Highlights
Cincinnati-based musician C. Spencer Yeh (voice, violin, electronics) participates in the annual Seattle Improvised Music Festival and joins Chris Corsano, Bill Horist and Wally Shoup in a concert on Feb. 18 at Ballard’s Sunset Tavern. 5433 Ballard NW.
ACRS 2010 Art Opening with support from Washington State Arts Commission, 4 Culture and Odyssey Enterprises Inc. is like an open house for this important social services organization and their new headquarters. Come see original artwork by Northwest artists as selected by the ACRS Volunteer Committee. Friday, Feb. 26 from 6 – 8 p.m. RSVP by Feb. 22 by calling Joyce Zhou at (206) 774-2404 or emailing [email protected].
Zakir Hussain is a world-renowned master of percussion noted for his virtuoso tabla playing and his ability to be open to music in all its’ various forms from the classical Indian tradition to improvisation, world music and jazz. So when a musician of his stature curates a concert entitled “Masters of Percussion”, music lovers should take note. Some of the best musicians from South Asia will be joining Hussain on stage for a wonderful evening of music making. March 4 at 8 p.m. at the Moore Theatre. Presented by STG. Visit STGPRESENTS.ORG or call (206) 315-8054.
Author Rieko Matsuura appears in Seattle to read from her Japanese best-selling novel, “The Apprenticeship of Big Toe P” (Kodansha). The book won the Women’s Literature Prize” in Japan and the story concerns a woman who wakes up to find how a change in her body will make her re-examine her sexuality and her life in a new light. Translator Michael Emmerich will appear with her. Matsuura gives a talk on Feb. 28 at Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee at 3pm. (206) 682-9107. There will be a discussion with the author about her book on March 1 at 3:30pm in the Walker-Ames Room in Kane Hall on the UW campus. (206) 682-9107.
Rudresh Mahanthappa, one of the most innovative jazz musicians/composers working today appears at Kirkland Performance Center on March 12 at 8 p.m. with his band. Expect challenging, inspiring music that uses some Indian elements in his exploration of jazz and improvised music. Log on to www.kpcenter.org or call (425)893-9900 for details. Mahanthappa also joins the Mauger Trio with Gerry Hemingway and Mark Dresser in a concert earlier on Feb. 20 at Seasons Performance Hall at 101 N. Naches Ave. in Yakima at 7:30 p.m. Visit theseasonsyakima.com for details on this.
Peter Nathaniel Malae is an exciting new talent with a new novel out entitled “What We Are” (Grove Press). In this book, Malae tells the story of his Samoan American protagonist who looks at the sprawling landscape of San Jose’s malls, freeways and dot.com headquarters and finds refuge with family, sinister old friends and cranksters until he can de-code what he needs to believe in to survive. Malae reads in Seattle on March 18 at the Seattle Public Library, Rainier Beach Branch. Co-presented by Washington Center for the Book and Elliott Bay Book Company. Elliott bay also brings noted writer Chang-rae Lee to Seattle on March 15 to read from a new book. Call (206) 624-6600 for details.
Ukelele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, who can literally play anything on his small island instrument makes a welcome return to the area with a concert on March 12 at Edmonds Center for the Arts at 410 Fourth Av. N. in Edmonds. (425) 275-9595 or www.edmondscenterforthearts.org.
“Farewell: A Fantastical Comtemplation of America’s Relationship with China” features Donald Byrd’s Spectrum Dancers with a live score by composer Byron Au Yong. Pieces include “Considering Beijing Coma” and “With Begging Bowls in Hand.” Feb. 18 – 20. Moore Theatre at 1932 Second Ave. (877) 784-4849.
“Beijing Dance Academy: The Butterfly Lovers” is a concert based on Chinese traditional dance and Chinese ethnic and folk dance, with contemporary influences, and performed to the popular violin concerto of the same name that celebrates China’s Romeo & Juliet. Feb. 27 & 28 at the Paramount. 7:30 p.m. 911 Pine St. 1-877-stg-4tix or visit www.stgpresents.org.
Visual Arts
Tina Koyama’s work is included in “New Perspectives – Novel Interpretations”, a group exhibition of fiber art on view Feb. 25 – June 13. Opening reception is Feb. 25 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. University House Wallingford at 4400 Stone Way N.
The work of Bo Young Choi is included in a group show entitled “Paper Weight” Feb. 25 – March 27. The show includes the work of six artists who work with paper. Choi makes woven sculptures made of pages taken from the Bible’s Old Testament. Catherine Person Gallery at 319 Third Ave. S. (206)763-5565. Or visit www.catherineperson.com.
“Farewell” is a group show that explores personal moments of leave-taking and the public ramifications of migration. Artists include MalPina Chan, Diem Chau, Annie Han + Daniel Mihalyo (Lead Pencil Studio), Paul Kikuchi, Tiffany Lin, June Sekiguchi and Ying Zhou. Curated by composer/performer Byron Au Yong. Held in conjunction with Spectrum Dance Theatre’s “Farewell: A Fantastical Contemplation on America’s Relationship with China” (World premiere of this production will run Feb. 18 – 20 at the Moore Theatre. Choreography by Donald Byrd and music by Byron Au Yong. Presented by STG. (877) STG-4TIX or STGpresents.org) The art show on view through March 7. Artists return to the gallery on February 5 at 6 p.m. to talk about their work and the dance production. In the Guest Gallery of Columbia City Gallery. 4864 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 760-9843 or visit www.columbiacitygallery.com.
“Personal Stories” is a group show featuring the work of Sara Zinn, Wanxin Zhang, Joyce Scott and Beverly McIver remains on view through Feb. 27th. Zinn explores her cross-cultural journey between Korea and America in her paintings. Zhang, a sculptor, was born in China and has lived in America since 1992. Scott explores her experience as an African American woman through her beaded sculpture. McIver shares her experience as a black woman growing up and living in the South through her paintings. Pacini Lubel Gallery at 207 – 2nd Ave. S. (206) 326-5555 or visit www.pacinilubel.com.
The work of Jason Hirata previewed in our last issue will be in a small show opening Feb. 25 from 6 – 8 p.m. at James Harris Gallery at 312 Second Ave. (206) 903-6220 or visit jamesjharrisgallery.com.
A group exhibition based on the book, “Speak For The Trees” includes paintings, sculpture, photography, glass and conceptual art. The work of Yoko Ono and Lynda Lowe is included. Previews begin on March 25 with an opening reception planned for April 1. Friesen Gallery 1200 & 1210 Second Ave. in Seattle. (206) 628-9501 or visit speakforthetreesbook.com to learn more about this project.
“The Colors & Cultures of SE Asia” is the title of a photo exhibit by Ian Mackie that reflects his experiences traveling through Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. On view through the end of March. Globe Gallery. (206) 612-7655 or visit www.globegalleryseattle.com.
“New Old and New New: Recent Acquisitions of Asian Art” is a new show that responds to recent interest in contemporary Asian art showcasing new acquisitions from the museum’s growing collection. The show presents the work of Asian and Asian American artists such as Miwa Yanagi, Tomoko Takahashi and Joseph Park. A concurrent exhibition of new acquisitions of Chinese painting and calligraphy is also on view. Through July 4.Two shows both closing Feb. 21 are “Live Long and Prosper: Auspicious Motifs in East Asian Art” and “Transforming Traditions: Japanese And Korean Art Since 1800”. Also a 60-minute tour on the “Arts of Asia” is given every Sat. & Sun. at 1pm starting at the Fuller Garden Court. Free with museum admission. Seattle Asian Art Museum. 1400 E. Prospect. (206) 654-3100 or log on to seattleartmuseum.org.
Pratt Fine Arts Center’s Winter 2010 classes feature the following instructors. Mark Takamichi Miller teaches “Experimental Acrylic Figure Painting.” Lisa Hasegawa teaches “Letterpress Gift Tags”, “Letterpress Fundamentals” and “Continuing Letterpress Printing.” Kamla Kakaria teaches “Printmaking Fundamentals” with Shaun Doll. Romson Regarde Bustillo teaches a workshop entitled “Intuitive Paths – Printmaking and Collage.” 1902 South Main St. (206) 328-2200 or visit www.pratt.org.
“Mad Art Redux” is a group show co-curated by Bryan Ohno and Phen Huang that presents the work of seventeen emerging artists from the Seattle area. Feb. 4 – 27. Foster/White Gallery at 220 Third Ave. S. (206) 622-2833 or visit www.fosterwhite.com.
“Cultural Transcendence is a new group show at Wing Luke Asian Museum curated by Lele Barnett that “explores the importance of technology in our modern experience and technology’s influence on contemporary installation art.” Features the work of Robert Hodgin, Eunsu Kang, Heidi Kumao, Horatio Law and Brent Watanabe. Show continues through June 19, 2010.Sat., Feb. 20 from 1 – 3 p.m is Family Day with Chiyo Sanada who will teach participants who to create Japanese calligraphy cards. Extended hours on this day are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. www.wingluke.org or call (206) 623-5124.
KOBO at Higo presents the following. Ceramic artist John Dix now based in Japan will be showing his wood-fired ceramics. 604 S. Jackson. Ikebana class with Megumi Schacher on Feb. 21 from 1 – 3 p.m. Reservations are required. (206) 381-3000 or [email protected].
Wing Luke Asian Museum presents a new exhibit entitled “Return Home From War- Remnants of war through recent Asian Pacific American veterans’ perspective.” Show is on view through August 15. “Yellow Terror: The Collection and Paintings of Roger Shimomura” is ongoing through April 18, 2010 in the Special Exhibition Hall. 719 King St. (206) 623-5124. More info. at www.wingluke.org.
Roger Shimomura has a show of “Recent Work” from his “internment Camp” series Feb. 18 – March 27. Greg Kucera Gallery at 212 Third Ave. S. (206) 624-4031 or visit www.gregkucera.com.
The work of Gerard Tsutakawa and the late George Tsutakawa is included in a group show entitled “Brown as a Primary Color” on view through March 3 at the Museum of Northwest Art. 121 South First St. in La Connor, WA (360) 466-4446 or visit www.museumofnwart.org.
ArtXchange Gallery’s latest is a group show entitled “New Year/Fresh Eyes” on view through Feb. 27. 512 First Ave. S. Visit www.artxchange.org for details.
A group show pf artists influenced bu Asian traditions includes the work of Midori Kono Thiel, Beverly Saito and Carol Heath Albrecht. Through Feb. 28. Northwind Arts Center at 2409 Jefferson St. in Port Townsend, WA (360) 379-1086 or visit www.northwindarts.org.
Performing Arts
Puyallup high school senior Steven Cong has turned his passionate interest in Hip Hop into a major event. He is coordinating a concert entitled “Words of One People” that will showcase Asian Americans in Hip Hop. Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. At The Vera Project at Seattle Center. All ages. Visit www.theveraproject.org for details.
A panel discussion entitled “Feminization of Labor in Southeast Asia: How Women Feed Families, Stay Healthy And Cope With Exploitation” takes place on Feb. 20 at 9:30 a.m. Seattle Asian Art Museum auditorium. Part of “Saturday University: Health, Sex and Women’s Rights in Contemporary Asia” series. Visit seattleartmuseum.org for details.
The Second Annual Seattle Sake Matsuri takes place on Feb. 17 from 6 – 8 p.m. Visitors will be able to taste about 50 varieties of sake from over a dozen visiting Japanese brewers. The Chinese Room in the Smith Tower located at 506 Second Ave. $50 admission. (206) 467-7253 or email [email protected].
A benefit concert with local taiko groups will be held for the Minidoka Pilgrimage Committee and the Friends of Minidoka at Pigott Hall at Seattle University on Feb. 21. $20 donation. Broadway & E. Madison. Call (206) 568-7114 or visit www.minidokapilgrimage.org for details.
2020 University of Washington Day of Remembrance event entitled “Impact of WWII on Japanese Americans and Japanese Canadians – Comparative and Contemporary Perspectives” takes place on Feb. 26 at UW’s Kane Hall 120 on the main Seattle campus.
The 5th Avenue Theatre presents the Lincoln Center Theater Production of Rogers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific”, winner of seven 2008 Tony Awards for “Best Musical Revival” to their venue through Feb. 21. 1308 Fifth Ave. (206) 625-1900.
Jacky Cheung is one of Chinese pop’s biggest stars known for his sappy love ballads. Now he has shocked the Asian music world by recording a jazz album entitled “Private Corner”, his first Cantonese album in five years. Ironically the pop star’s stature and mass appeal worked to his advantage in that it has given him protection from commercial pressures. He admits wanting to record jazz songs in the past but always junked the idea if he felt the particular song did not translate into an instant hit that would be popular in karaoke bars.
Film/Media
Christopher D. Scott talks about “Blood Brothers: Racial Passing and Male Bonding in Japanese Yakuza Films” on Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m. UW’s East Asia Center/ THO 317. He discusses how Korean gangsters collaborate with the Japanese yakuza underground. Part of his ongoing thesis. Visit http/jsis.washington.edu/smak.
“SMAK” (See movies at Kane) is a free world film series screening every Thursday night at 7 p.m. through March 18. March 4 brings the animated feature based on “The Ramayama” entitled “Sita Sings The Blues”. March 11 brings the Indonesian film entitled “Love For Share”. At Kane Hall 210 on the UW Seattle campus.
“If You Are The One” as Directed by Feng Xi Aogang tells the story of a middle-aged man who suddenly becomes a millionaire and his quest to meet a partner online. Based on a true story. Part of “Guilty Pleasures: Popular Films From Asia” series. Feb. 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Seattle Asian Art Museum auditorium. Visit seattleartmuseum.org for details.
“Formosa Betrayed” released by Screen Media Films is an award-winning political thriller that opens Feb. 26 in major cities across the country. Based on actual events, the film is the first American movie to explore the contentious issue of Taiwan independence. Directed by Adam Kane and stars James Van Der Beek. For details, go to www.formosathemovie.com.
Noted author/ historian and university professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. hosts a documentary series entitled “Faces Of America” Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on KCTS 9. The program delves into the cultural roots of such noted figures as Yo Yo Ma, Kristi Yamaguchi and many others.
“Kid Flicks” is an Asian film series for children as part of Free First Saturdays programs at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. An art making activity for kids happens between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. as well. March 6 brings Hayao Miyazaki’s “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” Free. 1400 E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. Visit seattleartmuseum.org/Learn/YouthFamily for details.
The Written Arts
Peter Hessler (“Oracle Bones”, “River Town”) continues his personal exploration of China in his new book, “Country Driving: A Journey Through China from Farm to Factory (Harper) from which he reads on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Third Place Books at 17171 Bothell Way NE in Lake Forest Park, Wash. (206) 366-3333 or visit www.thirdplacebooks.com.
The Daesan Culture Foundation of Korea gave Seattle couple, Bruce & Ju Chan Fulton their Translation Award for a translation of “There A Petal Silently Falls: Three Stories by Choe Yun (Columbia University Press, 2008). For decades, the Fultons have collaborated with each other and others to produce volume after volume of superb translations of Korean literature from Korean to English.
Art News/Opportunities
Annual Evening Tax Workshop for artists and attorneys representing them takes place Feb. 24 from 7 – 10 p.m. at the UW School of Law, Seattle campus. To register, call 800-838-3006 or pay at the door. RSVP by calling (206) 328-7053.
Seattle’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs in partnership with Seattle Department of Transportation seeks an artist to create a three-dimensional permanent outdoor artwork for the Chief Sealth Trail. Open to established professional northwest artists. Deadline is March 16 at 11 p.m. (PST). Go to http//www.seattle.gov/arts/publicart/calls-for-art.asp.