Ten middle school students at New Millennium Academy in Minneapolis took time out from their summer arts program (facilitated by college student PaDao Yang) to pose for a picture. (Contributed photos)
By ERIN ADLER
From drawing to dancing or writing poetry, the act of creating art is powerful on its own. But for PaDao Yang, art is also a tool to encourage Hmong youth to express themselves and a link to their culture.
From left, Rick Shiomi, artistic director, Mu Performing Arts, with performers, Katie Bradley and Sun Mee Chomet, discussing the life experience of Korean adoptees in America and how it inspired their theater writing and acting as adults. The two performed as part of the Week of Mu, an open-house series Friday at the Lowry Lab Theater in St. Paul. (AAP Staff photo by Tom LaVenture)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (August 25, 2010) – A week of free performances offered a glimpse of the wealth of talent at Mu Performing Arts, and will likely encourage many to look into the upcoming Mu season of full taiko and theater productions. This past Friday, two Mu actresses performed brief one-act solo performances called “My Story: All American Girl,” on stage in the Lowery Theater – the same building where the new Mu Performing Arts offices are located in downtown St. Paul. The two then joined Mu Artistic Director Rick Shiomi for a post-performance dialogue.
The Legend of Chao Fa
A raft of films from the world’s largest continent, burgeoning and booming, mysterious and intriguing, comes under a special lens in a far-reaching “Asian Film Festival” that runs Wednesday, Nov. 3rd through Nov. 13th at St. Anthony Main Theatre. Under the heading “In Search of Asia,” and sponsored by Minnesota Film Arts (the old Oak St. and University Film Society standbys), the festival will look at films from the somewhat different perspectives of Asian-Americans in addition to looking at the varied Asian lives reflected on today’s screens.
Villain: A novel
Author: Shuichi Yoshida
Pantheon Books
August 3, 2010, $25.95
In Shuichi Yoshida’s Villain, a young insurance saleswoman is found strangled at Mitsuse Pass. Her family and friends are shocked and terrified. The pass – which tunnels through a mountainous region of southern Japan-has an eerie history: a hideout for robbers, murderers, and ghostly creatures lurking at night.
Chengwu Guo as Li in MAO'S LAST DANCER. Photo Credit: Simon Cardwell / Samuel Goldwyn Films
From the Academy Award nominated director Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy, Tender Mercies), comes the inspiring true story of Li Cunxin (Chi Cao) and his extraordinary journey from poverty to international stardom. Filmed on location in China, Australia and the U.S., Mao’s Last Dancer (Rated PG from IDP/Samuel Goldwyn Films and Great Scott Productions) also stars Bruce Greenwood, Kyle MacLachlan and Joan Chen, and opens this weekend at the Landmark Edina Cinema.
Hawaiian-Pacific Islander, Music
HONOLULU (August 31, 2010) – Released today, CJ Helekahi’s debut CD “Ka Mahina” is sharing the magic of beautiful Hana, Maui with the world. Known to many as “Boom,” CJ has gained a reputation for the beauty of his voice, from his soaring tenor to his caressing falsetto. With the much-awaited release of “Ka Mahina” (The Moon), CJ is coming full circle to share music that embodies the pure spirit of tropical Hana and highlights his unique vocal abilities and range. Guest artists Kaiolohia Funes Smith, Leokane Pryor and Pekelo Cosmo join CJ on “Ka Mahina” to create a musical experience unlike any other. Produced by Dave Tucciarone and distributed by the Mountain Apple Company HAWAI’I, “Ka Mahina” includes four original and six classic songs.
St. Paul, Minn. (Aug. 17, 2010) – Metropolitan State University Gordon Parks Gallery is pleased to present Weighing the Air: the Art of Collaboration. The exhibit opens with a reception on Thursday, Sept. 16, from 4–7 p.m. and continues through Oct. 8. Gallery hours are Mondays–Thursdays, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; and Fridays–Saturdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The gallery is located in the Library and Learning Center, 645 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul.
Kids have fun in the pool at the Chat Arts Fest. (AAP photo by Trang Do)
ST. PAUL (August 21, 2010) – The Center for Hmong Arts and Talent held its 9th Annual Hmong Arts and Music Festival Satuday at Western Sculpture Park. With the theme “A Hmong Us” the festival again had arts and crafts of local Hmong artists that represents many perspectives of being “A Hmong” in America. There was also a juried winners tent.
Photo by V Paul Virtuccio
Ananya Dance Theater presents Kshoy! (Decay) from September 9-12. Showtimes are Thurs, 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sat., 8:00 p.m., and Sun. 7:00 p.m. Tickets range $23-$29, with student and group discounts. Call 612-340-1725 or online at southerntheater.org and ananyadancetheatre.org.
Awards/Recognition, Baseball, National, Photography
LOS ANGELES (August 27, 2010) – The Los Angeles Dodgers will honor photographer Jon SooHoo, who is celebrating his 25th anniversary with the team, on Friday as he throws out the ceremonial first pitch at the evening’s game against the San Francisco Giants. The evening’s festivities will include an in-game video tribute to SooHoo’s 25 years with the team, the longest-tenured photographer in Dodger franchise history. He will receive gifts from the Dodgers and the city of Los Angeles as a token of their appreciation for his hard work and dedication.
Korean Adoptees Ministry celebrates 10th Anniversary
PaDao Yang leads youth leadership development arts program
Mu Performing Arts prepares for new season
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