BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Oakland Asian Cultural Center - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://oacc.cc X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Oakland Asian Cultural Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240510T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240510T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240321T205611Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T223216Z UID:18161-1715371200-1715376600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Interwoven Stories of Culture\, Belonging\, and Change\, Featuring Ishami Dance Company DESCRIPTION:Interwoven Stories of Culture\, Belonging\, and Change\nA journey through cultural stories\, memories and histories. What is the journey of a story and how does it shift\, evolve and change? Using South Asian contemporary movement and music\, Ishami Dance Company creates a unique experience of love and displacement\, love and longing\, resilience and regeneration. \nThis program is co-presented by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, ARTogether\, and World Arts West. \n\nRegister\n \n\n\nABOUT ISHAMI DANCE COMPANY\n\n \nIshami is an Award-nominated South Asian Contemporary dance company who combine elements of South Asian Classical and Folk dance forms with Western dance forms\, treading the line between traditional and modern. Ishami was founded by Amit Patel & Ishika Seth to spark conversations through art. After four sold-out shows in the Bay Area\, they toured their original production “Pehchaan\,” to New York earlier this year. Ishami’s mission is to explore\, unite and amplify the diverse voices\, stories and histories of the South Asian diaspora and dismantle social and cultural constructs. They aspire to show the beauty\, depth and immense range of South Asian Contemporary movement locally and across the globe. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/interwovenstories/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240511T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240511T123000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240326T235217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T223138Z UID:18196-1715425200-1715430600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Movement Workshop: Interwoven Stories of Culture\, Belonging\, and Change\, Facilitated by Ishami Dance Company DESCRIPTION:movement workshop: Interwoven Stories of Culture\, Belonging\, and Change\nA workshop designed for anyone who is curious\, open and willing to explore movement. This is not a technique or choreography class\, it is rooted in improvisation\, movement meditation and sharing energy with fellow movers. All ages and abilities are welcome. \nLimited spots available! \nThis program is co-presented by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, ARTogether\, and World Arts West. \n\nRegister\n \n\n\nABOUT ISHAMI DANCE COMPANY\n\n \nIshami is an Award-nominated South Asian Contemporary dance company who combine elements of South Asian Classical and Folk dance forms with Western dance forms\, treading the line between traditional and modern. Ishami was founded by Amit Patel & Ishika Seth to spark conversations through art. After four sold-out shows in the Bay Area\, they toured their original production “Pehchaan\,” to New York earlier this year. Ishami’s mission is to explore\, unite and amplify the diverse voices\, stories and histories of the South Asian diaspora and dismantle social and cultural constructs. They aspire to show the beauty\, depth and immense range of South Asian Contemporary movement locally and across the globe. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/interwovenstoriesworkshop/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/workshop-thumbnail.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240517T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240517T203000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240405T021110Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T223106Z UID:18246-1715972400-1715977800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Premiere Short Film Documentaries From Anthony Brown’s Asian American Orchestra’s 2018 Performance with Angela Davis and Janice Mirikitani Followed by a Live Performance DESCRIPTION:Premiere Short Film Documentaries From Anthony Brown’s Asian American Orchestra’s 2018 Performance with Angela Davis and Janice Mirikitani Followed by a Live Performance\nJoin us for a screening of two short films of Anthony Brown’s Asian American Orchestra performance in 2018\, Go For Broke! and Down By The Riverside\, featuring Janice Mirikitani and Angela Davis. Followed by a live performance by Anthony Brown’s Asian American Orchestra and Voices Of A Dream. \nThis event is part of OACC’s ongoing initiative to support\, highlight\, and cultivate Black and Asian solidarity within our Oakland and greater Bay Area communities. \nGo for Broke! is dedicated to the courageous Japanese American men and women who served and died for their country in World War II while their families were imprisoned. In this film\, Janice Mirikitani shares her mother’s memories of their incarceration and her own testimony. “Go for Broke” was the motto of these brave soldiers in their fight to defend democracy. \nDown By The Riverside – Requiem for a King commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and work\, and the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Anthony Brown’s Asian American Orchestra premiered Down By The Riverside at the 2018 San Francisco International Arts Festival. Featuring spoken word by Dr. Angela Davis\, the documentary includes Spirituals and Gospel songs performed by Voices Of A Dream. \n\nRegister\n \n\nABOUT ANTHONY BROWN\n\n \nComposer\, percussionist\, ethnomusicologist\, Guggenheim and Ford Fellow\, Smithsonian Associate Scholar\, and GRAMMY® nominee Dr. Anthony Brown has collaborated with Max Roach\, Cecil Taylor\, Pharoah Sanders\, Zakir Hussain\, Steve Lacy\, Anthony Davis\, and the San Francisco Symphony. Dr. Brown holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in music (ethnomusicology) from UC Berkeley and a Master of Music degree in jazz performance from Rutgers University. He is currently Artistic Director of Fifth Stream Music and the internationally acclaimed Asian American Orchestra. \nfifthstreammusic.org \n\nABOUT ANTHONY BROWN’S ASIAN AMERICAN ORCHESTRA\n \nIn the global community of the 21st century\, Anthony Brown’s Orchestra presents music that blends the sonorities and improvisational approaches of the jazz tradition with Asian musical instruments and sensibilities. In 1997\, leaders of San Francisco’s Asian American creative music movement founded the Asian American Jazz Orchestra (AAJO)\, under the auspices of a San Francisco-based\, federally funded multimedia consortium project to provide education nationally about the Japanese American internment experiences of World War II. The AAJO featured critically acclaimed musicians Anthony Brown\, Jon Jang\, Mark Izu\, Hafez Modirzadeh and Francis Wong\, as well as other San Francisco Bay Area jazz and world music artists\, many of whom possessed fluency on a variety of traditional Asian instruments. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/premierewithanthonybrown/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/thumbnail-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T160000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240408T221152Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240529T004707Z UID:18221-1717243200-1717257600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:AAPI Mental Health & Wellness Jam 2024 DESCRIPTION:AAPI Mental Health & Wellness Jam 2024\nSaturday\, June 1\, 2024 | 12 PM – 4 PM\nJoin OACC and PEERS for an AAPI Mental Health and Wellness Jam\, where we will embrace the warmth of our community and celebrate joy. We hope to create a space where Asian American and Pacific Islander communities can access tools and resources to address the needs of the whole person\, and have many options for how they want to practice mental health and wellness. \n  \nWe will cultivate a space of joy\, and engage in wellness practices through free workshops that allow us to move our bodies and express our creativity. \n  \nRegistration is free and required for entry. Early registration is encouraged to sign up for your preferred workshops. Space is limited per workshop. It ensures adequate food and planning for facilities. Same day registration is allowed\, but we cannot guarantee there will be space for last minute sign-ups for our workshops. This event is open to those ages 18 and over\,  including AAPI and allies! \n \n Register\n \n\nMOVEMENT ACTIVATION WITH SPULU\n\n \nBy way of Tongan South Pacific Roots\, Ohlone Territory (Oakland\, CA)\, and proud immigrant parents\, SPULU is a creative entrepreneur\, storyteller and multidisciplinary performing artist whose work has been showcased all over the world via social media in response to social issues facing Pasifika communities throughout the diaspora. \n  \nSPULU will be facilitating a movement activation that will bring that Tongan funk with an East Oakland bliss. A space for affirmation and hella positive movement! \n\nABOUT THE WORKSHOPS\nSign up for up to two 50 minute workshops throughout the day on our registration page. \n \nSound Session with Lisa Suguitan Melnick & Rachel Lastimosa\nConnect to meditative and relaxing space\, build collective energy with sound using voice and instruments\, play with resonance\, and ground oneself with the power of frequency. Receive a sound bath to complete the experience. Please bring a mat or blanket to lay on and something to cover your eyes with for a more relaxing experience. \n  \nAvailable Workshops\nSound Bath Workshop Round 1 (1:30 PM – 2:20 PM) \nSound Bath Workshop Round 2 (2:30 PM – 3:20 PM) \n  \nMeet the Facilitators: \nLisa Suguitan Melnick\, third generation Filipinx-American of Ilokano and Cebuano roots\, leads meridian-opening sessions emphasizing stretching\, meditative breathing postures\, and energy awareness/restoration. \nIG: @lisatitalisa \n  \nRachel Lastimosa\, Unceded Ramaytush Ohlone Territory; SF\, CA – a second generation Ilokana via Kalinga Apayao\, Ilocos Sur and Ifugao\, Philippines\, Rachel is an interdisciplinary artist who has toured nationally and internationally. She founded AGASAN in 2018\, creating wellness spaces for BIPOC and queer communities and is currently a Counseling Psychology masters student at CIIS\, in Expressive Arts Therapy.  www.agasan.org IG:@ibilin_music\, @agasan_project\, @dirtybootsband \n \nWriting Workshop with Shizue Seigel\nThis workshop will encourage writing and sharing about mental health and mental health self-care. This will include a short talk on mental health stigma\, and will touch on the current increases in mental health stresses\, isolation and the need to find support. \n \nAvailable Workshops\nWriting Workshop Round 1 (1:30 PM – 2:20 PM) \nWriting Workshop Round 2 (2:30 PM – 3:20 PM) \n  \nMeet the Instructor \nShizue Seigel is a Japanese American writer\, editor and visual artist who founded Write Now! SF Bay in 2015 to support writers and artists of color through workshops\, events and anthologies. The child of deeply traumatized Japanese American incarcerees\, she attempted suicide at 17 to drop out of the model minority. Her work draws on 60 years of lived experience on healing through the arts\, spirituality and community. She has been widely published in literary journals and anthologies\, and her eight books include five Write Now! anthologies of Bay Area BIPOC writers and artists. \n \nTea Ceremony Led by Fabula Tea\nFabula Tea specializes in creating one-of-a-kind ceremonial tea experiences and intentional rituals. Their exquisite teas and unique approach offer a place of connection and opens you to new ways to de-stress\, practice mindfulness\, and step into your higher self so you can bring more peace and harmony into your life. \n  \nAvailable Workshops\nTea Ceremony Workshop Round 1 (1:30 PM – 2:20 PM) \nTea Ceremony Workshop Round 2 (2:30 PM – 3:20 PM) URL:https://oacc.cc/event/aapimentalhealthjam2024/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/thumbnail-4.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240614T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240727T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240516T010352Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T184313Z UID:18767-1718366400-1722099600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Longing for Attachment" Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Longing for Attachment\nExhibition Dates: June 14 – July 27\, 2024\nARTogether and Oakland Asian Cultural Center co-present “Longing for Attachment\,” an exhibition curated by Bushra Gill featuring 30+ Bay Area 1st/2nd generation immigrant and refugee artists reflecting on the notion of attachments. \nAs immigrants\, refugees\, and their descendants\, we make choices on what to hold onto and what to let go of when moving to another country or culture. Being too attached to a place or way of being can make it hard to form connections to anything new. But our connection to a place is also related to our quality of life and well-being– it links us to neighborhoods and communities where we have lived.  Anyone who has migrated from another country or grown up in an immigrant family knows these attachments run deep and true\, not needing to be present to have a prominent place in our hearts. \nWe invite you to join us in reflection of our relationships to attachment\, and to celebrate these Bay Area refugee\, immigrant\, and children of immigrant artists. \nExhibition Dates: June 14 – July 27\, 2024 \nGallery Hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays\, 12 PM – 5 PM \nLocation: Oakland Asian Cultural Center \n388 9th St\, Ste 290\, Oakland\, CA \n\nCheck out the accompanying audio tour for this exhibition\, facilitated by the curator Bushra Gill:\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FewN3Nu0o8o \n\nCurator\n\n \nBushra Gill is interested in finding order within the chaos of everyday life through art. She was born in Karachi\, Pakistan\, and emigrated to Houston\, Texas\, with her family as a small child. Drawn to art from a young age\, she graduated from Pratt Institute in 1994\, with a BFA in sculpture. She spent many years of working as a museum educator at various galleries and museums including The Museum of Modern Art\, The Drawing Center and The Rotunda Gallery\, while also working as a studio assistant to various artists including Maya Lin\, Ursula von Rydingsvard and Maria Elena Gonzalez\, as well as a career as a clothing designer and boutique owner in New York. In 2009\, she moved to northern California with her family and returned to making art. In recent years\, Gill has participated in many exhibitions in galleries across the United States. \nExhibiting Artists\nAmanda Messina Gerodias \nAnita Sulimanovic \nBushra Gill \nChristina Xu \nChupis \nDion \nEva Agus \nEzra Mara \nFernanda Martinez \nGlish Group (Timofey Glinin & Anastasia Shubina) \nHargun Mahal Mann \nJaide Lin \nLark \nLeón Hernandez \nLeyla Jamil Rzayeva \nLinah Sofi \nLorraine Lawson \nMariel Paat \nMartin Rodriguez Serrano \nMichelle Lin \nNarges Valibeigi \nNgân Vũ \nNhien Le \nPeter Gee \nRenacimiento \nRia Sharma \nRussel Arelis \nSalma Arastu \nShooting Within \nTatiana Carvalho \nUjjayini Sikha \nVreni Michelini Castillo \nYouBeen Kim \nYuting Wang \nPerforming at the Opening Reception\n\nNadhi Thekkek (@navadancesf) is a dancer\, choreographer\, and the Artistic Director of Nava Dance Theatre. Nadhi uses the south Indian dance form of bharatanatyam to navigate place\, identity\, and politics through the lens of her lived experience as a child of immigrants and an unapologetic South Asian\, diasporic woman. She reimagines how bharatanatyam can serve marginalized narratives that need to occupy space in the US right now. Her latest work “Rogue Gestures/Foreign Bodies” sources community interviews\, historical texts\, and poetry to explore the intersections of labor\, agency\, and belonging in our South Asian ancestry. Through Nava Dance Theatre\, Nadhi also produces and co-facilitates the Unrehearsed Artist Residency Program\, where South Asian dancemakers create art that challenges the status quo.  For more information on Nadhi\, visit www.navadance.org.\n \nRoopa Mahadevan (@roopama) is a leading second-generation Indian classical and crossover vocalist in the American diaspora known for her powerful\, emotive voice and collaborative versatility. She leads Roopa in Flux\, an ensemble featuring musicians in jazz\, soul/R&B\, and various global traditions\, directs the innovative choir Navatman Music Collective\, and sings for leading bharathanatyam/contemporary dancers. She is a soloist on Grammy Award-winning Calling All Dawns\, and has been in residence at Banff Center for Arts and Creativity\, Hedgebrook\, MASS MOCA\, and Ryder Farm. FOr more information visit\, www.roopamahadevan.com. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/longingforattachment/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Past Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/thumbnail.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240622T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240622T150000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240501T215409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T214302Z UID:18601-1719061200-1719068400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Searching for Kapwa" Film Screening and Discussion DESCRIPTION:Searching for Kapwa Film Screening and Discussion\nSaturday\, June 22\, 2024 | 1 PM – 3 PM\nInspired by the pre-colonial Filipino value kapwa\, or shared identity\, Searching for Kapwa is a feature-length film that follows filmmaker Larry D. Lariosa’s quest to understand his ancestral roots and find his place in the arc of history. As a child of immigrants and a queer brown person living in polarized America\, Larry’s journey unpacks the complicated history of the Philippines\, and its lasting impact on the diaspora. \nUltimately\, the film is a densely layered exploration into what it is to be American\, and the legacy of the generations we all carry within us. Searching for Kapwa was featured in the 2022 United States Asian America Festival\, awarded the Kinship Award at the 2023 DisOrient Asian American Film Festival\, and was the Centerpiece feature at the 2023 San Diego Filipino Film Festival. \nSearching for Kapwa will be preceded by an 8-minute comedy short\, “Operation Prutas”\, by writer/filmmaker Ara Chawdhury. \nYou can learn more about this film at www.searchingforkapwa.com \n\n\nRegister\n \n\nABOUT ALCHEMY & TWINE PRODUCTIONS\n\n \nLarry D. Lariosa is a first generation Filipino-American with a 24-year career as a mental health therapist. He is also an accomplished songwriter and musician. \nTerrence Marcotte is a Nurse Practitioner in public health and has a background in visual arts and design. \nTogether as Alchemy & Twine Productions\, their mission is to create compelling art in service of social justice. By sharing untold stories and connecting the dots between past and present\, they seek to create change and empower communities. Larry and Terry live in Oakland with their 3 chihuahuas. This is their first feature length film. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/searchingforkapwa/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EDITED-WEBSITE-THUMBNAIL-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240801T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240907T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240709T234004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240909T184423Z UID:19213-1722513600-1725728400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Precious Beings Exhibition & Closing Reception DESCRIPTION:PRECIOUS BEINGS\n Finding the connections between endangered ecosystems and the violence inflicted upon Indigenous women.   \nExhibition Dates:\nAug. 1\, 2024 – Sept. 7\, 2024\n\nClosing Reception: Wednesday\, Sept. 4\, 2024\, 5 PM- 7 PM \n(Link to Register Below)\n\nWestern scientific thought has long approached both nature and people of color as territories to be dominated\, inspected\, and mined for information and resources. Ecofeminism has made persuasive arguments connecting women and nature. \nKim Shuck’s (Cherokee) beadwork seeks to encourage more awareness of the biome around us and our place in that biome. Curious creatures of all kinds populate Kim’s beaded world. It is a world created bead by bead not to question or harvest but to recognize and acknowledge relationships and community. These precious beings are not fragile\, though they have been subjected to violent environmental change. We are all subject to these changes. \nBarbara Mumby’s (Patawomeck\, Pamunkey\, and Mattaponi) portraits of women seek to shift regressive narratives about how beauty is defined\, particularly for Indigenous women and women of color. The artist creates work\, not to cater to the male gaze\, but to shift power into the hands of the sitter. Intimate stories of family\, love\, trials\, and victories are subversively woven into each brush stroke\, resulting in large-scale\, vibrant works that force viewers to acknowledge their presence and force. These women refuse to be ignored\, sexualized\, erased\, or defined by others. \nTogether\, Shuck’s and Mumby’s work sit in dialogue with one another. Interwoven threads reach between and connect our endangered animals and plants to the silencing of and violence inflicted upon Indigenous women. \nThis exhibition’s closing reception will take place on Wednesday\, Sept. 4\, 2024\, 5 PM – 7 PM.  \n  \nGallery Hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays\, 12 PM – 5 PM \nLocation: Oakland Asian Cultural Center \n388 9th St\, Ste 290\, Oakland\, CA \n\n\n\nRegister\n \n\nFeatured Artists\n \nBarbara Mumby (Patawomeck\, Pamunkey\, and Mattaponi) descends from the Powhatan Confederacy\, specifically the Patawomeck\, Pamunkey\, and Mattaponi Peoples. She was born and raised in California’s rural Central Valley\, where her family’s Native American heritage and work as migrant farmers greatly influenced her passion for social justice. The arts became an integral part of her life and worked as a coping mechanism for the poverty and instability surrounding her. \nBarbara is an artist\, activist\, curator\, consultant\, and Indigenous Narrative Shifter; she uses the arts to challenge inaccurate and outdated perceptions of Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized communities. She views the arts as a powerful and effective tool for survival and an instrument to unite communities and move public policy. \n \nKim Shuck (Cherokee) is the 7TH Poet Laureate of San Francisco Emerita and a silly protein. She has been making textiles well before she was in school\, and thinks of the textile process as a first language. Kim has an MFA in textiles from San Francisco State University\, and in Indigenous circles\, her beadwork is celebrated across the country. Many of the pieces shown here represent endangered and extinct biota from places that are important to her. \nCreative Work Fund has supported many of Kim’s pieces in this exhibition. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/preciousbeings/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/precious-beings-exhibit-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240803T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240803T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240710T002737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T214223Z UID:19212-1722704400-1722720600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:BomBay to the Bay: a Garba Dance Festival DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, August 3\, 2024 | 5 PM – 9:30 PM\n \n*ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED \nJoin us on August 3\, 2024\, 5 PM – 9:30 PM\, at BomBay to the Bay: A Garba Dance Festival featuring live music by Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta\, a dance lesson\, community dancing\, and artists to explore! Garba is a Gujarati indigenous and folk dance practiced by all ages to live drumming\, singing\, and instrumentals during joyous celebrations. \nArrive at 5 PM for a short garba class dressed in your own cultural finery. This multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic garba festival supports an Oakland-style expansive vision of solidarity and joy\, so get ready to dance Bay to Bay\, across the world! This event is co-hosted by Reetu Mody and OACC and sponsored by the Activate Oakland Event Sponsorship Program. \nWhile this event is free\, registration is required.  \n\n\n\nRegister\n \n\n\nLive Music and Performance By:\n \nWe’ll be welcoming Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta alongside their percussionist and live dhol player\, Parimal Zaveri. Madhvi and Asim are bringing raas-garba music with a flair to BomBay to the Bay! \nWebsite: http://www.kampmusic.com/bio.htm \nEVENT Q&A\nDress Code:  \nDress up to dance! Feel free to wear South Asian\, traditional Gujarati\, attire from your heritage\, or anything that is colorful\, slightly formal\, and easy to move in. All global attire is welcome and we encourage everyone to participate fully in the dancing and opportunity to dress up. \nFor Gujarati garba celebrations\, people often wear elements of traditional Gujarati attire including a chaniya choli (a long wide skirt with a crop top and scarf) and/or kediyu or kafni pajama (a gathered long sleeve shirt and pants). Traditional clothes for garba are colorful\, embroidered\, mirrored\, and often have cowrie shells on them. In the dance space people will take their shoes off to honor the feminine divinity/goddesses. If you are able to take your shoes off (we know that different accommodations require people to wear shoes)\, we suggest you take them off. \nGarba is one of the many circle folk dance traditions that exist all over the world and all those heritages are welcome to join together here. If there is a piece of attire from your cultural background you would love to wear- this is the place for it! \nWhat should I do if I want to wear shoes? \nBecause there will be many barefoot dancers\, please wear indoor shoes. \nWhat if I don’t know how to do the dance? \nYou’ll learn! Like all folk dance traditions\, everyone does the dance together from ages 1-100. You’ll move in your own style and the steps are easy to pick up. The point is to experience the exhilaration and the joy of moving together\, not to look exactly the same. If you need a break\, there will be chairs to watch other dancers and there are artists to visit both in the auditorium and the adjoining artist room. \nWho should I bring?  \nEveryone is welcome! This is a space committed to liberation for all people all of the world and is explicitly about joy in a multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic folk dance space. \nWhat should I bring? \nBring shoes you are comfortable taking off (if you are able to)\, a water bottle\, and dandiya sticks (two Gujarati dancing sticks) if you have them. \nWhat if I am not South Asian\, can I still attend? \nYes! Everyone is welcome. And if you have South Asian clothing that you want to rock as a non-South Asian\, this is an event you are welcome to do so at. Just bring your love and respect! \nIs garba a spiritual practice? \nLike many folk dances\, garba is connected to spirituality. Gujarati garba dance is connected to indigenous and tribal practices and Hinduism. Many people of different religious backgrounds\, including Buddhism\, Jainism\, Islam\, and Christianity\, also practice culturally in Gujarat. At this garba\, we will be honoring the feminine divine\, which will be symbolized by a matke/matlo (a pot) in the center of the room. \nWhat if I want to donate at your event? \nThis event is completely free to attend! We will be accepting Venmo and Zelle donations\, which will be given to Palestine Legal and Middle East Children’s Alliance. Each group provides support for Palestinians in different ways\, with Palestine Legal using the judicial system and Middle East Children’s Alliance providing direct support on the ground in Gaza. \nWhy did you want to host this event?  \nReetu Mody grew up with garba as one of her childhood’s most joyful and inclusive practices. As a resident of Oakland\, she wanted to create an event that uplifts how Oakland as a city continues to enable cultural artistry\, acceptance and inclusion of immigrants\, sanctuary\, mutual aid\, joy\, and care for all communities. At this event\, we want to create a small space of belonging for all. This event seeks to embody equity\, global liberation\, anti-caste\, anti-Islamophobia\, pro-LGBTQ2IA\, pro-immigration\, and pro-neighborhood practices. For us\, this means caring\, living\, and celebrating together. Feel free to read more with this KQED article\, too. \nWhy can’t I register online anymore? \nIf we have reached our maximum registration capacity\, you can no longer register online. We will allow people into the event on a first-come\, first-served basis at the beginning of the garba. We will prioritize those who registered online as we near capacity throughout the night. If you did not register online\, you may have to wait in line. \nWill there be food?  \nPlease note that there will NOT be food at the garba\, but Renaissance Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood have several restaurants. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/bombaytothebay/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240907T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240907T163000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240814T235924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240908T000830Z UID:19383-1725714000-1725726600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: Hālau O Keikiali’i in Performance DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, September 7\, 2024 | 1 PM – 4 PM\nJoin us on Saturday\, September 7\, 2024\, from 1 PM – 4 PM at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center for an unforgettable afternoon of vibrant Hawaiian arts and culture. Featuring performances by Halau o Keikiali’i (ancient and modern Hula)\, Hawaiian music artists Kumu Hula Kawika Alfiche on `ukulele and Steven Kanahe Espaniola on Hawaiian slack key guitar and falsetto\, and many Hawaiian arts and crafts vendors. \nDon’t miss this celebration of Hawaiian culture\, tradition\, and community! \nOACC’s “Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage” Asian American & Pacific Islander performing arts series will provide a platform for local Asian and Asian Pacific Islander culturally relevant artists that inspire intergenerational and cross-cultural exchange. \n\n\nRegister\n \n\nAbout the Performers\n \nHālau O Keikiali’i‘s primary focus is on cultural traditions\, including hula kahiko (ancient dance)\, hula `auana (modern dance)\, oli (chant)\, mele (traditional songs)\, himeni (modern songs)\, nā mea hula (arts\, crafts\, implements)\, lole hula (hula attire)\, ‘ōlelo (language)\, and mo’olelo (stories). \nFollowing tradition\, they share what they learn with different communities so that others too can benefit from a better understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian culture. It is within the stories told in the mele\, and its morals and values\, that people can truly be enriched in their personal lives. \nHālau O Keikiali’i hopes to reach people far and wide\, touching everyone who may or may not be exposed to the Hawaiian culture and sharing with them in this spirit. \n \nKumu Hula Kawika Alfiche is the Kumu Hula (Master teacher) for Hālau o Keikiali’i\, is the Director for the Kaululehua Hawaiian Cultural Center in South San Francisco\, and has been teaching hula and Hawaiian cultural arts for over 25 years. With a mission to preserve and perpetuate all things Hawaiian\, Kawika spends his life learning\, teaching\, and sharing his culture through the hula and cultural arts\, and continues to teach throughout the globe. \n \nRaised in Aliamanu\, Hawai’i and now residing in the California Bay Area\, Steven Kanahe Espaniola is a self taught multi-instrumentalist Hawaiian artist specializing in Ki Ho’alu (Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar)\, ‘Ukulele\, Upright Bass\, and Leo Ki’e Ki’e (Traditional Hawaiian falsetto). Of Hawaiian\, Filipino\, Chinese and Spanish descent\, his ethnicity is as diverse as his unique sound which preserves the integrity of the traditional with a flourish of the modern. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/cohhhalauokeikialii/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/decorative-thumbnail.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240918T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241109T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240819T204131Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240922T220659Z UID:19431-1726660800-1731171600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:AAPI Voters Have Power Exhibition DESCRIPTION:AAPI VOTERS HAVE POWER\n  \nExhibition Dates:\nSept. 18\, 2024 – Nov. 9\, 2024\n\nThe Oakland Asian Cultural Center presents “AAPI Voters Have Power\,” a powerful new exhibition where art meets activism in a loud call for civic engagement. Dedicated to mobilizing the San Francisco Bay Area Asian Pacific Islander community for this fall’s crucial elections – locally\, statewide\, and nationally – this exhibition features artwork by artists across the country\, including the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund’s 2020 and 2024 Creative Catalyst cohort artists and youth artists from City Studio. \nAccording to the Public Policy Institute of California\, despite being a vibrant and prominent demographic\, only 54% of Asian Americans are likely to vote. Historically\, our voting rates have not reflected our growing influence and the urgent issues we face. “AAPI Voters Have Power” underscores why it’s essential for each of us to participate actively in the electoral process. Each vote carries the weight of shaping policies that affect our daily lives\, from education and healthcare to civil rights and representation. Voting is critical to shaping our collective future. \nEunSook Lee\, Executive Director of the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund\, shares\, “We know the AAPI vote can make or break elections. What will happen in November will determine the future of democracy in the United States\, and AAPI communities will be central to that. Art and social change start at the personal level\, and we are grateful that these phenomenal artists have created work that speaks to the Asian American and Pacific Islander experience today.” \nThrough compelling artwork and storytelling\, “AAPI Voters Have Power” illuminates the power of our collective voice and the impact of our votes on the future of our communities and democracy at large. We hope to impart the following message to you: your voice is crucial\, and your vote can drive meaningful change. Let’s make a difference this fall! \nThis show will be open from September 18\, 2024\, to November 9\, 2024\, during OACC’s business hours (Wed-Sat\, 12 PM—5 PM). \nSpecial thanks to the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund and their 2020 and 2024 cohort artists participating in this exhibition. \nParticipating Artists \nHena Ashraf \nCity Studio \nKat Evasco \nTori Hong \nLehuauakea \nKatie Quan \nSonia Rao \nCindy Shih \nAparna Sindhoor PhD. \nThe artwork used in the exhibition flyer is “Abolitionist Elder” by Tori Hong (www.ntxoo.art). \nGallery Hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays\, 12 PM – 5 PM \nLocation: Oakland Asian Cultural Center \n388 9th St\, Ste 290\, Oakland\, CA URL:https://oacc.cc/event/aapivotershavepower/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Current Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/thumbnail-10.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240922T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240922T143000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240801T180527Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240922T220545Z UID:19346-1727010000-1727015400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Simone" Book Release & Reading DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, September 22\, 2024 | 1 PM – 2:30 PM\nJoin us for the release of Simone\, an exciting new picture book\, with words by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen and art by illustrator Minnie Phan. Simone is an unforgettable story of a Vietnamese American girl whose life is transformed by a wildfire. \nArrive at 12 PM for a children’s coloring activity led by Minnie Phan\, followed by a reading\, live drawing\, Q&A\, and book signing starting at 1 PM. \nViet and Minnie hope Simone inspires a generation to pick up a pencil\, to create daringly\, and to dream fiercely a new vision for a more collective\, collaborative\, and compassionate future. \nThis event is co-sponsored by Eastwind Books of Berkeley.   \n\nRegister\n \nMeet the Creators of Simone\n \nViet Thanh Nguyen (author of Simone)’s debut novel\, The Sympathizer\, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction\, is a New York Times bestseller and is now an HBO TV series directed by Park Chan-wook. He is the editor of The Displaced: Refugee Writers on Refugee Lives and the Library of America volume for Maxine Hong Kingston and he co-authored Chicken of the Sea\, a children’s book\, with his then six-year-old son\, Ellison. His most recent books are The Committed\, the sequel to The Sympathizer\, and his second children’s book\, Simone\, illustrated by Minnie Phan. \n \nMinnie Phan (illustrator of Simone) is a Vietnamese American illustrator and designer creating visual communications that spark delight. Her debut picture book was The Yellow Áo Dài\, written by Hanh Bui. Minnie’s work also includes animation and comics\, and she has created art for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art\, the San Francisco Public Library\, and a 250-square-foot mural for Google among others. Her most recent children’s book publication is Simone\, written by Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/simone/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SIMONE-NEW-PRICE.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240927T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240927T200000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240830T175910Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241014T170605Z UID:19720-1727460000-1727467200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:A Short Film Screening and Book Reading Exploring Cambodian & Queer Identity with Jean-Baptiste Phou DESCRIPTION:“My Mother’s Tongue”/ “Coming Out of My Skin”\n\nA Short Film Screening and Book Reading Exploring Cambodian & Queer Identity with Jean-Baptiste Phou\n\nFriday\, September 27\, 2024 | 6 PM | FREE\n\nJoin us for a special screening and book reading of recent works by Jean-Baptiste Phou\, a writer and multidisciplinary artist born in Paris to Chinese-Cambodian parents: \n“My Mother’s Tongue”\, is a short film that tells the story of a mother and son who don’t share a language\, her being born in Cambodia and him in France. They have difficulties communicating until something unlocks when she suddenly falls very ill. \n“Coming Out of My Skin”\, is a compelling memoir of a gay Asian man living in a white world that deftly aspires for a reconciliation that can empower people of sexual and racial minorities to inhabit their bodies joyfully. \nA discussion will follow the screening and reading facilitated by CERI board member\, Mory Chhom. \nThis event is co-presented with the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI). \n\nRegister\n \n\nMeet the Speakers\n \nPhoto by Annie Gozard \nJean-Baptiste Phou is a writer and multidisciplinary artist born in France to Chinese-Cambodian parents. As an actor\, he has performed in plays\, musicals\, and films. He has also written\, directed\, and produced his own plays\, including ‘Cambodia\, Here I Am’ and ‘l’Anarchiste’\, the latter adapted from Soth Polin’s novel. He is also the author of ‘Coming Out of My Skin’ (Seagull\, 2023) and ‘80 mots du Cambodge’ (l’Asiathèque\, 2024). In addition to theater and writing\, he explores other mediums such as sound\, image\, and performance. His work tackles issues around identity\, migration\, and minority experiences. \n \nMory Chhom (she/her) is a 1.5-generation Cambodian American born in a refugee camp in Thailand and raised in Modesto\, California. She has dedicated the last 20 years of her career to achieving health equity for refugees and immigrants. Currently\, she is the Director of Population-Focused Prevention Early Intervention at RAMS. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/mymotherstongue-comingoutofmyskin/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/thumbnail-14.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240929T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240929T150000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240823T160615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241014T170459Z UID:19636-1727614800-1727622000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Speed Weave Loom Mending DESCRIPTION:Speed Weave Loom Mending\n\nSunday Sept. 29\, 2024 | \n1 PM – 3 PM\n\n2024 年 9 月 29 日星期日下午 1 点至下午 3 点\n  \nBring a clothing item that needs repair to this mending class to experience the joy of quickly repairing a sock or knitted clothing using a speed weave loom\, needle and thread. No experience necessary. Attendees only need to bring their well loved clothing item. Cantonese or Mandarin interpreter can be arranged upon request. Registration required with a $10 hold fee\, funds returned when you show up for the class. \nThis workshop is supported by Stop Waste. Stop Waste helps Alameda County’s businesses\, residents\, and schools waste less\, recycle properly\, and use water\, energy\, and other resources efficiently. They’re a public agency governed by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority\, the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board\, and the Energy Council. For more information\, please visit Stop Waste’s website: https://www.stopwaste.org/about-stopwaste \n您有没有那双袜子或衬衫您舍不得丟的？您可以带来您仍然喜欢的旧袜子来参加这个修补班！您将体验到使用高速织布机、针和线快速修补袜子的乐趣。无需经验，参加者只需携带需要修理的袜子就可以。请打电话或前来安排粤语或普通话翻译。需要报名。登记时需要付＄十元。当你们参 加这 课堂时，这十元是会返还给你们。 \n\n\n\nRegister URL:https://oacc.cc/event/speedweaveloommending/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ENGLISH.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241011T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241011T200000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240926T180105Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241014T170419Z UID:20070-1728671400-1728676800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Background Artist: The Life and Work of Tyrus Wong." A Book Reading and Conversation with Author Karen Fang DESCRIPTION:Background Artist: The Life and Work of Tyrus Wong\n\nA Book Reading and Conversation with Author Karen Fang\n  \nFriday\, October 11\, 2024 | 6:30 PM | FREE\nYou might not know the name Tyrus Wong\, but you probably know some of the images he created\, including scenes from the beloved Disney classic\, Bambi. Yet\, when he came to this country as a child\, Tyrus spent a month alone at Angel Island. How did he go on to have a long and prosperous career drawing animation cels\, storyboards\, and greeting cards that shaped the American imagination? \nThis reading and book launch shares the inspiring story of Tyrus Wong’s remarkable 106-year life\, from the paintings and fine art prints he made working for Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration\, to the unique handmade kites he designed and flew on the Santa Monica beach. Showing how Tyrus found American communities that nurtured his artistic talent\, author Karen Fang will cover everything from Tyrus Wong’s work as a studio sketch artist for Warner Bros. to the best-selling Christmas cards he designed for Hallmark and other greeting card companies. \nJoin us for the launch of Background Artist: The Life and Work of Tyrus Wong\, to celebrate a multi-talented Asian American artist and pioneer. \nQ&A and discussion will be facilitated by Le Tang\, a Lead Story Artist at Pixar Animation Studios. \n\nRegister\n \nMeet the Author\n \nKaren Fang is a film scholar and visual culture critic who writes and speaks for museums and film festivals around the world. Known for previous books about Hong Kong cinema and nineteenth-century British interest in exotic objects\, Karen often writes about the intersection of Eastern and Western aesthetics. Her work has appeared in Smithsonian Magazine\, Hyperallergic\, Nikkei Asia\, and the Los Angeles Review of Books. She is also a prominent contributor to The Engines of Our Ingenuity\, a long-running\, widely distributed public radio series about science and innovation\, where  her episodes always focus on the visual arts. A Sunday painter\, Karen’s favorite media are watercolor and pen and ink. \nMeet the Discussion Facilitator\n \nLe Tang is a Vietnamese-American artist and storyteller\, with over 18 years in the animation industry. He started his career in animation at Lucasfilm Animation as a Story Artist\, and from there moved onto such studios as Nickelodeon\, Dreamworks\, and Disney. He is currently at Pixar Animation Studios as a Lead Story Artist\, having worked on such films as Toy Story 4\, Onward\, Elemental\, and Inside Out 2. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/backgroundartist/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/updated-flyer.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241012 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241109 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20241001T225318Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241002T001600Z UID:20042-1728691200-1731110399@oacc.cc SUMMARY:OACC Co-Presents: Kearny Street Workshop's "APAture 2024: Return" DESCRIPTION:APAture 2024: Return\n  \nOctober 12\, 2024 –  November 9\, 2024\nThe Oakland Asian Cultural Center co-presents Kearny Street Workshop’s 2024 APAture festival. \n  \nAPAture is celebrating 25 years of supporting emerging artists from across the Bay Area! From October 13 to November 9th Kearny Street Workshop will be presenting six showcases in venues across the city. \n  \nThe theme for this year is RETURN. From the Palestinian right to return\, the call for Indigenous Land Back\, the various migrant histories and struggle for justice in our Pacific Islander and Asian communities\, and the returns we face in our own personal lives: What does the idea of return mean to you? Where and to whom are you returning? \nAbout Kearny Street WorkshopKearny Street Workshop (KSW) is an organization dedicated to producing\, presenting\, and promoting art that empowers diverse Asian Pacific American communities. Since 1972\, KSW has offered multidisciplinary arts presentations and workshops to Bay Area community members. www.kearnystreet.org \n  \nAbout APAture \nAPAture is a multidisciplinary arts festival for emerging Asian-Pacific American (APA) artists to develop their art\, affirm their voices\, and share their work with the APA community. For the past 25 years\, Kearny Street Workshop’s festival has shaped the culture of the San Francisco Bay Area by addressing the realities and narratives of APA lives. \nUpcoming Showcases\n \nAPAture 2024 Music Showcase + Festival Kickoff\n \nDNA Lounge375 Eleventh St\, San Francisco\, CA \n  \nCo-presented by Kultivate Labs Balay Kreative\, and Oakland Asian Cultural Center \n  \nOctober 13\, 2024 7:00 – 10:00 PM PDT$10 presale/$15 at the door DNA Lounge is an all ages venue. \n  \nThis year APAture kicks off with its music showcase! With rising star\, Ian Santillano\, headlining the night alongside an amazing line-up of emerging MCs\, singer-songwriters\, and electronic music artists! \n  \nFeaturing Ian Santillano with Nu Tekno Sounds\, Karinyo\, Jaeya Bayani\, Steven Cong\, and Double Goat. \n  \nCurated by Steven Cheung and Isalina Chow. \n \n Learn More\n \n \nAPAture 2024 Visual Arts Opening Reception\n \nArc Gallery & Studios1246 Folsom Street\, San Francisco\, CA\n  \nCo-presented by SOMArts\, ARTogether\, and Oakland Asian Cultural Center \n  \nOpening Reception: October 18\, 2024 6:00 – 9:00 PM PDT \n  \nGallery Hours: October 12 – November 9\, 2024 W\, TH\, 1-6pm & SAT 12-3 PM \nFree\, $60 all access (entry to all ticketed events with free t-shirt\, drink tickets\, and more!). \n  \nFrom murals and exhibition walls to pride month designs for local sports teams\, San Jose-based artist Houyee Chow-Jiménez has been making an impact in the Bay and we’re proud to have her headline alongside an incredible ensemble of emerging artists\, at APAture 2024’s visual arts exhibition at Arc Gallery & Studios! Join us on October 18th for the opening reception! The exhibition will be on view at Arc Gallery & Studios until November 9th’s closing reception. \n  \nFeaturing Houyee Chow-Jiménez with Jang Lee\, Joanna Kao\, Laura Ming Wong\, Lisa Juachon\, Madi Reyes\, Bhumikorn Kongtaveelert\, Grace Jin\, Brianna Cheng\, Jackie Liu\, Kea Kahoilua-Clebsch\, Michelle Lin\, Mehr Kumar\, Marisa Goudie. \n  \nCurated by Tanza Solis and Ngân Vũ. \n \n Learn More\n \n \nAPAture 2024 Film Showcase\n  \nRoxie Theater3117 16th St\, San Francisco\, CA \n  \nCo-presented by Roxie Theater\, Kultivate Labs Balay Kreative\, and Oakland Asian Cultural Center \n  \nOctober 22\, 2024 6:00 – 9:00PM PDT$15 / $60 all access (comes with free t-shirt\, drink tickets\, and more!). \n  \nThese varied and poignant works explore cultural knowledge and belonging through a variety of different lenses: educational shows and music videos that foreground the lived experience of the AAPI diaspora\, reflections on cultural belonging and embodiment\, and a documentary that highlights Indigenous Hawaiians’ righteous struggles for self-determination. \n  \nFeaturing Jalena Keane-Lee with Angelique Kalani Axelrode\, Joyce Keokham\, Elaine Nguyen\, Sophia E. Perez\, and Teao Sense. \n  \nCurated by David Cao and Lehua Taitano. \n \n Learn More\n \n \nAPAture 2024 Literary Arts Showcas\n \nArc Gallery & Studios1246 Folsom Street\, San Francisco\, CA \n  \nCo-presented by Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco and Oakland Asian Cultural Center \n  \nOctober 25\, 2024 6:00 – 9:00PM PDT \n$15 / $60 all access (comes with free t-shirt\, drink tickets\, and more!). \n  \nAPAture and Litquake are both celebrating 25 years! So we’re teaming up to present the Literary Arts showcase featuring former El Cerrito poet laureate\, Maw Shein Win\, and we’ll be commemorating the release of her upcoming collection\, Percussing the Thinking Jar (2024 Omnidawn Publishing). \n  \nFeaturing Maw Shein Win with Sam Javellana Hill\, Christine Huang\, Jennifer Ng\, Megan Jade Mock Noble\, Noelani Piters\, Danielle Shi\, and Eden Julia Sugay. \n  \nCurated by Diana Fu\, Matthew Choi\, and Isalina Chow. \n \n Learn More\n \n \n\nAPAture 2024 Comics/Zines & Illustration Showcase\n \nArc Gallery & Studios1246 Folsom Street\, San Francisco\, CA \n \nCo-presented by Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco and Oakland Asian Cultural Center\n \nOctober 27\, 2024 2:00-5:00PM PDT\n$15 / $60 all access (comes with free t-shirt\, drink tickets\, and more!).\n \n\nFresh off of illustrating\, Simone (Penguin Random House 2024)\, the newest children’s book by acclaimed author\, Viet Thanh Nguyen\, is our APAture 2024 featured artist in Comics\, Zines\, & Illustrations\, Minnie Phan! Meet our showcase artists at this interactive book\, prints\, and makers fair. \n \n \nFeaturing Minnie Phan with Cesar Cueva\, Jake Gavino\, Kathy Huang\, Nhien Lee\, Lauren Miller\, Ipsheeta Furtado\, and Alexis Peneda. \n \n \nCurated by Ngân Vū\, Steven Cheung\, and Tanza Solis. \n \n \n \n Learn More\n \n \n\nAPAture 2024 Performing Arts Showcase\n \nJoe Goode Annex 401 Alabama St\, San Francisco\, CA \n  \nCo-presented by Joe Goode Annex\, Kultivate Labs Balay Kreative\, and Oakland Asian Cultural Center November 3\, 2024 7:00 – 9:00PM PDT$15 / $60 all access (comes with free t-shirt\, drink tickets\, and more!). \nThis performing arts showcase features the works of Teo Lin-Bianco\, Tatyana Topasna\, Maya Rau-Murthy\, Alder & the Kindred\, Lily Gee\, Taneesh Kaur\, D. Kaur\, and featured artist Kim Requesto. These works span a wide variety of disciplines—combining spoken word poetry\, movement practice\, multimedia\, and musical performance—and explore the intimacy\, vulnerability\, and physicality of what Return is and should be. \n  \n  \nCurated by David Cao and Matthew Choi. \n  \n \n Learn More URL:https://oacc.cc/event/apature2024/ LOCATION:CA CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/apature-2024.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kearny Street Workshop":MAILTO:info@kearnystreet.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241109T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241109T150000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20241104T185535Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241117T175322Z UID:20438-1731157200-1731164400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:POSTPONED: Visible Mending For Stains & Patches DESCRIPTION:VISIBLE MENDINGFOR STAINS & PATCHES\n \nSaturday\, Nov. 9\, 2024 | \n1 PM – 3 PM\n 2024年11月9日，星期六，下午一点至三点\n  \nDUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES\, WE’VE POSTPONED THIS EVENT. We apologize for the inconvenience and will share a new event date soon. \nJoin us for a mending workshop with the Mending Collective to cover stains and holes using stitching and patching. \n• Registration is required. \n• Bring only items that need repair. \n• Translators are available uponrequest. \n• Class is free with a refundable $10 deposit. \n  \nThis workshop is supported by Stop Waste. Stop Waste helps Alameda County’s businesses\, residents\, and schools waste less\, recycle properly\, and use water\, energy\, and other resources efficiently. They’re a public agency governed by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority\, the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board\, and the Energy Council. For more information\, please visit Stop Waste’s website: https://www.stopwaste.org/about-stopwaste \n加入我们的修补工作功，探索手工缝纲，这是一种对衣服，纺织品和我们自己进行 光 精心，而舒缓的修补方式，练习缝纲和修 补以遮盖污渍和破洞。• 人数限制为20人。• 前来我们的中心 进行登记。•我们将提供修补工具，但请携带需要 修补的物品。• 如果需要翻译，请于开放时间调(周三至周六，十二点至五点) 510-637-0455。 课程是免费的，但我们要求支付10美元，当你参加工作坊时将全数退还。 \n \n \n \n Register URL:https://oacc.cc/event/visiblemending/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/postponed-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241114T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250118T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20241112T181725Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T184419Z UID:20475-1731585600-1737219600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Asian American Artists from Creative Growth Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Celebrating Asian American Artists from Creative Growth\n  \nExhibition Dates:\nNov. 14\, 2024 – Jan. 18\, 2025\nCreative Growth\, a non-profit organization based in Oakland\, fosters the inclusion of artists with developmental disabilities in the contemporary art world. Through a supportive studio environment and gallery representation\, they strengthen both individual creativity and community connections. \nAt OACC\, we are committed to making the arts accessible to everyone and are honored to showcase the incredible work of local Asian American artists affiliated with Creative Growth. \nThis exhibit is available to view Nov. 14\, 2024 – Jan. 18\, 2025 during OACC’s business hours (Wed – Sat\, 12 PM – 5 PM). \nArtists in this exhibition: \nAurie Ramirez\, Alice Wong\, Ying Ge Zhou\, Christine Szeto\, Kristian Cheek\, Nathaniel Jackson\, Diana Lo\, Brian Nakahara\, Kathy Zhong\, and Steven Pho. \nFor information on purchasing artwork: gallery@creativegrowth.org. \n*Flyer artwork is “YGZ 429” by Ying Ge Zhou. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/celebratingasianamericanartistsfromcreativegrowth/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Current Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/creative-growth-exhibit-flyer.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250112T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250112T163000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20241211T205434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T001256Z UID:20553-1736685000-1736699400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:SOLD OUT: Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: Sounds of Greater Khorasan — Afghan and Tajik Poetry and Music DESCRIPTION:Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: Sounds of Greater Khorasan\nAfghan and Tajik Poetry and Music\n  \nSunday\, Jan. 12\, 2025  1:30 PM Calligraphy Demonstration\,\n2 PM Concert \nFREE\nTHIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT\n  \nJoin us for an uplifting afternoon of traditional music and poetry with master musicians from Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Featuring Homayoun Sakhi and Maruf Noyoft. \n  \nThe concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by a master traditional Islamic calligrapher\, Hakim Karimzada. \n \n Register\n \nMeet the Musicians\n \nHomayoun Sakhi is an Afghan rubab maestro born in Kabul to a renowned musical lineage. From age ten\, he immersed himself in mastering the national instrument\, the double-chambered rubab\, under his father’s tutelage in the traditional ustâd-shâgird apprenticeship. \nIn 1992\, he and his family sought refuge in Peshawar\, Pakistan\, following the chaos of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. There\, Homayoun’s exceptional talents gained recognition\, making him a popular entertainer known for his diverse repertoire. \nIn 2001\, he relocated to Fremont\, California\, home to the largest Afghan community in the US. There\, he introduced his refined rubab style\, quickly becoming a local musical leader and earning national and international acclaim as a performer\, teacher\, and composer. \n \nMaruf Noyoft\, a native of Badakhshan\, Tajikistan\, embarked on his journey into the world of traditional Central Asian music at the University of Art and Culture of Tajikistan. There\, he honed his craft on the Badakhshani Setor while also mastering instruments such as the Rubab and Daf under the guidance of local virtuosos. Driven by a deep appreciation for poetry and a desire to uncover the layered meanings within mystical Persian verse\, Maruf expanded his artistic repertoire by learning to sing these profound compositions\, completing a harmonious fusion of music and poetry. \n  \nAfter immigrating to the United States\, Maruf remained deeply committed to his art. For many years\, he was the sole performer and vocalist representing Badakhshan’s mystical musical heritage\, keeping its rich traditions alive and resonant in a new cultural landscape. \nCalligraphy Workshop\n \nAbdul Hakim Karimzada\, born in Afghanistan\, is a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and master calligrapher with over 30 years of experience in different types of calligraphy and fine writing\, such as traditional and modern scripts. He started calligraphy in the Herat Province of Afghanistan by learning different writing styles\, including Nastaliq\, Kofie\, Naskh\, and Thuluth scripts. He went on to create thousands of works by using these scripts. He also invented a new fine writing called Nilofar over the course of his calligraphy life. \n  \nKarimzada is a senior board member and trainer at the Herat Calligraphy Association.⁠ He has taken an active part in various calligraphy exhibitions inside and outside of Afghanistan and many solo exhibitions of his work. He has won numerous awards for his art and the collections of his calligraphy works. \n  \nLearn more about Karimzada’s work at hakimkarimzada.com.⁠ URL:https://oacc.cc/event/cohh-sounds-of-greater-khorasan/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/thumbnail-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250118T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250118T143000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20241204T204954Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T184235Z UID:20520-1737205200-1737210600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:The March Fong Eu Story: An Authorized Biography of an Unauthorized Woman. Book Talk with Author Tim Vandehey and Editor Pattie Fong. DESCRIPTION:The March Fong Eu Story: An Authorized Biography of an Unauthorized Woman\n\nBook Talk with Author Tim Vandehey and Editor Pattie Fong\nSaturday\, Jan. 18\, 2025 | 1 PM | FREE\nJoin us for the release of The March Fong Eu Story: An Authorized Biography of an Unauthorized Woman\, a biography celebrating the life of Asian American pioneer\, political icon\, and  California’s Secretary of State\, March Fong Eu. \nMarch Fong Eu was the first woman and Chinese American in many arenas. She was head of a UCSF division\, the Alameda County Board of Education\, the California State Assembly\, and the California Secretary of State. With deep roots in Alameda County\, Eu rose from being born in the back of a Hanford hand laundry to non-English-speaking parents to serving as a United States Ambassador. This program will include individuals sharing memories of Eu’s passions and work. \n\nRegister\n \nMeet the Speakers\n \nTim Vandehey\, author of The March Fong Eu Story: An Authorized Biography of an Unauthorized Woman\, is a native Californian\, New York Times bestselling ghostwriter\, and editor. He is also the co-author of Swipe: Why We Don’t Finish What We Start. Today\, he lives in Kansas City\, Missouri\, with his wife\, daughters\, and an inappropriate number of beagles. \n \nPattie Fong\, editor of The March Fong Eu Story: An Authorized Biography of an Unauthorized Woman\, a retired deputy district attorney\, is a niece of March Fong Eu\, who\, as a kid\, spent summers in the Capitol “going to work” with Auntie March\, accompanied her to the 1972 Democratic convention (Clinton’s first nomination)\, traveled with her and Henry Eu on their first trip to Micronesia for the ambassadorship and all the events and dinners in between. Fong is the book’s final editor. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/themarchfongeustory/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/march-fong-eu-thumbnail-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250130T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250501T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20250127T230357Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250904T211915Z UID:20701-1738238400-1746118800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:From Chinatown to West Oakland: Community Portraits of Healing DESCRIPTION:From Chinatown to West Oakland: Community Portraits of Healing\n  \nExhibition Dates:\nJan. 30\, 2025 – May 1\, 2025\n“There is actually a collective historical trauma that we hold\, and we carry… and that we are also trying to recognize and heal for our future generations…”  \n  \nIn this new photo exhibition titled From Chinatown to West Oakland: Community Portraits of Healing\, Oakland community members share their experiences of pain and trauma\, as well as their expressions of hope and humanity. \n  \nJoin Asian Health Services and Baywell Health on Friday\, February 21\, 2025\, for the opening reception of their new photo exhibition based on the Asian-Black Racial Healing Project. The two community health centers launched this project in 2021 in response to the heightened violence experienced by both communities. Over 1\,000 Asian and Black Oakland community members engaged in interviews and delved into conversations on race\, violence\, and healing. This exhibition and event celebrates our communities and our collective desire for connection\, safety\, and healing across cultures. \n\nRegister for the opening reception\n \nAbout Asian Health Services\nAsian Health Services\, founded in 1974\, provides health\, social\, and advocacy services for all\, regardless of income\, insurance status\, immigration status\, language\, or culture. Their approach to well-being focuses on “whole patient health\,” which is why they provide not just primary care services but include mental health\, case management\, nutrition\, and dental care to more than 50\,000 patients in English and 15 languages. \n  \nWebsite: https://asianhealthservices.org/our-mission/ \nAbout Baywell Health\nFounded by four African-American mothers fifty years ago amid the Civil Rights and Black Power movements\, Baywell Health’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of its communities by providing the highest quality of health care and treatment for its diverse patient population throughout Alameda County.  Each clinic’s health center strives to be a hub for health\, compassion\, engagement\, and inspiration. \n  \nWebsite: https://westoaklandhealth.org/ URL:https://oacc.cc/event/from-chinatown-to-west-oakland-community-portraits-of-healing/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Past Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screen-Shot-2025-03-31-at-4.01.18-PM.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250201T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250201T160000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20250107T012150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T184213Z UID:20651-1738407600-1738425600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Lunar New Year x Black History Month 2025: Celebrating Asian & African-American Solidarity DESCRIPTION:Lunar New Year x Black History Month 2025: Celebrating Asian & African-American Solidarity\nSaturday\, February 1\, 2025\n11 AM – 4 PM\nFREE\n\nREGISTER\n \nJoin us on Saturday\, February 1\, 2025\, as we partner with the Malonga Arts Residents Association (MARA)\, Eastwind Books of Berkeley\, Marcus Books\, and the Alameda County National Council of Negro Women for the Oakland Asian Cultural Center’s third annual Lunar New Year x Black History Month Community Celebration. \nWe are so excited to welcome our community back for another celebration of Asian and African-American solidarity through art\, music\, and dance\, including an incredible lineup of Black and Asian martial artists\, musicians\, and dance groups\, including Dimensions Dance Theater\, Destiny Arts Center\, Amihan\, the Great Wall Youth Orchestra\, and others. \nIn addition to a full day of performances\, we are bringing back: \n A local vendors’ marketplace\n Children’s Zone with Eastwind Books of Berkeley and Marcus Books\n An exhibition on Black and Asian solidarity \nThis event is part of OACC’s ongoing Open E.A.R.S. for Change initiative\, which started in 2020 to build stronger relationships among local APIA and Black communities. \nThis event is funded by the CA State Grant for Stop the Hate (CDSS)\, the Zellerbach Family Foundation\, and the City of Oakland’s Cultural Funding Program\, and sponsored by Dr. Raymond L. Eng. \nGetting to OACC: \nThere is an underground parking lot below the Pacific Renaissance Plaza. There are two entrances to the parking lot; one located on Franklin & the other on Webster. Parking is $3 per hour. To get to our suite\, take the elevator to the 2nd floor. OACC is the first suite on the left when you leave the elevator. \nThe area has multiple bus lines\, and we are within walking distance of 12th Street BART and Lake Merritt BART station. \nThere are also a few other parking lots nearby: \nAki Parking \n435 8th St (4-minute walk to OACC) \n$3 an hour\, $10 for the day \nEast Bay Parking \n726 Harrison St\, Chinatown (8 minute walk to OACC) \n$4 an hour \nDouglas Parking Lot #475 \n420 Washington St Old Oakland (13-minute walk to OACC) \n$4 an hour \nPROGRAM SCHEDULE\n \nProgram Emcee\n \nMiko Lee\nMiko Lee is an activist\, storyteller\, and educator. She believes in the power of stories to amplify voices. Miko is the Director of Programs for Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality and is the lead producer of APEX Express on KPFA Radio\, focused on AAPI activists and artists. She is also on the National Advisory Committee of Teaching Artists Guild. Miko’s career has been rooted in the nonprofit world\, first as a theater actor\, director and writer and then as an artistic director and an arts education leader. \nPerformer Spotlights\n \nPhoto by Edward Miller Photography \nDimensions Dance Theater (DDT)\n\nUnder the artistic leadership of co-founder Deborah Vaughan\, Dimensions Dance Theater is one of the oldest contemporary dance companies in the U.S. At 52 years old\, DDT has become widely recognized for its presentation of traditional dances and contemporary choreography drawn from African\, Jazz\, and Modern dance idioms. The diversity and inclusiveness of DDT’s repertoire are unique to the company and have contributed greatly to its reputation for innovative dynamism. \n\n \nDestiny Arts Youth Performance Company (DAYPC)\nBased in Oakland\, California\, the Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company (DAYPC) is a diverse group of teens collaborating with professional artists to create dynamic\, original dance and theater productions. \n \nCal VSA Lion Dance\nCal VSA Lion Dance\, founded in 2012 through the Vietnamese Student Association’s Culture Show\, is UC Berkeley’s one and only student-run lion dance team. Earnestly serving the local Bay Area for the past 11 years\, they’ve developed a tight-knit team of students and alumni connected by culture\, passion\, and camaraderie. \n \nPhoto by William Lee \nCarla Service Dance-A-Vision Entertainment Group\nCarla Service is a performer\, choreographer\, teacher\, booking agent\, and\, for over thirty years\, a mentor to Oakland youth. She helps them find empowerment through dance. \nCarla’s Dance-A-Vision school is about more than steps\, technique\, choreography\, and performance; it’s about positive relationships\, fostering communication\, and building confidence and self-reliance. \n \nVoices Of A Dream (VOAD)\nVOICES OF A DREAM (VOAD) stands as one of today’s most compelling a cappella ensembles\, masterfully preserving and reimagining the profound legacy of African American spirituals under the dynamic leadership of Amikaeyla Gaston. VOAD creates an immersive tapestry of sound that honors the African American spiritual tradition while speaking powerfully to contemporary audiences. Their performances offer more than music – they provide a transformative journey through history\, heritage\, and healing. \nSingers include Amikaeyla Gaston\, Amber McZeal\, Karen A. Smith\, Elizabeth Sayre\, and Rashida Oji. \n \nThe Great Wall Youth Orchestra\nThe Great Wall Youth Orchestra is part of the Purple Silk Music Education Foundation. They are an Oakland-based\, non-profit organization that supports music education for youth. Their mission is to give students in their community the chance to learn from professional musicians\, perform in public\, and become skilled musicians themselves. Their program includes lessons from performing artists\, teaching music theory\, playing in a Chinese orchestra\, and performing in the Bay Area and beyond. \n \nKkirikkiri\nKkirikkiri is a community-based Samulnori group. Samulnori is a performance practice based on traditional percussion music from farming communities in Korea. In addition to Samulnori\, Kkiikkiri is dedicated to learning\, sharing\, and celebrating other Korean and Korean-American traditions and culture. \n \nAmihan\nAmihan (translates to harvest wind) is a self-taught poet\, producer\, and musician born & raised in San Francisco\, reppin the Excelsior district. She was named after the peasant women’s organization based in the countryside of the Philippines. Rooted in their struggle for land and freedom\, Amihan’s music fuses hip-hop & rnb flows with chants of the people. \n \nToishan Benevolent Association\nThe Toishan Benevolent Association has served the greater Bay Area community for the last 22 years with different cultural programs. They promote Chinese ethnic culture in different forms of performances: lion’s dance\, dragon dance\, traditional art dance\, tai chi demonstration\, kung fu demonstration\, and youth kung fu. \n \nVSCK Filipino Martial Arts\nVSCK Filipino Martial Arts was created by the late and great ancestor\, Maestro Sonny Umpad. The VSCK Global Oakland chapter is led by Guro Jay Jasper Pugao\, a direct student of Maestro Sonny. Jay has been teaching and working with youth in the Oakland community\, the greater Bay Area\, nationally\, and internationally since 2003\, integrating martial arts for empowerment\, culture\, wellness\, restorative justice\, situational awareness\, and self-defense. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/lnybhm2025/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LNY-x-BHM-2025-thumbnail-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250220T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250220T203000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20250116T011202Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T184144Z UID:20843-1740076200-1740083400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"The Camps America Built" - Honoring Day of Remembrance 2025 DESCRIPTION:The Camps America Built – Honoring Day of Remembrance 2025\n  \nThursday\, Feb. 20\, 2025\n6:30 PM\nFREE\nJoin us for the unveiling of The Camps America Built\, an immersive portrait project exploring the resilience of Japanese Americans who were incarcerated in camps during WWII. Since 2022\, photographer and National Geographic Explorer Haruka Sakaguchi has traveled to all 10 camps and photographed over 80 Japanese Americans as they made pilgrimages to their former camps to reflect on this dark chapter in U.S. history. \nThis special event will feature a live presentation introducing the project and a screening of the short documentary Loyal American (2025\, 9 min.)—directed by Haruka and produced by National Geographic Society’s Impact Story Lab. A Q&A with Sakaguchi and the film’s protagonist will follow the screening. \nThis event is co-presented by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and the National Geographic Society. \nIn addition to an in-person event\, we will be live-streaming this event. To receive the Zoom link\, please register for this event and click the live stream option. We will email you the live stream link the week of the event.  \n*This event was formally titled “Campu: An American Story\,” but it remains the same program despite the title change. We apologize for any confusion. \n\nRegister\n \nMeet the Speakers\n \nHaruka Sakaguchi (b. 1990) is a Japanese documentary photographer based outside of New York City. She was born in Osaka\, Japan and immigrated to the U.S. with her parents when she was three months old. Haruka’s documentary work focuses on cultural identity and intergenerational trauma. Her clients include The New York Times\, National Geographic\, Time Magazine\, ProPublica\, The New Yorker\, Smithsonian Magazine\, BBC News\, Bloomberg Businessweek\, NPR\, Newsweek and The Washington Post among other publications. \n \nHenry Kaku’s (sansei) entire family was deported and sent to Japan after WWII. Although they were born in California\, his family lost their U.S. Citizenship during this time. It was not until 1956 that Henry became a U.S. Citizen at 8 years old\, and his family returned to California. \nHenry is now the Speakers Bureau Chair for the Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). URL:https://oacc.cc/event/campuanamericanstory/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NEW-FLYER.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250301T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250301T153000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20240822T180423Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250308T024424Z UID:19513-1740837600-1740843000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"The Memory of Taste": Book Release Event with Chef Tu David Phu DESCRIPTION:The Memory of Taste Book Release Event with Chef Tu David Phu\n  \nSaturday\, March 1\, 2025 | 2 PM | FREE\nJoin us for a heartfelt community event as Chef Tu David Phu returns to Oakland\, the place where his culinary journey began. In partnership with the Oakland Public Library and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, Chef Tu David Phu will celebrate the release of his new book\, The Memory of Taste\, with an insightful panel discussion centered around diasporic communities and their food\, facilitated by Bryant Terry. Followed by a raffle with exciting prizes\, including five copies of The Memory of Taste. \nThis event is a tribute to the vibrant Oakland community and its profound impact on Chef Tu David Phu’s life and career. Let’s come together to celebrate food\, culture\, and community in the heart of Oakland. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with a local culinary icon and take home a piece of his culinary artistry. \nPurchase your copy of The Memory of Taste signed by Chef Tu David Phu and have a chance to meet him in person. \nEastwind Books of Berkeley will be selling copies of The Memory of Taste at this event\, and the Oakland Public Library will have copies available to check out. \nThis event is co-presented by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and the Oakland Public Library. \n\n\n\nRegister\n \nMeet Chef Tu David Phu\n \nChef Tu David Phu\, a San Francisco Chronicle Rising Star Chef\, embodies a culinary narrative deeply inspired by his heritage and the resilient spirit of his refugee parents. His journey from his mother’s Oakland garden to the pinnacle of culinary acclaim is a testament to his profound connection to his Vietnamese roots and culinary expertise. A two-time TEDx speaker and Top Chef alumnus\, Chef Phu’s prowess extends beyond the kitchen to impactful storytelling\, notably through his Emmy-nominated PBS film Bloodline. His forthcoming cookbook\, The Memory of Taste\, is eagerly anticipated as a homage to his family’s legacy\, promising a collection of recipes and stories celebrating his birthright and culinary innovation. \nMeet Bryant Terry\n \n*Photo by Carlos Chavarria \nBryant Terry is a multidisciplinary artist\, James Beard Award-winning chef\, publisher\, and author. His work is rooted in ancestral inspiration and encourages people to pursue a more healthful\, just\, and sustainable world. He has authored five highly acclaimed cookbooks\, San Francisco Magazine recognized him as one of the 11 Smartest People in the Bay Area Food Scene and by Fast Company as one of “9 People Who Are Changing the Future of Food.” Regarding his food justice activism\, Terry’s mentor Alice Waters says\, ‘Bryant Terry knows that good food should be an everyday right and not a privilege.’ From 2015 to 2022\, he served as the inaugural Chef-in-Residence at the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco\, where he curated innovative public programming blending food\, farming\, health\, activism\, art\, and culture. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/thememoryoftaste/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/thumbnail-NEW-DATE-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250307T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250307T210000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20250207T210449Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T183132Z UID:20947-1741374000-1741381200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Gumamela: An Intimate Preview. Florante Aguilar with Cascada de Flores and Special Guests Charmaine Clamor\, Jorge Mijangos\, and Greg Kehret DESCRIPTION:Gumamela: An Intimate Preview. Florante Aguilar with Cascada de Flores and Special Guests Charmaine Clamor\, Jorge Mijangos\, and Greg Kehret\n  \nFriday\, March 7\, 2025\n7 PM \nFREE\nJoin us to experience a musical exploration of the Mexican-Filipino connection featuring Florante Aguilar with Cascada de Flores and special guests Charmaine Clamor\, Jorge Mijangos\, and Greg Kehret. \n  \nThe Gumamela project is a collaboration born from the shared passion of Cascada de Flores and Florante Aguilar for the traditional music of their respective homelands\, Mexico and the Philippines. This project celebrates the striking musical parallels that connect the two cultures—an unexpected discovery that began with a chance meeting between these artists. \n \n Register\n \nMore about the Gumamela Project\n\n \nPhoto by Robert Lee \nGumamela\, a hibiscus flower in Tagalog\, flor de jamaica in Mexico\, is an exploration of the musical connection between Mexico and the Philippines as envisioned by Florante Aguilar and the San Francisco Bay Area ensemble Cascada de Flores. \n  \nThe Gumamela project is a collaboration born from the shared passion of Cascada de Flores and Florante Aguilar for the traditional music of their respective homelands\, Mexico and the Philippines. This project celebrates the striking musical parallels that connect the two cultures—an unexpected discovery that began with a chance meeting between these artists. \n  \nThese similarities trace back to the historic Manila Galleon trade\, a Pacific shipping route that linked Manila and Acapulco for over 300 years. Under Spanish colonial rule\, these ships carried not only goods but also culture\, weaving together the musical traditions of two distant lands. Though the trade route has long since ceased\, its cultural impact endures. \n  \nIn Gumamela\, the musicians begin immersed in the songs and danceable rhythms that the cultures share: the serenading Philippine haranas alongside the romantic danzas of Latin American\, jotas\, rondalla\, and kumparsa paired with Mexico’s son and jarabe\, and of course\, the boleros! \n  \nAs the project blossoms\, so does the creativity of its arrangements and the inspiration of its compositions. Like its namesake\, the hibiscus flower (Gumamela in Tagalog)\, the collaboration flourishes into a dynamic album and concert. The music is more than a celebration of shared heritage—it is a living testament to the enduring bonds of two cultures brought together across oceans and centuries. Even today\, it inspires the creativity of its descendants here in the San Francisco Bay Area. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/gumamela-an-intimate-preview/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/thumbnail.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250322T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250322T150000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20250207T212331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250225T195915Z UID:20948-1742648400-1742655600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong." Book Release Event with Katie Gee Salisbury DESCRIPTION:Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong\n \nBook Release Event with Katie Gee Salisbury\n  \nSaturday\, Mar. 22\, 2025 \n1 PM \nFREE\nSet against the glittering backdrop of Los Angeles during the gin-soaked Jazz Age and the rise of Hollywood\, Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong celebrates the first Asian American movie star\, bringing an unsung heroine to light and reclaiming her place in cinema history. Join us on March 22\, 2025\, at 1 PM as we welcome author Katie Gee Salisbury for a book talk and signing highlighting this exciting new biography. \n  \nThis event is presented by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and Eastwind Books of Berkeley.    \n \n Register\n \nMeet the Author\n \nKatie Gee Salisbury is the author of Not Your China Doll\, a new biography of Anna May Wong\, Hollywood’s first Asian American movie star. Her work has appeared in the New York Times\, Vanity Fair\, The Believer\, the Asian American Writers’ Workshop\, and elsewhere. She was a finalist for the Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship in 2021 and gave the TED Talk “As American as Chop Suey.” She also writes the newsletter Half-Caste Woman. A fifth-generation Chinese American who hails from Southern California\, she now lives in Brooklyn.  URL:https://oacc.cc/event/notyourchinadoll/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/thumbnail-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250411T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250411T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20250306T190554Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T173148Z UID:21030-1744399800-1744407000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:All Mixed Up! A Mixer Celebrating Multi-Racial Identity DESCRIPTION:All Mixed Up! A Mixer Celebrating Multi-Racial Identity\n  \nFriday\, Apr. 11\, 2025 \n7:30 PM – 9:30 PM\n$20 – $30\nJoin us on Friday\, April 11\, 2025\, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM\, for “All Mixed Up! A Mixer Celebrating Multi-Racial Identity\,” a mixer celebrating the diversity\, creativity\, and unique experiences of multiracial individuals in the AAPI community and beyond. This 21+ event will feature: \n \n A performance by Jamee of the band MICHELLE \n Live DJ sets by DJ Del \n Vendors including two-minute portraits by Oakland-based artist Cristina Edwards\, live tarot reading with Seba\, CLUB CHAZU\, Sugar Cane Apparel\, and more \n Light food from Noor Indian Fusion Kitchen\, Comal\, Gus’s Fried Chicken\, Asian Box\, Sakura Bistro\, Co Nam\, and more \n Drinks\, including our signature cocktail\, a Sake Lychee Martini \n And meaningful conversations centered on multiracial identity  \nWhether you want to connect\, share your story\, or enjoy a fun night out\, “All Mixed Up!” is a space to explore\, celebrate\, and build our multi-racial community. \n  \nThis event is sponsored and facilitated by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC) and ASIAN\, Inc.\, in partnership with Mixed Asian Media (MAM)\, Mixed Kids Meet Ups\, Mixed Present\, the Lunar Collective Bay Area\, and ACE Next Gen Bay Area.  \n \nTicket Prices: \n $20 Ticket includes: Access to live music\, vendors\, a Photo Booth\, and light food \n $30 Ticket includes: Access to live music\, vendors\, a Photo Booth\, light food\, and one Sake Lychee Martini. \n \nGet the Party Started Early!Join us next door at Sakura Bistro for our “All Mixed Up” Happy Hour Special before the mixer!  \n 4:30pm – 7:30pm Sushi • Tapas • Beer • Wine • Sake \n \nShow your “All Mixed Up” email confirmation to a Sakura staff member to receive a special discount off drinks and food. Come mix\, mingle\, and enjoy discounted delicious bites and drinks from a small Oakland business — the perfect warm-up before the main event! \n \n Get tickets\n \nMeet the Performers\n \nPhoto by Matt Infante  \nJamee\nJamee is a queer\, Korean-American musician based in New York City. She has been a singer/songwriter in the indie-pop collective MICHELLE for over six years. Jamee has completed ten major tours with MICHELLE\, both nationally and internationally\, including four support tours for major artists such as Mitski\, Arlo Parks\, Still Woozy\, and Gus Dappertons. Jamee has recently launched her solo artist project\, releasing her debut single ‘Unfold’ off of her upcoming EP ‘Crawling Out the Deep End.’ \n \nDJ Del\nOriginally from NYC\, Del is an Oakland based DJ legend. Her original interest in music was sparked by an older brother’s obsession with vinyl\, and a mother who forced her into playing instruments at a young age. DJ Del’s sets are heavy with hip hop\, club music\, baile funk\, tech house\, garage\, hard techno\, and dubstep but are mainly influenced by whatever she got off soundcloud that week.  \n  \nSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/inebriatedfelon. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/all-mixed-up-a-mixer-celebrating-multi-racial-identity/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/UPDATED-THUMBNAIL.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250419T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250419T140000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20250308T004351Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250308T004716Z UID:21081-1745064000-1745071200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Visible Mending For Stains & Patches DESCRIPTION:VISIBLE MENDING\nFOR STAINS & PATCHES\n\nSaturday\, Apr. 19\, 2025 | \n12 PM – 2 PM\nJoin us for a mending workshop with the Mending Collective to cover stains and holes using stitching and patching. \n• Registration is required. \n• Bring only items that need repair. \n• Translators are available upon\nrequest. \n• Class is free with a refundable $10 deposit. \nThis workshop is supported by Stop Waste. Stop Waste helps Alameda County’s businesses\, residents\, and schools waste less\, recycle properly\, and use water\, energy\, and other resources efficiently. They’re a public agency governed by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority\, the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board\, and the Energy Council. For more information\, please visit Stop Waste’s website: https://www.stopwaste.org/about-stopwaste \n加入我们的修补工作功，探索手工缝纲，这是一种对衣服，纺织品和我们自己进行 光 精心，而舒缓的修补方式，练习缝纲和修 补以遮盖污渍和破洞。\n• 人数限制为20人。\n• 前来我们的中心 进行登记。\n•我们将提供修补工具，但请携带需要 修补的物品。\n• 如果需要翻译，请于开放时间调(周三至周六，十二点至五点) 510-637-0455。 课程是免费的，但我们要求支付10美元，当你参加工作坊时将全数退还。 \n\n\n\nRegister URL:https://oacc.cc/event/visiblemending-2/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/visible-mending-flyer.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250419T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250419T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20250305T175246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T201340Z UID:21018-1745074800-1745082000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: "The Rebirth of Apsara: Beyond Genocide." A Performance by Charya Burt Cambodian Dance. DESCRIPTION:Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: The Rebirth of Apsara: Beyond Genocide \n \nA Performance by Charya Burt Cambodian Dance \n  \nSaturday\, Apr. 19\, 2025 \n3 PM \nFREE\nThe Rebirth of Apsara: Beyond Genocide is an adaptive multi-media dance and theatre work observing Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day and the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of the Khmer Rouge Genocide. The piece will honor genocide survivors\, the resilience of the Cambodian spirit\, and how Cambodian arts have been\, and continue to be\, transmitted from generation to generation. \n  \nThe Rebirth of Apsara: Beyond Genocide investigates the relationship between art and war\, exploring how Khmer classical dance\, particularly Apsaras\, fabled female celestial beings\, has embodied the essence of Cambodian culture from ancient mythology to its post-genocide resurrection. \n  \nMirroring her own life’s journey as an artist to explore the impact Apsara has had on both Khmer civilization and Cambodian artists of today\, Charya Burt sets her re-imagined classical dance gestures to music by renowned Cambodian-American composer Chinary Ung and traditional Khmer pin-peat. The performance is all tied together by a live soundscape by Marimba Lumina virtuoso Joel Davel and an engaging video backdrop designed by Hsuan-Kuang Hsieh.  \n  \nJoining Charya’s tour de force performance on stage will be dancer Chakra Sokhomsan and select Bay Area Cambodian community dancers. \n  \nA talkback with the artists and genocide survivors will follow the performance\, moderated by Mory Chhom. \n  \nOACC’s “Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage” Asian American & Pacific Islander performing arts series will provide a platform for local Asian and Asian Pacific Islander culturally relevant artists that inspire intergenerational and cross-cultural exchange. This program series is sponsored by Matson\, the Bank of Marin\, and Dr. Raymond L. Eng. \n \n Register\n \nMeet the Production Team\nCharya Burt: Creator\, Choreographer\, Lead Performer\n\nCharya Burt is an acclaimed master dancer\, choreographer\, vocalist\, and teacher of Classical Cambodian Dance. After the Khmer Rouge genocide\, Burt trained extensively with Cambodia’s foremost surviving dance masters\, eventually joining the dance faculty of Cambodia’s Royal University of Fine Arts. The Rebirth of Apsara\, her recent Hewlett 50 Arts Commission\, premiered in 2024 at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center. \n  \nAn inaugural Dance/USA and 2022 Americans for the Arts Johnson Fellow and Isadora Duncan Award recipient for Individual Performance\, Burt has performed her original works nationwide at venues including Jacob’s Pillow\, San Francisco Opera House\, Oregon Shakespeare Festival\, and many others. Her recent choreographic works include Beautiful Dark (2024)\, about the relationship between colorism and perceptions of beauty\, Silenced (2018)\, Of Spirits Intertwined (2018)\, and Heavenly Garden (2016). \n  \nA true culture bearer\, Burt’s mission is to continue preserving and renewing her art form\, elevating the professionalism of community dance groups\, and creating innovative new works firmly rooted in tradition. She is the founding artistic director of Charya Burt Cambodian Dance\, based in the San Francisco North Bay. \nChinary Ung: Composer\n“Louk Kru” Chinary Ung was born in Cambodia and spent his early childhood in Prey Lovea\, a small village surrounded by rice paddies. His first exposure to Western classical music was as a teenager\, and he was so drawn to it that he came to New York in 1964 to study clarinet performance (at the Manhattan School of Music) and\, later\, composition with Chou Wen-Chung at Columbia University. During the Cambodian genocide\, where nearly 2 million people died\, Ung feared that the country would lose its precious musical heritage because the Khmer Rouge regime targeted artists. He devoted himself to learning the neat-ek\, the Cambodian xylophone\, and performing traditional pin peat music (the Cambodian gamelan ensemble) throughout the United States. \nKalean Ung: Writer\nPerformer and playwright Kalean Ung is an award-winning Cambodian-American multi-disciplinary theater artist whose professional career ranges from Shakespeare to experimental theatre to contemporary opera and solo performance. She has performed at The Kirk Douglas Theatre\, Disney Hall\, REDCAT\, and The Getty Villa\, among others\, collaborating with critically acclaimed theatre and opera companies\, including Critical Mass Performance Group\, The LA Philharmonic\, Rogue Artists Ensemble\, Independent Shakespeare Company\, and CalArts’s Center for New Performance. Kalean’s voice acting can be heard as the lead in Denis Do’s award-winning\, animated feature about the Cambodian genocide\, FUNAN. \n  \nFor this adaptation\, additional story development and text by Charya and Rob Burt. \nJoel Davel: Musical Director/Performer\n\nJoel Davel (Musical Director) is an accomplished percussionist whose performances and compositions range from classical to highly experimental. Davel is known for his many appearances in theatrical productions\, for many performance collaborations with composer Paul Dresher and Vân-Ánh Võ and for his 20 year association with electronic music designer Don Buchla. Davel is the music director and composer for dNaga Dance Company and PCB designer for Buchla. He performs on the Marimba Lumina\, an instrument he built and co-designed. Davel holds a Bachelor of Music from Northern Illinois University and MFA from Mills College. \nChakra Sokhomsan: Dancer\n\nBorn and raised to Khmer refugee parents\, Chakra is an activist\, artist\, and educator. The Cambodian community in Chakra’s hometown\, Long Beach\, CA\, helped develop his passion for the arts. He carries over ten years of Khmer Classical Dance training under Prumsodun Ok\, Charya Burt\, Sophiline Cheam Shapiro\, and Reaksmey Lath. Recently\, Chakra graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Dickinson College. He has also worked and performed with Alessio Trevisani\, Sarah Skaggs\, Pilobolus\, the American Dance Festival\, and more. Currently he is a teaching artist with the Modern Apsara Company in Long Beach\, CA. \nRob Burt: Director\n\nRob Burt\, Executive Director of Charya Burt Cambodian Dance\, is a theatre director\, producer\, and educator. A theatre teacher for over 35 years\, he directed and produced over 100 theatrical productions\, many for his award-winning playwriting program at Elsie Allen High School in Santa Rosa\, California. The school’s 350-seat theater was named in his honor in 2017. From 1990-1992\, Burt taught playwriting at the University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh\, Cambodia\, producing original plays with actors from Cambodia’s National Theatre. Here\, he met his future wife\, Charya\, who was on the university’s dance faculty. In 1993\, he helped Charya establish her U.S. dance company and has been her creative partner ever since. \nCharya Burt Cambodian Dance Company:\nCharya Burt \nChakra Sokhomsan \nHannah Chea \nBaron Lim \nMoragaut Souet Samounn \nSydnee Thy \nMeet the Moderator\n \nMory Chhom is a Cambodian American and a dedicated public health leader with nearly 20 years of experience serving immigrant and underserved communities. Currently serving as the Director of Population-Focused Prevention and Early Intervention\, she oversees culturally and linguistically responsive programs that promote wellness and equity. She serves on the board of the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants and the Editorial Board for Health Promotion Practice.  URL:https://oacc.cc/event/the-rebirth-of-apsara-beyond-genocide/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Charya_Burt_1080x1080_thumb.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250427T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250427T160000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20250326T194249Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T194416Z UID:21124-1745762400-1745769600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Silencing the Drum: Religious Racism and Afro-Brazilian Sacred Music\," a Book Talk and Dynamic Presentation with Author Dr. Umi Vaughan. DESCRIPTION:Silencing the Drum: Religious Racism and Afro-Brazilian Sacred Music\, A Book Talk and Dynamic Presentation with Author Dr. Umi Vaughan\n  \nSunday\, Apr. 27\, 2025 \n2 PM \nFREE\nJoin us on Sunday\, April 27\, 2025\, at 2 PM\, for “Silencing the Drum: Religious Racism and Afro-Brazilian Sacred Music\, a Book Talk and Dynamic Presentation with Author Dr. Umi Vaughan.” This talk will cover Brazil’s rich African legacy and troubling current events\, punctuated by live Afro-Brazilian drumming and dance. A Q&A and book signing will follow the presentation. \n \n Register\n \nMeet the Author\n \nUmi Vaughan is an independent artist and scholar who conducts research\, creates photo-based visual art\, performs music and dance\, and publishes work that examines the evolution and meanings of music/dance traditions across the African Diaspora. He holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Michigan and was formerly a professor of Africana Studies at California State University Monterey Bay. He is the author of Carlos Aldama’s Life in Batá: Cuba\, Diaspora\, and the Drum (Indiana University Press) and Rebel Dance\, Renegade Stance: Timba Music and Black Identity in Cuba (University of Michigan Press). To learn more\, visit UMIART.ART.  \nDr. Vaughan is proud to share his latest work\, Silencing the Drum: Religious Racism and Afro-Brazilian Sacred Music (co-authored with Dr. Danielle N. Boaz). URL:https://oacc.cc/event/silencing-the-drum-religious-racism-and-afro-brazilian-sacred-music/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Silencing-the-Drum-thumbnail.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250516T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250809T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T093405 CREATED:20250409T223815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T180524Z UID:21237-1747396800-1754758800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Satr-e Rahayi: An Exhibition of Calligraphy Works by Hakim Karimzada DESCRIPTION:Satr-e Rahayi:\nAn Exhibition of Calligraphy Works by Hakim Karimzada\n  \nExhibition available to view May 16\, 2025 – Aug. 9\, 2025\, during OACC’s business hours\n“Satr-e Rahayi” (Line of Liberation) is the title of this solo exhibition showcasing Hakim Karimzada’s latest collection of calligraphy works. The name was chosen because the pieces in this collection represent a fusion of traditional and modern calligraphy. The conventional boundaries and constraints of classical calligraphy have been intentionally broken\, allowing for a freer\, more expressive approach to the art. \nThis sense of freedom opens new realms for artistic exploration\, making the creative process more natural and authentic. It invites the artist’s mind to expand and flow more openly\, enabling the creation of a collection that is spontaneous and deeply emotional. The artist seeks to convey a vivid sense of passion and artistic feeling to the audience through dynamic curves and movements of letters and words. \nIn doing so\, the works not only transmit emotional depth and beauty but also contribute to a broader atmosphere of artistic serenity—one that fosters peace\, friendship\, empathy\, and a shared appreciation of culture. It’s a creative journey that aspires toward well-being\, love\, and a profound respect for the universal value of art in our contemporary world. \nArt\, by its very nature\, belongs to all people\, transcending borders and backgrounds. Every human being has the right to experience and enjoy artistic expression. Hakim is truly delighted that at this moment in time\, in this beautiful space\, he has the opportunity to share a glimpse of life through the lens of beauty and artistic reflection—with those who appreciate and cherish art. \nThis exhibition is available to view during OACC’s business hours (Wed – Sat\, 12 PM – 5 PM). \nAbout the Artist\n \nAbdul Hakim Karimzada\, born in Afghanistan\, is a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and master calligrapher with over 30 years of experience in different types of calligraphy and fine writing\, such as traditional and modern scripts. He started calligraphy in the Herat Province of Afghanistan by learning different writing styles\, including Nastaliq\, Kofie\, Naskh\, and Thuluth scripts. He went on to create thousands of works by using these scripts. He also invented a new fine writing called Nilofar over the course of his calligraphy life. \nKarimzada is a senior board member and trainer at the Herat Calligraphy Association.⁠ He has actively participated in various calligraphy exhibitions inside and outside of Afghanistan and many solo exhibitions of his work. He has won numerous awards for his art and the collections of his calligraphy works. \nLearn more about Karimzada’s work at hakimkarimzada.com.⁠ URL:https://oacc.cc/event/satr-e-rahayi/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Current Exhibitions,Featured ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Satr-e-Rahayi-Exhibition-thumbnail-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR