Had your fill of turkey? Avoiding the Black Friday crowds? Escape some of the holiday stress with some fun, beauty and plain old comedy to lift your spirits. Make sure to check out some of these awesome events going on all over the U.S., in the upcoming week.
Celebration: The Birthday in Chinese Art
What: Works in various media from the Museum’s collection explore the pervasive themes of celebration and longevity in the art of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
When: Now through November 28, 2010
Where: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10028
CAPE Soiree 2010
What: The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) presents its highly-anticipated CAPE Soiree. This year’s event features special appearances by not one but both of the Mr. Sulus of Star Trek: John Cho and the legendary George Takei. Also appearing are Academy Award nominee Iris Yamashita (Letters from Iwo Jima) and Quentin Lee, director of The People I’ve Slept With. Additional celebrity guests include Dancing With the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba, Twilight’s Justin Chon, and Gilmore Girl’s Keiko Agena. Honorees are Comedian Ken Jeong and CBS President of Entertainment, Nina Tassler.
Founded in 1991 in Los Angeles, CAPE is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing diversity and creating social change by actively developing, promoting, and positioning Asian Pacific Americans for key artistic and leadership roles in the entertainment industry and media arts.
When: December 2, 2010; 6:30-11:00pm
Where: Vibiana, 210 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
How much: Tickets are $75.00 for CAPE Members; $95.00 for Nonmembers. A special Soiree Combo Ticket is also available.
More info: Ticket purchase and detailed information are available at www.capeusa.org.
Comedy Zen: Jokes of Fury
What: The multicultural troupe Comedy Zen presents Boston comedian Joe Wong, who has appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman, and stuntman Steven Ho, who holds the record for most appearances on the short-lived The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. Wong will demonstrate some of his stunt work on Comedy Zen’s lucky comedian volunteers. Hasan Minhaj will host.
When: December 3, 2010 @ 8:30 pm & 10 pm
Where: 251 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
How much: $20
KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY
What: Based on the true story of the 1930 Chittagong Uprising in British India and shot mostly in Goa, this period thrilled is helmed by the award-winning director Ashutosh Gowariker and stars two of Bollywood biggest names, Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone.
When: December 3, 2010
Where: In more than 60 theaters across the U.S. Find a theater near you at www.kheleinhumjeejaansey.com/
THE DREAMS OF JINSHA
What: The most expensive animated film ever produced in China (it took five years to make), THE DREAMS OF JINSHA was released in China in July and is now finally going to be released in the U.S. The film follows Xiao Long, a modern day middle-school student who, after being transported 3,000 years back in time to the magical kingdom of Jinsha, discovers his true destiny. Together with the beautiful Princess Hau’er, he must draw upon all his resources to fight the wicked forces threatening the peace of the kingdom.
When: December 3, 2010
Where: Laemmle’s Music Hall, Beverly Hills, CA
Thi Cosmetics Holiday Luxe Event
What: Indulge in a new look just in time for the holidays. Check out celebrity makeup artist Taylor Pham’s must-have makeup line Thi — every purchase more than $100 comes with two complimentary foundation shades, a Sakura blush (my favorite), and a Quinn lipstick! RSVP in advance (there are only 18 seats available!) and get a complimentary 30-minute color consultation. And for the entire month of December and January, get 20% off all cuts and color!
When: December 4, 2010, 12 noon to 6 pm
Where: Mimi & Taylor Salon, 522 Bryant St., Palo Alto, CA
More info: 650-327-8880, mimi-taylor.com
Long Grove Holiday Festivities
What: Stuck in the Midwest? Make the most of the chilly weather and get into the spirit and enjoy the sounds, sights, and hospitality of a bygone era. Expect to see carolers, lighting of the holiday tree, Santa sightings, and magical chimes all over the historic village.
When: Now through December 31, 2010
Where: Old McHenry Rd. at Robert Parker Coffin Rd. Long Grove, Chicago IL
She hates mint-chip ice cream. She loves extra crunchy Cheetos. She says she will put anything raw and weird in her mouth because she’s Japanese. And no, she is not Barbra Streisand.
She’s new funny girl, Aiko Tanaka.
Funny girl Aiko Tanaka.
Model, actress and now-turned stand-up comedian Aiko Tanaka will be at Comedy Zen’s “Jokes of Death” show on July 29 in Los Angeles. With host Rajiv Satyal, the lineup includes comedian Eliot Chang, featured in Comedy Central Presents, up-and-coming K.T. Tatara, and the boys from YouTube phenom Just Kidding Films who will be performing their special rendition of their famous “History of Korean Drama.”
Tanaka (her first name means “child of love”), who is of Korean and Japanese descent, was born in Tokyo and began modeling at the age of 3. She appeared on fashion catalogs and advertisements in Japan, just like her mom, a former swimsuit model.
After moving to Boston, Tanaka studied theater in college and was scouted by a talent agent from L.A., who secured her a TV gig on the The Grind with MTV. With a growing number of modeling offers, she was selected to appear on an Import Tuner cover as well as many other auto magazines such as D-Sport and Super Street. In fact, she was the first Japanese/Korean to ever appear as the cover model on these major magazines. She is also the voice of a character in the video game “Street Racing Syndicate.”
More recently, Tanaka appeared in music videos for Destiny’s Child, Afroman, Far East Movement, Jin and more. Her film and television credits include The Howard Stern Show, Late Night with Jay Leno, Malcolm and Eddie, My Wife and Kids, Numb3rs, and The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift.
Tanaka says her first crush was Jet Li. “I was like 7 when I saw Shaolin Temple,” she says. “I decided to marry that man and have his kids. Next week, I saw Superman in tight pants, and I changed my mind. I was a floozy back then.” And she says she loves anything with Audrey Hepburn. “She inspires me to act like a lady, like wanting to go to the supermarket with white gloves on.”
Catch her this Thursday at Comedy Zen’s “Jokes of Death” show. Of course, you just may catch her at your local grocery store, maybe even in white lace gloves.
DETAILS
July 29, 2010, 8 pm
Comedy Zen at the Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
After-party at Chop Suey Café and Lounge, 347 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Buy tickets here. Get more info here.
