***NEWSFLASH***

SHOWCASE NEWS:

An occurance of a misfortunate event has caused us to relocate our venue. Due to circumstances beyond our control, Northeastern IL University has pulled out of hosting "That Asian Thing" Showcase. I repeat:

"That Asian Thing" Showcase is NOT at the Northeastern IL University Auditorium.

Since this is such a tight schedule, I've been inquiring of multiple places non-stop and, since sponsorships and donations are few and far between, I've been hunting for more economical stages. Staying within a low budget is difficult, but not far from having a show with class and style. Per the documentary, we've been able to make more of what is at our disposal. If anyone out there has an inside connection with an inexpensive stage that can accomodate to approximately 200 to 300 people, please email us and your feedback will be acknowledged.



Continuing on - I made a personal appearance at the San Pablo City Association - Chicago Chapter picnic to talk about the film and Showcase. Through donations, I was fortunate enough to acquire a small amount of money. "Hey, every dollar gained is $1 more than zero..." I would personally like to acknowledge their support and thank them for taking the time to listen. (It was also good practice pitching the concept of my movie to a larger audience.)

More emails and sponsorship packages have been emailed and mailed out. Please remember that checks can be made out to "Groovy Ghost Films, Inc."



CONCERNING THE FILM:

As you can see, we've become incorporated (just because it's the "movie thing" to do). Hopefully, Groovy Ghost Films, Inc. will be a bigger production company name in the future. Right now, it's main focus is "That Asian Thing."

This past weekend was a great interview with a big staple in the Asian American community - probably across the nation - Mr. Tatsu Aoki.

Tatsu is very well known in the jazz community as an accomplished bassist and is practically the starter of the Asian American movement in the midwest. As the Artistic Director of the Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival and re:Rooted event, he was very acknowledgable of the ins and outs of "the business." He gave such great insight regarding the community in Chicago and how there's a difference in vibe compared to the east and west coast. Aoki said that the east coast reminded him too much of where he came from (Japan) and the west coast was in the same regard as an overabundance of Asians. He felt that Chicago was just the right medium and a great opportunity to flourish Asian Americans.

Also, through question, he shed light on the struggle of the Asian American as compared to the African American, who has also faced issues of discrimination. When talking about music, he brought up the famous name of Charlie Parker and how there would be pictures of this Asian American man on the piano behind Parker. [Charlie Mingus' mother was part Chinese.]From then till now, who has gained more recognition and respect? As we know and per this documentary, Asian Americans are still few in numbers as far as mainstream knowledge.

Tatsu was also very encouraging in terms of saying how Asian American artists need to stick together to help each other out. And as we taped the re:Rooted rehearsal session, I was approached by drummer, Mia Park. "That Asian Thing" hopes to get feedback from Miss Mia soon enough. "See - don't doubt Tatsu..."


re:Rooted by "That Asian Thing"


PRIOR TO THAT:

Speaking of connections - we also have on film the thoughts of Carly Oishi and Jon Monteverde a.k.a. XYZR_KX.

Carly works with Jon as a singer. Together, they have performed live concerts and have composed good music. She was very down to earth and delightful to talk to. A comfortable interviewee helps to bring up questions that may be difficult to ask other artists.

She talked about the issues that arise from Asian American politics and how it can be overwhelming. This came from one observation that I pointed out while seeing her live at Gunther Murphy's. Her audience was very diverse and wide in range, as far as age and race was concerned. It was different to the other events I've attended as they were more or less 95% Asian American audience to Asian American performer.

In the same regard, but seperate interview, Jon also touched on the same thought of politics. He extrapolated on the thought by stating that it's important to acknowledge one's heritage and racial affairs, however, in order to understand it better one needs to explore other racial cultures. Good point!

Continuing with Carly, we also talked about the Asian American female. The obvious stereotype of excessive sexuality was brought up. She additionally went into detail on how interracial relationships can throw a whole new dynamic for ignorant people to assume. Something funny that she pointed out was the "offering of food" in households. Use to Asian customs to always offer food to guests, she was confused when there was a lack of offer at her boyfriend's home (who is Caucasian). It's all a matter of differences in culture and households...isn't that what we're learning here?

Monteverde was also a relaxing interview as we conducted it outdoors. One of the earlier questions I asked was musical influence. Since Jon has been more involved with electronica/rock music, he went through his multiple phases of who he listened to. A wide range to help develop his own sound, I ask this question to artists to see how they evolve music they know into "Asian American music."

Thank you to Carly, Jon, and Tatsu. Everyone was very accomodating and a joy to interview. I appreciate all your feedback and look forward to seeing you again...

NETWORKING:

"That Asian Thing" has met so many Asian American artists and has found so many resources on the web that it would only be right to acknowledge them. So please check "That Asian Thing" Linx as often as you check this blogsite to see how there are so many Asian Americans making differences.

Also, if you haven't noticed - this blogsite is now the "News" section of the main "Asian Thing" homepage - http://www.thatasianthing.com . SPREAD THE WORD!!