Happenings This Week 6.23-6.30

Post by Shirley • June 24, 2011 • Post a comment

We can’t believe it’s almost the end of June! Here are some cool events to tide you over until it’s time for some Fourth of July fireworks. You can treat your eyes and ears to some cool performances featuring traditional Asian dances or snag a ticket for a charitable event.

3rd National Asian American Theater Festival

When: Thursday, June 23-26, 7:00 pm

Where: Locations vary by performance

How: Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased at caata.net, by phone at (213) 625-7000, or in person at the East West Players’ administrative office located at 120 N. Judge John Aiso, Los Angeles 90012.

Whether you’re in the mood for a hip-hop musical, aerial art, or comedic storytelling, head to the Asian American Theatre Festival, starting tonight. The performers and storytellers are coming in from all over the country and the list includes performance artist Denise Uyehara, writer and performer May Lee-Yang, and East West Players. Can’t make it tonight or tomorrow? No problem—they have repeat performances throughout the weekend!

LA Skins Fest “Reload”

When: Thursday, June 23, 7:00 pm

Where: Wells Fargo Theater, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027

How: Free admission!

If you didn’t get a chance to go last year, here’s your chance to catch the encore screening of the Peabody Award winning film Reel Injun and short video American Indian Actors. They both focus on how American Indians are portrayed in Hollywood film and on television. And it offers perspectives from American Indian actors and filmmakers for an up-close look at what it’s really like to be a minority trying to make it in Hollywood.

Japanese Obon Festival

When: Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26, 5:00 pm

Where: Valley Japanese Community Center, 8850 Lankershim Blvd., Sun Valley, CA 91352

How: Free admission

Stuff your face with some udon and gyoza as you watch a circle of dancers perform a traditional Bon Odori dance (think colorful outfits and swaying dance moves). It’s a family event, too, with games and martial arts demonstrations.

Asian Pacifically New York – The Photography of Corky Lee Opening

When: Saturday, June 25, 3:00 pm

Where: Queen’s Museum of Art, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY 11368

How: Just show up! It’s free.

Photographer Corky Lee documents Asian and Pacific Islander American communities in New York. His works focus on the heavy topics of immigration and post 9/11 experiences and cover the span of four decades (he started in high school!).

TAIKOPROJECT Rhythmic Relations

When: Saturday, June 25, 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm

Where: Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, 90012

How: Purchase tickets here. Prices are $35 for premium and $30 for general admission.

Where can you find a fusion of drums, bachi sticks, electronic instruments and hip-hop choreography? Members of LA-based TAIKOPROJECT are known for their unconventional ways of promoting Japanese culture, and of course, taiko drumming. They’ve even performed at the 2009 Academy Awards and the 2011 Grammy Awards.

Plate by Plate Ticket Kickoff Sale

When: Thursday, June 30, 6:30 pm

Where: J Restaurant and Lounge, 1119 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015

How: platebyplate.org/la

The 9th annual tasting benefit, Plate by Plate, hosted by Project by Project isn’t until August 6, but it’s not too early to snag your ticket now! Early birds get a huge discount tonight–only $100 (the price will be bumped up to $125 the next day!)–while also supporting the local Asian Youth Center, a service provider for young Asian immigrants. The ticket gives you access to about 30 (the list is still growing) local eateries and two dozen thirst-quenching selections. Vendors include Aburiya Toranoko, Charlie Palmer, Fraiche, Pizzeria Ortica, Raphael, The Royce, Sotto (ft. Julian Cox), Starry Kitchen, Vertical Wine Bistro (w/ Laurent Quenioux), and Wood & Vine.

Got cool Asian American Happenings you want to share with Audrey readers? Leave a comment below!

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