $7 members, free to students. (Japan Society, World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., 2nd floor, San Francisco. Call 415-986-4383 or e-mail jsnc@us-japan.org.)

Japanese Bamboo Baskets: Masterworks of Form & Texture Lloyd Cotsen will share his insights March 1 at 6:30 p.m. on the pieces he has collected for the Bamboo Masterworks exhibit, on view at the museum March 1-May 7. Admission is free. (Society for Asian Art, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. 415-379-8805.)

Past Lives: Narrative Traditions of the Jataka Tales A slide lecture on these stories about the many different lives of the Buddha will be presented by U.C. Berkeley lecturer Sally Sutherland Goldman at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 2. Admission is free. (Society for Asian Art, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. 415-379-8805.)

Storytelling for Children Each Sunday, the Asian Art Museum Storytelling Corps examines selected art objects on display and hosts a retelling of stories relating to artworks. This is an educational outreach program for children and adults. Programs last 45 minutes and begin at 1 p.m. Groups should gather at the stairs in Gruhn Court. (Asian Art Museum, Golden Gate Park, entrance at Eighth Avenue and Kennedy Drive across from the Music Concourse, adjacent to the de Young Museum, San Francisco. For more information, call 415-752-2635.)

The Ancient Kingdom of Champa The art and architecture of this southern Vietnamese period will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on April 5 through a slide lecture by art historian Dawn Rooney. (Society for Asian Art, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. 415-379-8805.)

The Silk Road Through Intter AsiaBob Jones, a San Francisco City College instructor, will present his lecture on the ancient caravan routes through western China, Kyrgystan and Uzbekistan on Jan. 26 at noon. (Rosenberg Library rm. 304, City College of San Francisco, 50 Phelan Ave., San Francisco. 415-239-3580.)

Youth Poetry SlamSan Francisco’s WritersCorps’ Youth Poetry Salm League will kick off on Jan. 28 at at 7 p.m. (Borders Books and Music, 400 Post St., San Francisco. 415-252-4655.)

Theater
Beijing Kunju Opera Theater As part of its North American tour, this renowned troupe will perform four Chinese opera scenes in the Kunju style, the precursor to the more familiar Peking opera style, on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco; and on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College, Los Altos Hills. (For more information, call 415-777-9577. For tickets, call 510-704-4448.)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Children’s Theatre of San Francisco presents this Disney classic every Saturday through Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $7. (Palace of the Legion of Honor, Florence Gould Theatre, 34th Ave., San Francisco. 415-459-0382.)

SungkaWriter Alison De La Cruz appears in her play, which recounts the tumultuous terrain of growing up Filipina American, through Jan. 16 at 8p.m. General admission is $12; $10 for seniors and students. (Bindlestiff Studio, 185 6th St., San Francisco. 415-974-1167.)

The Good Guys: An American Tragedy The Theatre of Yugen presents this multimedia drama about a 1991 hostage incident involving three Vietnamese American brothers in Sacramento. Developed and directed by Miko Lee and Michael Edo Keane. April 13-22. (Theater Artaud, 450 Florida St., San Francisco. 415-621-7797.)

Arts
Du Xuesong Chinese artist Du presents traditional Chinese painting forms along with a bolder palette inspired by Western oil paintings. Exhibit runs through Sunday. (Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-449-2742.)

Gods and Goblins Paintings of foolish monkeys, wrestling gods, playful goblins and humorous caricatures make up this first major West Coast exhibit of folk art from Otsu, Japan. Ongoing. (Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-449-2742.)

In Search of Gold Mountain This ongoing exhibit displays the photographic history of Chinese Americans. (San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, 404 Third Ave., San Diego. 619-338-9888.)

Migration of FaithTibetan Buddhist art from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s permanent collection, featuring 23 rare manuscripts and paintings, will be on display from Wednesday through Sept. 4. Admission is $7. (Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-857-6000.)

Pakistani Miniature Painting Bashir Ahmad, Pakistan’s foremost artist in the style of traditional Indian miniature painting, will be on exhibit from Jan. 22 through March 5. An opening reception will be held Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. This is part of a larger exploration of India culture at the Pacific Asia Museum in January and February. Admission is $5, free for children under 12. (Pacific Asia Museum, 46 North Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-449-2742.)

Portraits of Power, Portrayals of Piety South Asian watercolor portraiture from 1600-1850 will be on display from Wednesday through Sept. 4. (Los Angeles County Museum, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-857-6000.)

Urishi Lacquer An ongoing exhibition of 70 pieces of urishi (Japanese lacquer) by Nagatoshi Onishi. (Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. 619-239-0003.)

Events

Black History Month Kick Off California State University Los Angeles will kick off Black History Month on Feb. 1 at noon. The event will feature performances by Piro Recordsa and Roni. (Free Speech Area & Union Walkway, California State Univerity Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles. 323-343-5001.)

Micronesian Adventure The Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena presents a Family Free Day on Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Explore the oceanic cultures of the Pacific through dance, video, food and hands-on workshops. Admission is free. (Pacific Asia Museum, 46 North Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-449-2742.)

Music
Java and Jam: Jose TanakaJose Tanaka, one of the most famous Flamenco guitarists in the United States, will perform on Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. (Cafe LA, California State University Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles. For more information, call 323-343-5110.)

Kodo The taiko drumming ensemble will perform on Jan. 28 to kick off the 20th Anniversary of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center. (Japan America Theatre, 244 South San Pedro St., Los Angeles. 213-680-3700.)

Readings
An Afternoon with Dan KwongCritically acclaimed writer and performance artist Dan Kwong, will read from his collection of works, which delve into the issues facing the Asian American community, on Jan. 25 at 4:30 p.m. (Cafe LA, Cal State Los Angeles, 5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles. For more information, call 323-343-5001.)

Pacific Asia Museum Thursday Evening Lecture Series Curator Meher McArthur will speak on objects in the museum’s permanent collection every Thursdays from Jan. 20 through April 6. Free with museum admission. (Pacific Asia Museum, 46 North Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. Museum admission is $5, free for children under 12. 626-449-2742.)

Theater

Hereandnow The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center will present the performing arts company on March 11. Tickets are $16. (Japan America Theatre, 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles. 213-680-3700.)

Arts
Mountain Patterns: Survival of Nuosu Culture in China Patterned clothing, silver jewelery and lacquered wood utensils will be on display at this exhibit featuring the handiwork of the mountain-dwelling Nuosu people of Southwestern China. The exhibit runs March 2-Sept. 4; admission is $2.50-$5.50. (Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, NE 45th St. and 17th Ave., University of Washington, Seattle. 206-543-7907.)

Year of Korea The Seattle Asian Art Museum presents a series of exhibitions and programs throughout the year to celebrate Korean art and culture. (For more information, call 206-654-3100 or visit www.seattleartmuseum.org on the Web.)

Readings
Chinese Herbal Medicine Chinese food and culture expert, Maxine Chan, will share how common foods and herbs can be used to address ailments and strenghthen the body on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. (Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, NE 45th St. and 17th Ave., University of Washington, Seattle. 206-543-5590.)

Women in Nuosu SocietyBamo Qubumo, a visiting scholar from China will share her insight into the lives of these remote mountain women from China on March 16 at 7 p.m. (Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, NE 45th St. and 17th Ave., Seattle. For more information, call 206-543-5590.)

Arts of Pacific Asia Show New York City’s oldest and largest exhibition of fine antiques and art from Asia will run March 23-26. (69th Regiment Armory, Lexington Avenue and 26th Street, New York City. 301-455-2886 or 301-924-5002.)

Fan Ngukkei Brenda Joy Lem, a third-generation Chinese American, uses family photographs and oral interviews to document her family history and preserve cultural heritage. The exhibition will run Jan. 25-June 30. Admission is $3. (Museum of Chinese in the Americas, 70 Mulberry St., New York City. 212-619-4785.)

Power in 19th Century Philippines An exhibition of 19th century clothing and accessories of the elite Mestizos (mixed-race Filipinos) juxtaposed with clothing of the indigenous people will be on view Feb.23-April 22. (Grey Art Gallery, New York University, 100 Washington Square East. Call 212-517-ASIA or visit www.asiasociety.org on the Web.)

Sheer Realities: Clothing and Power in Nineteenth-Century Philippines This exhibition displays the nineteenth-century clothing and accessories of the elite Mestizos (mixed-race Filipinos) juxtaposed with that of the indigenous peoples of the archipelago. On view Feb. 23-April 22, this exhibition is part of a larger celebration of Philippine culture in New York City sponsored by the Asia Society. (Grey Art Gallery, New York University, 100 Washington Square East. 212-517-ASIA or visit www.asiasociety.org on the Web.)

Treasures From Ancient Beijing Christie’s presents this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, featuring many items never before seen outside of China. Materials and artifacts from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties span eight centuries of Chinese history and culture. (Christie’s, 20 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. 212-636-2680 or visit www.christies.com on the Web.)

Where is Home? Artifacts and personal testimony documenting the Chinese diaspora as it relates to women, faith, youth and home is on view in this ongoing exhibition. (Museum of the Chinese in the Americas, 70 Mulberry St., New York City. 212-619-4785.)

Film
The Teahouse of the August Moon Pan Asian Repertory Theatre will present this classic about post WWII Japan. The runs Jan. 12-Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. Weekend matinees begin at 2:30 p.m. (Playhouse 91, 316 East 901st. St., New York City. 212-279-4200.)

Dance
Eye of the Beholder H.T. Chen & Dancers will present this piece incorporating traditional and contemporary dance, music, narration and audience participation on Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. with an optional free parent-child movement workshop at 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $10, $6 for children. (The Dance Center, Columbia College Chicago, 4730 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago. 773-989-3310.)