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Home | A&E Section
December 1 - 7, 2000
Community Calendar
Announcements and Events for the Community
Singaporean University Students Seeking Community
(in National News)
Japantown Bowl Fight Not Over Yet
(in Bay Area News)
Vietnam: An Emerging Market
(in Business)
Dan 'The Automator' Nakamura
(in A&E)
Death and Birth of a Hood: Hunters Point
(in Opinion)
Arts & Entertainment Calendar
A regional roundup of events of special interest to Asian Americans
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
ARTS
Post-Gay/Ante-Asian The Gay Pacific Alliance present this online exhibit that explores the intersection of gay and Asian identities in visual art. Featured artists include Freddie Niem, Kek Tee Lim, Gigi Hermillosa Otalvaro, Eric Cheng, Fredeswinda Santos, Kelvin Yang and Gioi Tran. The exhibit runs through Dec. 31. It can viewed at www.gapacultural.org/exhibition.
An American Diary The San Jose Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works by Roger Shimomura, including American Diary: December 7, 1941 created in 1997. The exhibit runs through Jan. 7, 2001. (110 S. Market St., San Jose.)
Chicanos en Mictlán This exhibit examines how two small community art centers, Galería de la Raza in San Francisco and Self Help Graphics in Los Angeles, introduced Day of the Dead observances to California in 1972. It is the first survey exploring the reciprocal relationship between Chicano artists and the Day of the Dead, as well as the statewide impact of the observance through art work, photography and altar installations. The showing runs through Dec. 31. (The Mexican Museum, Fort Mason Center, Bldg. D, San Francisco. 415-202-9700.)
Bruce Lee The Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco and the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts honor Bruce Lee with an exhibition of over 240 treasures, including diaries, personal letters, drawings and Lee’s own writings. The exhibit will be on display Oct. 22, 2000-Feb. 18, 2001. (Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco at the Holiday Inn, 750 Kearny St., 3rd floor, San Francisco. 415-986-2825.)
I Live Here This unique exhibition feature the large-scale works of five artists-Laurent Cilluffo, Kim DeMarco, John Ritter, Marina Sagona and Takeshi Tadatsu — known for their illustrations in The New Yorker. Each artist’s work illustrate interpretations of their hometowns. The exhibit runs through Dec. 16. Gallery hours are Mondays, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Tuesdays 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (California College of Arts and Crafts, 1111 8th St., San Francisco. 415-551-9210.)
New Painting Nancy Genn will exhibit new painting from her mixed media series Marmaris and Construct, which interweaves and layers texture, subtle brushstrokes of color, and minimalist line and light. The exhibit runs from Nov. 2-Dec. 16 at Takada Gallery. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (251 Post St., 6th floor, San Francisco. 415-956-5288.)
Coded Blue MIT professor of graphic design John Maeda combines computer science and visual arts to challenge our common assumptions about designing on the computer. His new exhibit runs through Dec. 16. (Kent and Vicki Logan Galleries, California College of Arts and Crafts, 1111 8th St., San Francisco. 415-551-9210.)
East West Views: Three Taiwanese Artists The San José State University School of Art and Design is pleased to present the premier California exhibition of three Taiwanese painters Lo Fong Shen, Ping Hsian Ku and Chin Ta Yuan, all professors at Taiwan Normal University. The exhibition will open on November 21, 2000 at 6 p.m. at the Natalie and James Thompson Gallery. (One Washington Square, San José. 408-924-4320)
Happy 80th Suzuki Studio presents a birthday celebration and open studio for Lewis Suzuki, a watercolor painter known for his bold impressionistic use of color. Suzuki’s landscapes, seascapes and florals move from the Philippines, China, California and the Northwest and more. Open studio on Nov. 25 and 26, Dec. 3, 9, 10, 16, 17; open studio and birthday celebration on Dec. 2. Suzuki Studio is also open by appointment, call 510-849-1427 (2240 Grant Street, Berkeley)
Glasswork Italian/Japanese glassblower Tsuchida Yasuhiko makes his Bay Area premier at Octavia’s Haze Gallery Dec. 1 through Dec. 7. Giving the time-honored tradition of glassblowing with an urban edge, Tsuchida’s color palette is infused with randomness that is refreshing. For more information please contact Sky Alsgaard at 415-255-6818 or octaviashaze@mindspring.com. (498 Hayes Street, San Francisco)
DANCE
The Velveteen Rabbit Under the direction of KT Nelson, OCD/San Francisco presents this this magical dance that has become a Christmas classic from Nov. 24-Dec. 10. Tickets are $12-37 and can be purchased by calling 415-978-2787 or by visiting www.ticketweb.com. (Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. 700 Howard St., San Francisco.)
EVENTS
Get Out of Camp Produced by the National Japanese American Historical Society, this interactive exhibit gives the audience an experiential overview of what World War II was like for Japanese Americans with replicas and photographs and music. To be on display through July 31. Free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (NJAHS Gallery, 1684 Post St., San Francisco. 415-921-5007.)
Godzilla West Presents: Friday Night Live On Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Godzilla West presents Friday Night Live, a fresh new open mike venue, which will feature Asian Pacific Islander monologue artists and comedians as well as spoken word artists, musicians and dancers. The vision is to create a nurturing space where artists of any medium can come to express and to create. The open mike will take place on the first Friday of every month at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. For more information call 510-208-6080 (388 9th Street, Suite 290, Oakland)
Celebration of Craftswomen An event that will showcase the last innovative work by 270 of the world’s premier women artisans and fine artists, Celebration of Craftswomen is the largest women’s craft fair in the nation. Now in its 22nd year, the retail fair will be held over two consecutive weekends Dec. 2 and 3, 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason. For more information call 415-383-3470 or check out www.proeventusa.com.
Pasko Sa Nayon The Asian Art Museum will kick off its 2000 holiday programming with Pasko sa Nayon, the traditional Filipino Chrsitmas festival, on Saturday, Dec. 2, at noon. This special celebration will feature a performance by the Bay Area-based LIKHA-Filipino Folk Ensemble, storytelling for children, a treasure hunt and hands-on arts activities.The program is free after museum admission. For more information please call 415-379-8879 (Golden Gate Park, San Francisco)
Tetrasomia The New Pickle Circus will unveil its wonders at the Cowell Theater between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1, 2001 with the San Francisco School of Circus Arts. Under the artist direction of famed Chinese circus director Lu Yi, an international cast of nouvelle circus acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and contortionists will interpret Empedocles’ vision of this dynamism. Tickets available through BASS at 510-762-2277 or at tickets.com (Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard, San Francisco)
MUSIC
Jennifer Chung on Flute As part of the Seven Free Concerts in December series, Flutist Jennifer Chung, a Community Music Center faculty member, will perform pieces by J.S. Bach, Jolivet, Polito and Shostakovich on Saturday Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. Brian Baker on piano; Lisa Schoch, soprano; Robert Bailis, clarinet; Monica Scott, cello; M. Deanna Williams, harp. For more information on free concerts call 415-647-6015 (CMC Recital Hall, 544 Capp Street, San Francisco)
Kurdish Tanbur Ali Akbar Moradi, a leading composer and performer of sacred Kurdish music of Iran, will headline with Pejman Hadadi, a master of daf and tombak, in a show on Dec. 3, 6 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 415-242-4085. (Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto.)
Listen to Modern Art On Dec. 4 at 8 p.m., Donald Palma guest conducts the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players in ’Percussions-the ensemble’s first-ever concert celebrating the repercussions of that instrumental family’s vital emergence within contemporary music. Featured are the U.S. premier of Karen Tanaka’s Polarization, and the calligraphy-inspired quartets Echoes form the Gorge by famed Asian American musical pioneer Chou Wen-Chung. Tickets available by calling 415-978-2787 (The Forum, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts,701 Mission Street, San Francisco)
READINGS AND LECTURES
Fusion 1700: Jesuits in the Qing Court On Dec. 2, scholars from the Ricci Institute of the Center for Pacific Rim, University of San Francisco, discuss the fascinating history of the Jesuits in China and aspects of the East-West cultural exchange. For more information on the Oakland Museum December Calendar of Events, please call 1-888-OAK-MUSE (10th Oak Street, Oakland)
THEATER
Debunking Love The New Conservatory Center presents a world premiere of this comedy, exploring interracial gay relationships through the eyes of a young Asian American novelist. The play runs Nov. 8-Jan. 6, 2001, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 8 p.m; Nov. 12, 26, Dec. 10, 31; 2 p.m. Tickets are $15-25. (25 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. 415-861-8972.)
Black Nativity This classic musical weaves Langston Hughes’ poetry with powerful narration and gospel music to recall the traditional Christmas story of the birth of Christ. A jubilant expression of human love, joy and humility, the play is an uplifting, hand-clapping musical experience. The show runs from Nov. 24-Dec. 24. (620 Sutter St., San Francisco. 415-474-8800.)
La Virgen Del Tepeyac This Christmas pageant of color, music, drama and dance recreates the four apparitions of the Vigen to Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac outside Mexico City in 1531. The show runs Nov. 24, 25, 26, 30; Dec. 1-3, 7-9, 14-17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $19 and can be purchased by calling 831-623-2444. (El Teatro Campesino, 705 4th St., San Juan Bautista.)
Wonderland San Francisco’s Magic Theater continues its tradition of supporting contemporary playwrights with its fourth New Play Festival, Plays at the Border. The festival will feature a workshop production and staged readings of works in development that speak to cross-cultural issues and border conflicts around the world. One of the works included is Wonderland by Chay Yew. It revolves around an Asian American family of three people whose American dreams clash with unfortunate reality. Two staged readings of Wonderland will be presented on Nov. 30 at 8:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. (Sam Shepard Theater, Fort Mason Center, Building D, San Francisco. 415-441-8822. www.magictheater.com)
A Christmas Carol The Mills College annual production of A Christmas Carol is a classic interpretation of the familiar story presented by a multicultural cast drawn from all over the Bay Area. Under the direction of James C. Wright, the play combines the magic of the holiday season with the powerful social commentary of Charles Dickens. Shows on Dec 2, 8, 9 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 3, 10 at 2 p.m. (Lisser Hall, Mills College 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510-430-3308)
Poetry in the Kitchen The Oakland Cultural Center will present a recital for its A.P.I. Cultural Classes at noon on Saturday Dec. 2. Poetry in the Kitchen, a creative writing/cooking class will give a presentation featuring folktales, peotry and spoken word. A special reception with special dishes prepared by the class will follow. For more information please call 510-208-6080. (Oakland Asian cultural Center, 388 Ninth Street, Suite 290 in the Pacific Renaissance Plaza, Oakland)
A Charlie Brown Christmas San Francisco Performances presents the Dmitri Matheny Group in two matinee performances at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum. This years program A Charlie Brown Christmas celebrates the 50th anniversary of Peanuts. Vocalist Kim Nally joins the Dmitri Matheny Group for these performances. Tickets for all Family Matinees are available at City Box Office, 180 Redwood Street, Suite 100. Charge by phone 415-392-4400 (Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum, 700 Howard Street, San Francisco)
One Way Ticket Presented by the Hwayi Group, this play is a touching story of Chinese immigrants who come to San Francisco seeking better lives. What begins as a search for fortune ends up as a conquest of personal freedom and growth. The Hwayi Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Chinese theater arts in the Bay Area, will perform the play in Mandarin with English subtitles. The show runs on Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Everett Middle School Theatre, San Francisco; on Jan. 6, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Jan. 7, 2:30 p.m., Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. For more information, call 415-274-2284.
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
ARTS
More Than a Game The Japanese American National Museum presents this ongoing exhibit that tells the story of an immigrant group’s journey in America through the universal theme of sport using artifacts such as team uniforms, photographs, news clippings, interactive kiosks and videos. (Japanese American National Museum, 369 East First St., Los Angeles. 213-625-0414.)
Gifts of Pride and Love A major nationwide traveling exhibition of Kiowa and Comanche cradles opens at the UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History on Aug. 27 and continues through Jan. 4. The show features 38 historic lattice cradles and two new cradles created for this exhibition. For more information, call 310-825-4361. (UCLA Fowler Museum, Royce Hall, Los Angeles.)
Shimaoka Retrospective In celebration of this artist’s 80th year, Mingei International Museum will present the first retorspective of the pottery of Tatsuzo Shimaoka, who in 1996 was designated by the Emperor of Japan a Living National Treasure. The exhibition will include 60 new works of pottery. Runs through Feb. 2, 2001. Museum hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $5. (Plaza de Panama, Balboa Park. 619-239-0003.)
Show & Auction at the I.m. Chait Gallery The I.M. Chait Gallery will hold their renowned auction of fine Asian art on Dec. 3. This auction will delight the senses of seasoned collectors as well as those choosing to begin their adventure in Asian art collection. Chinese bronzes previously on loan to a major West U.S. Art Museum; Sung, Ming and Ch’ing ceramics from the collections of a notable Asian family will be included in the auction. Fine antique and contemporary netsuke pieces, along with antique snuff bottles, are also available. These rare and beautiful pieces may be viewed daily, free of charge through Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well as by appointment. (I.M. Chait Gallery, 9330 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills. 310-285-0182)
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REST OF THE WEST
ARTS
Blue-and-white Japanese Porcelain Approximately 100 pieces of exquisite Japanese porcelain will grace the gallery at the Seattle Art Museum in Hirado Porelain of Japan from the Kurtzman Collection. The exhibition runs through July 8, 2001. Museum hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m and on Thursdays until 9 p.m. (1400 E. Prospect St., Volunteer Park, Seattle.)
Signs of fortune, Symbols of immortality This installation of Japanese hanging scrolls, screens and textiles features works from the 17th through 20th centuries. Museum hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m and on Thursdays until 9 p.m. (Seattle Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St., Volunteer Park, Seattle.)
Dong Kingman The Washington State Historical Society commemorates the artistic life of watercolor master Dong Kingman with an exhibit of his work installed in the Office of the Governor. The exhibition runs through Dec. 12. Public viewing hours are Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Governor’s Gallery, Legislative Building, Washington State Capital, Olympia.)
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EAST COAST
ARTS
Chinese Cloisonné The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum’s collection of this art form is one of the largest outside of China. An exhibit of the works will be on display through December 31. Hours are Wednesdays through Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $4. For more information, call 413-263-6800. (The Springfield Museums, 220 State St., Springfield, Ma.)
Power and Desire The cultural richness, visual brilliance and story-telling power of Indian court painting between the 16th and 19th centuries will be revealed in this exhibition that runs through Jan. 7, 2001. The art work comes from the San Diego Museum of Art, Edwin Binney 3rd Collection, considered one of the most important collection of South Asian painting in the United States. For more information, call 212-288-6400. (Asia Society, 725 Park Ave., New York City.)
Tong Zhi/Comrade: Out in Asia America The first one-person exhibition by New York-based, Hong Kong-born artist Ken Chu. Chu has a fascinating background of travel and activism. Tong Chi/Comrade brings the discourse of sexual orientation into our communities, and looks at what might be a safe public space for Asian Americans in Chinatowns, Koreatowns, Manilatowns, Little Tokyos, Little Saigons and Little Bombays across the country. Exhibition begins Dec. 8 and runs through April 14, 2001 (Museum of Chinese Americas, 70 Mulberry Street, 2nd Floor, New York City.)
READINGS AND LECTURES
China’s Little Emperors The one-child policy instituted in China has created a generation of children dubbed “”Little Emperors”” because they are allegedly spoiled by their parents. Jun Jing, an assistant professor of anthropology at City University of New York and author of The Temple of Memories will speak on this trend on Dec. 7, 6:30-8 p.m. Tickets are $12. (China Institute, 125 East 65th St., New York City. 212-744-8181.)
THEATER
When Nights Were Dark When Nights Were Dark is the indoor sequel to Eiko & Koma’s mobile performance installation The Caravan Project. The dance work features an original a cappella score by Joseph Jennings, the director of San Francisco’s acclaimed vocal ensemble Chanticleer. Five performances will take place at the BAM Harvey Theater (651 Fulton Street), Nov. 29-Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, call 718-636-4111 (BAM, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.)
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Send an E-Mail to Our Calendar Editor
Home | A&E Section
Community Calendar
Announcements and Events for the Community
Singaporean University Students Seeking Community
(in National News)
Japantown Bowl Fight Not Over Yet
(in Bay Area News)
Vietnam: An Emerging Market
(in Business)
Dan 'The Automator' Nakamura
(in A&E)
Death and Birth of a Hood: Hunters Point
(in Opinion)
Arts & Entertainment Calendar
| Community Calendar Announcements and Events for the Community |
| Singaporean University Students Seeking Community (in National News) Japantown Bowl Fight Not Over Yet Vietnam: An Emerging Market Dan 'The Automator' Nakamura Death and Birth of a Hood: Hunters Point |
A regional roundup of events of special interest to Asian Americans
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
ARTS
Post-Gay/Ante-Asian The Gay Pacific Alliance present this online exhibit that explores the intersection of gay and Asian identities in visual art. Featured artists include Freddie Niem, Kek Tee Lim, Gigi Hermillosa Otalvaro, Eric Cheng, Fredeswinda Santos, Kelvin Yang and Gioi Tran. The exhibit runs through Dec. 31. It can viewed at www.gapacultural.org/exhibition.
An American Diary The San Jose Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works by Roger Shimomura, including American Diary: December 7, 1941 created in 1997. The exhibit runs through Jan. 7, 2001. (110 S. Market St., San Jose.)
Chicanos en Mictlán This exhibit examines how two small community art centers, Galería de la Raza in San Francisco and Self Help Graphics in Los Angeles, introduced Day of the Dead observances to California in 1972. It is the first survey exploring the reciprocal relationship between Chicano artists and the Day of the Dead, as well as the statewide impact of the observance through art work, photography and altar installations. The showing runs through Dec. 31. (The Mexican Museum, Fort Mason Center, Bldg. D, San Francisco. 415-202-9700.)
Bruce Lee The Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco and the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts honor Bruce Lee with an exhibition of over 240 treasures, including diaries, personal letters, drawings and Lee’s own writings. The exhibit will be on display Oct. 22, 2000-Feb. 18, 2001. (Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco at the Holiday Inn, 750 Kearny St., 3rd floor, San Francisco. 415-986-2825.)
I Live Here This unique exhibition feature the large-scale works of five artists-Laurent Cilluffo, Kim DeMarco, John Ritter, Marina Sagona and Takeshi Tadatsu — known for their illustrations in The New Yorker. Each artist’s work illustrate interpretations of their hometowns. The exhibit runs through Dec. 16. Gallery hours are Mondays, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Tuesdays 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (California College of Arts and Crafts, 1111 8th St., San Francisco. 415-551-9210.)
New Painting Nancy Genn will exhibit new painting from her mixed media series Marmaris and Construct, which interweaves and layers texture, subtle brushstrokes of color, and minimalist line and light. The exhibit runs from Nov. 2-Dec. 16 at Takada Gallery. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (251 Post St., 6th floor, San Francisco. 415-956-5288.)
Coded Blue MIT professor of graphic design John Maeda combines computer science and visual arts to challenge our common assumptions about designing on the computer. His new exhibit runs through Dec. 16. (Kent and Vicki Logan Galleries, California College of Arts and Crafts, 1111 8th St., San Francisco. 415-551-9210.)
East West Views: Three Taiwanese Artists The San José State University School of Art and Design is pleased to present the premier California exhibition of three Taiwanese painters Lo Fong Shen, Ping Hsian Ku and Chin Ta Yuan, all professors at Taiwan Normal University. The exhibition will open on November 21, 2000 at 6 p.m. at the Natalie and James Thompson Gallery. (One Washington Square, San José. 408-924-4320)
Happy 80th Suzuki Studio presents a birthday celebration and open studio for Lewis Suzuki, a watercolor painter known for his bold impressionistic use of color. Suzuki’s landscapes, seascapes and florals move from the Philippines, China, California and the Northwest and more. Open studio on Nov. 25 and 26, Dec. 3, 9, 10, 16, 17; open studio and birthday celebration on Dec. 2. Suzuki Studio is also open by appointment, call 510-849-1427 (2240 Grant Street, Berkeley)
Glasswork Italian/Japanese glassblower Tsuchida Yasuhiko makes his Bay Area premier at Octavia’s Haze Gallery Dec. 1 through Dec. 7. Giving the time-honored tradition of glassblowing with an urban edge, Tsuchida’s color palette is infused with randomness that is refreshing. For more information please contact Sky Alsgaard at 415-255-6818 or octaviashaze@mindspring.com. (498 Hayes Street, San Francisco)
DANCE
The Velveteen Rabbit Under the direction of KT Nelson, OCD/San Francisco presents this this magical dance that has become a Christmas classic from Nov. 24-Dec. 10. Tickets are $12-37 and can be purchased by calling 415-978-2787 or by visiting www.ticketweb.com. (Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. 700 Howard St., San Francisco.)
EVENTS
Get Out of Camp Produced by the National Japanese American Historical Society, this interactive exhibit gives the audience an experiential overview of what World War II was like for Japanese Americans with replicas and photographs and music. To be on display through July 31. Free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (NJAHS Gallery, 1684 Post St., San Francisco. 415-921-5007.)
Godzilla West Presents: Friday Night Live On Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Godzilla West presents Friday Night Live, a fresh new open mike venue, which will feature Asian Pacific Islander monologue artists and comedians as well as spoken word artists, musicians and dancers. The vision is to create a nurturing space where artists of any medium can come to express and to create. The open mike will take place on the first Friday of every month at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. For more information call 510-208-6080 (388 9th Street, Suite 290, Oakland)
Celebration of Craftswomen An event that will showcase the last innovative work by 270 of the world’s premier women artisans and fine artists, Celebration of Craftswomen is the largest women’s craft fair in the nation. Now in its 22nd year, the retail fair will be held over two consecutive weekends Dec. 2 and 3, 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason. For more information call 415-383-3470 or check out www.proeventusa.com.
Pasko Sa Nayon The Asian Art Museum will kick off its 2000 holiday programming with Pasko sa Nayon, the traditional Filipino Chrsitmas festival, on Saturday, Dec. 2, at noon. This special celebration will feature a performance by the Bay Area-based LIKHA-Filipino Folk Ensemble, storytelling for children, a treasure hunt and hands-on arts activities.The program is free after museum admission. For more information please call 415-379-8879 (Golden Gate Park, San Francisco)
Tetrasomia The New Pickle Circus will unveil its wonders at the Cowell Theater between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1, 2001 with the San Francisco School of Circus Arts. Under the artist direction of famed Chinese circus director Lu Yi, an international cast of nouvelle circus acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and contortionists will interpret Empedocles’ vision of this dynamism. Tickets available through BASS at 510-762-2277 or at tickets.com (Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard, San Francisco)
MUSIC
Jennifer Chung on Flute As part of the Seven Free Concerts in December series, Flutist Jennifer Chung, a Community Music Center faculty member, will perform pieces by J.S. Bach, Jolivet, Polito and Shostakovich on Saturday Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. Brian Baker on piano; Lisa Schoch, soprano; Robert Bailis, clarinet; Monica Scott, cello; M. Deanna Williams, harp. For more information on free concerts call 415-647-6015 (CMC Recital Hall, 544 Capp Street, San Francisco)
Kurdish Tanbur Ali Akbar Moradi, a leading composer and performer of sacred Kurdish music of Iran, will headline with Pejman Hadadi, a master of daf and tombak, in a show on Dec. 3, 6 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 415-242-4085. (Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto.)
Listen to Modern Art On Dec. 4 at 8 p.m., Donald Palma guest conducts the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players in ’Percussions-the ensemble’s first-ever concert celebrating the repercussions of that instrumental family’s vital emergence within contemporary music. Featured are the U.S. premier of Karen Tanaka’s Polarization, and the calligraphy-inspired quartets Echoes form the Gorge by famed Asian American musical pioneer Chou Wen-Chung. Tickets available by calling 415-978-2787 (The Forum, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts,701 Mission Street, San Francisco)
READINGS AND LECTURES
Fusion 1700: Jesuits in the Qing Court On Dec. 2, scholars from the Ricci Institute of the Center for Pacific Rim, University of San Francisco, discuss the fascinating history of the Jesuits in China and aspects of the East-West cultural exchange. For more information on the Oakland Museum December Calendar of Events, please call 1-888-OAK-MUSE (10th Oak Street, Oakland)
THEATER
Debunking Love The New Conservatory Center presents a world premiere of this comedy, exploring interracial gay relationships through the eyes of a young Asian American novelist. The play runs Nov. 8-Jan. 6, 2001, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 8 p.m; Nov. 12, 26, Dec. 10, 31; 2 p.m. Tickets are $15-25. (25 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. 415-861-8972.)
Black Nativity This classic musical weaves Langston Hughes’ poetry with powerful narration and gospel music to recall the traditional Christmas story of the birth of Christ. A jubilant expression of human love, joy and humility, the play is an uplifting, hand-clapping musical experience. The show runs from Nov. 24-Dec. 24. (620 Sutter St., San Francisco. 415-474-8800.)
La Virgen Del Tepeyac This Christmas pageant of color, music, drama and dance recreates the four apparitions of the Vigen to Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac outside Mexico City in 1531. The show runs Nov. 24, 25, 26, 30; Dec. 1-3, 7-9, 14-17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $19 and can be purchased by calling 831-623-2444. (El Teatro Campesino, 705 4th St., San Juan Bautista.)
Wonderland San Francisco’s Magic Theater continues its tradition of supporting contemporary playwrights with its fourth New Play Festival, Plays at the Border. The festival will feature a workshop production and staged readings of works in development that speak to cross-cultural issues and border conflicts around the world. One of the works included is Wonderland by Chay Yew. It revolves around an Asian American family of three people whose American dreams clash with unfortunate reality. Two staged readings of Wonderland will be presented on Nov. 30 at 8:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. (Sam Shepard Theater, Fort Mason Center, Building D, San Francisco. 415-441-8822. www.magictheater.com)
A Christmas Carol The Mills College annual production of A Christmas Carol is a classic interpretation of the familiar story presented by a multicultural cast drawn from all over the Bay Area. Under the direction of James C. Wright, the play combines the magic of the holiday season with the powerful social commentary of Charles Dickens. Shows on Dec 2, 8, 9 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 3, 10 at 2 p.m. (Lisser Hall, Mills College 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510-430-3308)
Poetry in the Kitchen The Oakland Cultural Center will present a recital for its A.P.I. Cultural Classes at noon on Saturday Dec. 2. Poetry in the Kitchen, a creative writing/cooking class will give a presentation featuring folktales, peotry and spoken word. A special reception with special dishes prepared by the class will follow. For more information please call 510-208-6080. (Oakland Asian cultural Center, 388 Ninth Street, Suite 290 in the Pacific Renaissance Plaza, Oakland)
A Charlie Brown Christmas San Francisco Performances presents the Dmitri Matheny Group in two matinee performances at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum. This years program A Charlie Brown Christmas celebrates the 50th anniversary of Peanuts. Vocalist Kim Nally joins the Dmitri Matheny Group for these performances. Tickets for all Family Matinees are available at City Box Office, 180 Redwood Street, Suite 100. Charge by phone 415-392-4400 (Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum, 700 Howard Street, San Francisco)
One Way Ticket Presented by the Hwayi Group, this play is a touching story of Chinese immigrants who come to San Francisco seeking better lives. What begins as a search for fortune ends up as a conquest of personal freedom and growth. The Hwayi Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Chinese theater arts in the Bay Area, will perform the play in Mandarin with English subtitles. The show runs on Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Everett Middle School Theatre, San Francisco; on Jan. 6, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Jan. 7, 2:30 p.m., Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. For more information, call 415-274-2284.
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
ARTS
More Than a Game The Japanese American National Museum presents this ongoing exhibit that tells the story of an immigrant group’s journey in America through the universal theme of sport using artifacts such as team uniforms, photographs, news clippings, interactive kiosks and videos. (Japanese American National Museum, 369 East First St., Los Angeles. 213-625-0414.)
Gifts of Pride and Love A major nationwide traveling exhibition of Kiowa and Comanche cradles opens at the UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History on Aug. 27 and continues through Jan. 4. The show features 38 historic lattice cradles and two new cradles created for this exhibition. For more information, call 310-825-4361. (UCLA Fowler Museum, Royce Hall, Los Angeles.)
Shimaoka Retrospective In celebration of this artist’s 80th year, Mingei International Museum will present the first retorspective of the pottery of Tatsuzo Shimaoka, who in 1996 was designated by the Emperor of Japan a Living National Treasure. The exhibition will include 60 new works of pottery. Runs through Feb. 2, 2001. Museum hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $5. (Plaza de Panama, Balboa Park. 619-239-0003.)
Show & Auction at the I.m. Chait Gallery The I.M. Chait Gallery will hold their renowned auction of fine Asian art on Dec. 3. This auction will delight the senses of seasoned collectors as well as those choosing to begin their adventure in Asian art collection. Chinese bronzes previously on loan to a major West U.S. Art Museum; Sung, Ming and Ch’ing ceramics from the collections of a notable Asian family will be included in the auction. Fine antique and contemporary netsuke pieces, along with antique snuff bottles, are also available. These rare and beautiful pieces may be viewed daily, free of charge through Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well as by appointment. (I.M. Chait Gallery, 9330 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills. 310-285-0182)
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REST OF THE WEST
ARTS
Blue-and-white Japanese Porcelain Approximately 100 pieces of exquisite Japanese porcelain will grace the gallery at the Seattle Art Museum in Hirado Porelain of Japan from the Kurtzman Collection. The exhibition runs through July 8, 2001. Museum hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m and on Thursdays until 9 p.m. (1400 E. Prospect St., Volunteer Park, Seattle.)
Signs of fortune, Symbols of immortality This installation of Japanese hanging scrolls, screens and textiles features works from the 17th through 20th centuries. Museum hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m and on Thursdays until 9 p.m. (Seattle Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St., Volunteer Park, Seattle.)
Dong Kingman The Washington State Historical Society commemorates the artistic life of watercolor master Dong Kingman with an exhibit of his work installed in the Office of the Governor. The exhibition runs through Dec. 12. Public viewing hours are Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Governor’s Gallery, Legislative Building, Washington State Capital, Olympia.)
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EAST COAST
ARTS
Chinese Cloisonné The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum’s collection of this art form is one of the largest outside of China. An exhibit of the works will be on display through December 31. Hours are Wednesdays through Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $4. For more information, call 413-263-6800. (The Springfield Museums, 220 State St., Springfield, Ma.)
Power and Desire The cultural richness, visual brilliance and story-telling power of Indian court painting between the 16th and 19th centuries will be revealed in this exhibition that runs through Jan. 7, 2001. The art work comes from the San Diego Museum of Art, Edwin Binney 3rd Collection, considered one of the most important collection of South Asian painting in the United States. For more information, call 212-288-6400. (Asia Society, 725 Park Ave., New York City.)
Tong Zhi/Comrade: Out in Asia America The first one-person exhibition by New York-based, Hong Kong-born artist Ken Chu. Chu has a fascinating background of travel and activism. Tong Chi/Comrade brings the discourse of sexual orientation into our communities, and looks at what might be a safe public space for Asian Americans in Chinatowns, Koreatowns, Manilatowns, Little Tokyos, Little Saigons and Little Bombays across the country. Exhibition begins Dec. 8 and runs through April 14, 2001 (Museum of Chinese Americas, 70 Mulberry Street, 2nd Floor, New York City.)
READINGS AND LECTURES
China’s Little Emperors The one-child policy instituted in China has created a generation of children dubbed “”Little Emperors”” because they are allegedly spoiled by their parents. Jun Jing, an assistant professor of anthropology at City University of New York and author of The Temple of Memories will speak on this trend on Dec. 7, 6:30-8 p.m. Tickets are $12. (China Institute, 125 East 65th St., New York City. 212-744-8181.)
THEATER
When Nights Were Dark When Nights Were Dark is the indoor sequel to Eiko & Koma’s mobile performance installation The Caravan Project. The dance work features an original a cappella score by Joseph Jennings, the director of San Francisco’s acclaimed vocal ensemble Chanticleer. Five performances will take place at the BAM Harvey Theater (651 Fulton Street), Nov. 29-Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, call 718-636-4111 (BAM, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.)
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