Category Archives: philadelphia

ECAASU 2010 at UPENN

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ECAASU 2010 at UPENN

If you’re in the Philly area, be sure to check out ECAASU 2010 at UPENN. This year’s conference theme is “Behind These Eyes: Impression . Introspection . Innovation”. The focus of this theme is to encourage a deeper exploration of the origins behind the elements that compose the Asian American identity, both in a collective and an individual setting. The primary goals and components to the implementation of this theme are to engender the growth of a stronger Asian American community through education, awareness, and the provision of an open forum for the sharing of related ideas and experiences.

There’s plenty of activities for college students from mixers to workshops to networking events. Don’t forget the entertainment from films (White on Rice, Vincent Who, A Village Called Versailles, Children of Invention) to live musical acts (afterschoolspecial, Magnetic North, Taiyo Na, AJ Rafael, and more). See the full conference program here.

ECAASU 2010 at UPENN Promo

afterschoolspecial East Coast appearances

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If you’re in Philly or NYC, afterschoolspecial is coming to your area along with some special guests. It’s a rare chance for you to check them out. (If you haven’t heard of them, check out Future Rockstars of America.) Here’s some info about the upcoming afterschoolspecial shows!

**March 4, 2010**
Drexel University- Crease Student Center
Late Nite Series @ 9:00pm

**March 5, 2010 w/ Magnetic North, Taiyo Na, AJ Rafael and more**
East Coast Asian American Student Union Conference
University of Pennsylvania @ 7pm
For more info about the show or to register for ECAASU

**March 6, 2010 w/Magnetic North, Taiyo Na, and Cynthia Lin Band **
Parkside Lounge
317 East Houston Street
New York, NY 10002-1103
Doors at 8:30pm
$5 Cover
For more info or to get on a special guestlist- please e-mail Daniel@sdaff.org

afterschoolspecial East Coast appearances

David Choi Northeastern Tour

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David Choi got the endorsements of some of the top male Asian American Youtubers for his Northeastern Tour including the guys from Wong Fu Productions, KevJumba, and Ryan Higa. So why should you go? Cuz it’s gonna be awesome!!

The tour starts in mid/late February hitting Virginia, New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto, and Chicago. Get full details here. We’re pretty sure you’ll hear the song “Won’t Even Start” on tour. Get out there and support David Choi.

David Choi Northeastern Tour

Some Asian students return to South Philly High

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About a week after Asian students protest violence at South Philly High, some students are starting to return to school. They have stated that they are targets of anti-Asian discrimination and violence. Yesterday, school district officials, Asian community representatives and boycotting Asian students met to discuss how to improve the current situation. Cultural tensions at the school have gone unaddressed by the school officials (See here, here, and here.) The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) also intends to file a complaint for civil rights violations with the U.S. Department of Justice against the Philadelphia School District for failing to address the rampant violence against Asian immigrant students at South Philadelphia High School (see here.)

Asian students return to South Philly High

Lovely to Me (Immigrant Mother) by Taiyo Na

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Peep this music video Lovely to Me (Immigrant Mother) by New York based artist Taiyo Na from his debut album Love is Growth. It’s a nice video giving a nod to all the immigrant moms out there, not just for Asians but for all people. Shot in Philadelphia’s Chinatown and Love Park, the video’s visuals were influenced by old footage of the late poet Al Robles at the I-Hotel from “Manilatown in the Heart”. Props to Taiyo Na, director Gary San Angel, and the Asian Arts Initiative in Philadelphia for bringing this collaborative project together.

Here’s a statement by Taiyo Na about the music video

The footage of the families are tender and strong. The portraits of the people in Love Park are luminous and stunning. When I watch this music video, I am reminded of why I do what I do. I hope it does the same for you. I hope these faces bring you back to the reasons why you do legal work or medical work, why you teach, write, work at that non-profit, take those classes, work the 9 to 5, make art… why you care.

If you like Taiyo Na’s music pick up his songs at Taiyo Na - Love Is Growth or on Amazon.

Lovely to Me (Immigrant Mother) by Taiyo Na

For more commentary about the video see Taiyo Na’s comments here and director Gary San Angel’s comments here.