Korean American singer-songwriter, Clara Chung, also known as Clara C, is not only making her mark amongst the Asian American talent in the States. Following her first international tour, it is apparent that Chung is spreading her talent overseas—as seen in her recent spotlight in Seventeen Magazine, Malaysia.

Raised in Los Angeles, California, and a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, Chung began her musical journey on Youtube and made a name for herself after winning Los Angeles’ Kollaboration 10, KAC Media Juice Night, and ISA 2009.

Chung’s soul-soothing talents stretch beyond her guitar strings.  Though she is pursuing music full-time, Chung also works part-time teaching autistic children.

Clara’s first international tour took her to Asia and Australia where she visited Singapore, Malaysia, Manila, Korea, Tokyo, Sydney and Melbourne promoting her debut album The Art in My Heart.

To view the article, visit: http://www.17.com.my/2012/01/youtube%E2%80%99s-sweetest-clara-c/

Forget Valentine’s Day, December is also one of the most popular months to pop the question.  And, apparently, it was John Legend’s proposal month of choice.  The soul singer proposed to his Thai-Norwegian model girlfriend, Christine Teigen, over the Christmas holiday weekend while the couple was vacationing in the Maldives.

Originally from Snohomish, Washington, Teigen made her debut in the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2010.  Following their engagement, the couple, who have been together for over four years, flew to Thailand to spend time with Teigen’s parents and sister.

Midnight Kiss

We all knew she could put on makeup, but what we didn’t know is that she can act.  But, really, that isn’t too surprising.  Her voice is so soothing that she could probably put newborns to sleep, and her appearance can only be magnified with her stealer makeup techniques.

At only 24-years-old, the #1 most subscribed woman on YouTube, Vietnamese-American make-up artist, Michelle Phan, is embarking on a new venture—incorporating short films into her already whimsical make up and beauty tutorial videos.

Just in time for December 31^st, Phan’s latest YouTube video is a hybrid short film and makeup tutorial, “Midnight Kiss”, featuring actor Justin Chon.  In the video, Phan re-creates every girl’s dream of the perfect Cindarella-esque kiss at midnight, equipped with a drop-dead-gorgeous New Year’s Eve party look.

As Asian American women in today’s society, it is important to remember where we came from, our roots, and give ourselves the opportunity to connect with others sharing our stories to relate our differences and similarities.

In light of 13 Minutes’ recent release of the new collection of stories, “Pho For Life: A Melting Pot of Thoughts,” I chatted with “Pho For Life” contributor, Kelly Banh about her story, experiences, and inspirational view of the road of life.
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This Week’s Happenings 12.17-12.24

Here we are again.  It’s the end of another year and we’re stuck asking ourselves where the time went while hurriedly adjusting our Santa Hats and fastening the sequins on our New Year’s Eve ensemble.  While we’re waiting under the mistletoe, however, here are some things to keep ourselves occupied until the clock strikes midnight.

DON 2

When: December 23 (2D & 3D)

Where: Theaters Worldwide

Official Site: http://don2thefilm.com/

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X5w-6PqoZ0

From the upcoming action thriller DON 2 comes the glamorous new music video for “Dushman Mera”.  The video features the movie’s stars Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra.  DON 2 is this winter’s most eagerly awaited Bollywood Films.  Directed by Farhan Akhtar and with new music from Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, the film is set to open in theaters worldwide on December 23 in both 2D and 3D versions. Continue Reading »

Seeing one music video from JIN Akanishi was all the test drive I needed to confirm that this top-selling Warner Music artist, Japanese vocalist, musician, and actor has taken the U.S. by storm.

Akanishi’s single, “Test Drive featuring Jason Derulo”, which debuted on November 8^th, is currently at the #1 spot on the iTunes Dance Album Chart.

“I’m so grateful for all the overwhelming support from my fans,” says Akanishi, “It’s wonderful to know that they enjoy my new music.”

What sets JIN in the driver’s seat, aside from his good looks, luscious locks, and undeniable talent, is the apparent drive and determination that his character displays.

On the day of the debut of his single in the US, JIN arrived at The Beverly Center in Los Angeles where he was greeted by 300 eager fans gathered to help celebrate the release of his single hosted by KIIS FM On-Air personality, Jesse Lozano.

After a live performance of “Test Drive”, JIN was asked, “What kind of influence do you want to have on the kids in the U.S.?”

“I want them to pursue their dreams,” he responded.  “Never give up, and smile, because we were born to smile.”

It looks like JIN’s fans will be smiling into the New Year, as he is currently working on a full English album set to be released in March of 2012.

Just in time for the season of giving and charitable events comes the 10^th annual Unforgettable Gala.  The gala will be hosted by the creators of KoreAm, the oldest and most widely circulated English-language monthly magazine for the Asian American community.  Unforgettable is set to benefit the Mixed Roots foundation, an organization that serves as a resource to the adoptee community aiming to create more awareness of the adoption experience.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 3 at the legendary Park Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles; and hosted by actor/comedian Randall Park.

KoreAm is set to honor four individuals with achievement awards, including football player Hines Ward, Chef Roy Choi, actor Sung Kang, and director Jennifer Yuh Nelson.  The evening will include performances by: Ameriie, Dia Frampton, Jay Park, I.AM.ME, and KINJAZ.  An after party presented by Hite/Jinro will follow immediately after the gala with an open bar and Kogi BBQ Truck tacos.

This star-studded affair promises to be one of the premiere entertainment events of the year in the Korean American community.

The event is SOLD OUT, but we still have tickets for the after-party! For tickets and more even information, visit:  http://www.iamkoream.com/unforgettable2011/

I’ll admit that I’m not a Gleek; which I’ll attribute to the fact that I cannot sing.  This makes it tough to get into shows which revolve around just that.  That was until Harry.  First of all, I’m interested in any Asian American that can make it onto Prime Time.  But Harry, well, Harry is a pop and lock that I can flex my eyes to without having to sing a note. Continue Reading »

Judging from their latest music video, the New York-based indie rock band, PaperDoll, is having a hard time concentrating; but not the least bit of trouble entertaining.  This comes as no surprise, as PaperDoll is known for their uninhibited, high-energy live shows.

Back from their six-city, seventeen-show tour of China, PaperDoll released their latest music video for single “Can’t Concentrate” on October 20^th, 2011.

Led by the band’s vocalist, Teresa Lee, who is of Chinese, Thai, and Taiwanese decent, the video features the best of New York’s hula hooping talent and was filmed in Navatman dance studio in Midtown Manhattan.

“Can’t Concentrate” is the band’s fourth official music video, and was produced by Meteor Award Winner Michael Moloney.  “Can’t Concentrate” is available on iTunes, amazon, and all major online retailers.   The group is also currently being featured in a NIKE campaign airing in Greater China.

Before Youtube and other online mediums accessible for comedians to publicly showcase their talents, there was the self-starting way of spending years developing material in clubs and building appearances in coffee shops and on school campuses.  Korean American comedian Margaret Cho is one of those self-starters.

Described as the pioneer woman of Asian American comedian, Cho launched her own successful career as one of the first Asians in standup comedy.

Her latest stand-up concert film, Cho Dependent, recorded during her 2010 tour, made its debut on October 15 on the Showtime Channel. Cho Dependent shows Margaret in her usual top form, riffing on smart topics that actually matter.  The DVD is set to be released on November 21, 2011 via Rocket Science, and will also feature Behind The Scenes backstage bonus footage from the tour.

As the Agent Provocateur of stand up, Cho is undoubtedly a woman of many laughs, however, she is also a woman of many hats. In addition to her comedy, Cho is a fashion designer, actress, author, and recording artist. Cho Dependent showcases songs from her Grammy nominated album interwoven into the thought provoking stories she tells.

“I’m really in love with this show as it’s the first time I got to bring my comedy and my music together. It was the hardest I have ever worked on anything, and I had such an amazing time on this tour,” said Cho. “I wanted to film in Atlanta because the city has become an adopted hometown for me and I think that could be felt in this performance. It was amazing to come back to the south and bring something I was so proud of to share with all my friends!”