Tuesday, January 31, 2023

2023 Chinese film The Wandering Earth 2 (流浪地球2) continues in Pittsburgh through February 8.


The 2023 Chinese film The Wandering Earth 2 (流浪地球2), which opened in Pittsburgh on January 25, will remain here through (at least) February 8. A synopsis, from the distributor:
The much-anticipated prequel to 2019 sci-fi blockbuster THE WANDERING EARTH—the #5 highest-grossing non-English film of all-time—lands in North American theaters just in time for Chinese New Year.

In the near future, after learning that the sun is rapidly burning out and will obliterate Earth in the process, humans build enormous engines to propel the planet to a new solar system, far out of reach of the sun’s fiery flares. However, the journey out into the universe is perilous, and humankind’s last shot at survival will depend on a group of young people brave enough to step up and execute a dangerous, life-or-death operation to save the earth.
The movie was the highest-grossing film in China during the Lunar New Year holiday this month. It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online.

Monday, January 30, 2023

Bad Activist: Story, Song, and Spectacle with the "Vietnamese Lady Gaga" at Pittsburgh Humanities Festival, March 25.


The Pittsburgh Humanities Festival announced its line-up today and will feature "Bad Activist: Story, Song, and Spectacle with the 'Vietnamese Lady Gaga'" on March 25.
Bad Activist is a multimedia musical performance dramatizing the true story of singer-songwriter/activist Mai Khoi (dubbed “the Vietnamese Lady Gaga”) and her journey from pop stardom to purpose. Performed by Khoi herself, it incorporates storytelling, live video, archival footage, and original animation in a bold evocation of her past, present and future hopes.

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Work progresses on new Many More Asian Market location in Strip District.


Work continues on the new location for Many More Asian Market at 2767 Liberty Ave (map), into first-floor warehouse space measuring over 24,000 square feet. It was announced last fall that it will move to a new location a few blocks southwest from its current spot at 3050 Smallman St. near the border of Lawrenceville and the Strip District (map). The store says the plan to open at the new location in the summer, and information about the project is available from the City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning, where the floroplan and lot design plans are detailed.
The proposed floorplan of the new site is below. The entrance and exit will be on 28th street. The lot will also feature on-site automobile and bicycle parking:

Many More Asian Market opened in October 2013. It will be one of several Asian groceries to move to bigger spaces lately: Oriental Market in the North Hills moved to a larger space on McKnight Road in March 2021, and Panda Supermarket in Squirrel Hill moved a few storefronts down to a two-story space in September 2021.

Win-Win Kung Fu Culture Center 2023 Summer Intensive Program for kids' fitness, culture, and language training, now accepting applications; $30 discount with registration by May 31.

Win-Win Kung Fu Culture Center in Squirrel Hill is now accepting registration for its 2023 Summer Intensive Program, with a $30 discount on weekly tuition for registrations made by May 31.

Benefits of Win-Win Kung Fu Summer Intensive Program


Major


  • Learn Kung Fu, free style Chinese kickboxing (sanda) and other forms of Chinese martial arts and Chinese language daily, with strong emphasis on the basics.

  • Focus greatly on exercise and conditioning and gain skills needed for other sports and activities as well.

  • Improve your concentration and focus with authentic Chinese martial arts training.

  • Boot camp for beginners

  • Intensive training for intermediate and advanced Wushu as well as a boot camp for beginners.

The 98 Contemporary Thai Cuisine soft opening today, January 29.


The 98 Contemporary Thai Cuisine is holding its soft open today in Fox Chapel. Run by the owner of Took Took 98 in Squirrel Hill, it's located at 1034 Freeport Rd. (map), until recently home of one of three Thai Place locations around the city. Banners went up for the restaurant in September.

Friday, January 27, 2023

2022 documentary Free Chol Soo Lee, followed by virtual discussion with directors, February 9.


The 2022 documentary Free Chol Soo Lee will play in Pittsburgh on February 9.
FREE CHOL SOO LEE tells the story of a Korean American death row inmate convicted of a 1973 Chinatown gangland murder in San Francisco, and the activists who led a pan-Asian American movement to free him. Spanning the late 1970s to the early ’80s, this movement would for the first time bring together young, third-generation Asian American activists, many of them politically radical, with older, conservative Korean immigrants. Their unlikely victory, with Lee walking into freedom in 1983 after 10 years in prison, would inspire many young supporters to pursue careers dedicated to social justice. The screening will be followed by a (virtual) discussion with directors Julie Ha and Eugene Yi and an in-person discussion with 1Hood Media.
It played here last August, and returns now at the Harris Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map). Tickets are available online.

Pirates welcome new pitching prospect Shim Jun-seok (심준석) to Pittsburgh.


18-year-old pitching prospect Shim Jun-seok (심준석), who the Pirates signed earlier this month out of Duk-soo High School, arrived in Pittsburgh for a introductory press conference and photoshoot yesterday.

Thursday, January 26, 2023

2022 Japanese animated movie Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night (劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン -プログレッシブ- 冥き夕闇のスケルツォ) in Pittsburgh from February 3.


The 2022 Japanese animated movie Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night (劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン -プログレッシブ- 冥き夕闇のスケルツォ) will play in Pittsburgh from February 3. A synopsis, from the distributor, on the next film installment in the series based on a manga:
This may be a game, but it’s not something you play. The world’s first VRMMORPG (Sword Art Online) became a game of death. Over a month has passed since 10,000 users were trapped inside the game world. Asuna, who cleared the first floor of the floating iron castle of Aincrad, joined up with Kirito and continued her journey to reach the top floor. With the support of female Information Broker Argo, clearing the floors seemed to be progressing smoothly, but… Conflict erupts between two major guilds who should be working together – the top player groups ALS (the Aincrad Liberation Squad) and DKB (the Dragon Knights Brigade). And meanwhile, behind the scenes exists a mysterious figure pulling the strings…. In a dangerous battle of death, there is an assault that differs from the threat, and it will involve Asuna and Kirito…!
It plays locally on February 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 at the Cinemark theaters in McCandless and Monroeville and tickets are available online.

Alash Ensemble Tuvan Throat Singers in Shadyside, February 3.


The Alash Ensemble Tuvan Throat Singers will perform in Pittsburgh again on February 3.
Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. What distinguishes this gifted trio from earlier generations of Tuvan throat singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences into their traditional music. One can find complex harmonies, western instruments, and contemporary song forms in Alash’s music, but its overall sound and spirit remain decidedly Tuvan.
The performance will be at First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh in Shadyside (map) from 7:30 pm (doors open at 7). Tickets are available at the door for $30 or for $25 in advance at Jerry's Records in Squirrel Hill or Government Center Records on the North Side. (The ensemble's official site points to an online ticket seller, but the poster says they are no longer using Brown Paper Tickets.)

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Everything Everywhere All at Once back in Pittsburgh-area theaters, from January 27.


The 2022 Daniel Kwan movie Everything Everywhere All at Once, nominated for 11 Oscars this year, will return to Pittsburgh-area theaters from January 27.
Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as Daniels, the film is a hilarious and big-hearted sci-fi action adventure about an exhausted Chinese American woman (Michelle Yeoh) who can't seem to finish her taxes.
It will play locally at the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monaca, Monroeville, and Robinson, and the Chartiers Valley Luxury 14, and tickets are available online.

2023 Chinese film The Wandering Earth 2 (流浪地球2) in Pittsburgh, from January 25.


The 2023 Chinese film The Wandering Earth 2 (流浪地球2) plays in Pittsburgh from January 25. A synopsis, from the distributor:
The much-anticipated prequel to 2019 sci-fi blockbuster THE WANDERING EARTH—the #5 highest-grossing non-English film of all-time—lands in North American theaters just in time for Chinese New Year.

In the near future, after learning that the sun is rapidly burning out and will obliterate Earth in the process, humans build enormous engines to propel the planet to a new solar system, far out of reach of the sun’s fiery flares. However, the journey out into the universe is perilous, and humankind’s last shot at survival will depend on a group of young people brave enough to step up and execute a dangerous, life-or-death operation to save the earth.
The movie was the highest-grossing film in China during the Lunar New Year holiday this month. It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark in Monroeville, and tickets are available online.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

$10 tickets for U Had To Be There: KPOP NIGHT at Roxian Theatre January 27 with promo code "pennsylvasia."


U Had To Be There, a national pop-up party organizer, will present Kpop Night at Roxian Theater on January 27. The all-ages show starts at 7:00 pm and tickets are available online for $10 by using promo code "pennsylvasia." The Roxian Theatre is located at 425 Chartiers Ave. in McKees Rocks (map).

Japanese animated movie That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond (転生したらスライムだった件 紅蓮の絆編) remains in Pittsburgh through February 1.


The Japanese animated movie That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond (転生したらスライムだった件 紅蓮の絆編), which opened in Pittsburgh on January 19, will stay here through (at least) February 1.
A long-running conspiracy is swirling over a mysterious power wielded by the Queen in Raja, a small country west of Tempest. When a slime who evolved into a Demon Lord named Rimuru Tempest crosses paths with Hiiro, a survivor of the Ogre race, an incredible adventure packed with new characters begins. The power of bonds will be put to the test!
It will play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monaca, Monroeville, and Robinson. Tickets are available online; please note, some shows are dubbed in English while others are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Concert film BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas in Pittsburgh, from February 1.


The concert film BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas will play in Pittsburgh theaters from February 1 through 5.
Join RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook in this special cinematic cut, re-edited and remixed for the big screen. Watch new close-up angles and a whole new view of the entire concert, BTS Yet To Come in Busan.
It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville, North Hills, and Robinson. Tickets are available online.

Sunday, January 22, 2023

1952 Japanese film Ikiru (生きる) in Pittsburgh, February 4 and 5.


The 1952 Akira Kurosawa film Ikiru (生きる) will play in Pittsburgh on February 4 and 5.
In conjunction with the opening of the new remake, LIVING (opening at the Harris on Jan 27), we are pleased to present a big screen showing of the legendary Akira Kurosawa original. Considered by some to be Kurosawa’s greatest achievement, IKIRU presents the director at his most compassionate — affirming life through an exploration of a man’s death. Takashi Shimura portrays Kanji Watanabe, an aging bureaucrat whose diagnosis with a fatal illness forces him to strip the veneer off his existence and find meaning in his final days. Told in two parts, Ikiru offers Watanabe’s quest in the present, and then through a series of flashbacks. The result is a multifaceted look at a life through a prism of perspectives, resulting in a full portrait of a man who lacked understanding from others while alive.
It plays at the Harris Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map) and tickets are available online.

Friday, January 20, 2023

Dr. Tea, from the Mt. Everest Sushi owners, now open in Shadyside.

via Dr Tea 

A new tea place, Dr. Tea, opened in Shadyside on January 15. It specializes in milk teas, fruit teas, and lattes, and is from the team behind Oakland's Mt. Everest Sushi, according to the county's restaurant inspection records. It's located at 736 Bellefonte St. (map), above The Yard.

Year of the Rabbit Lunar New Year Celebration and AAPI Art Show, February 3 - 19 at Radiant Hall in McKees Rocks.


JADED will present its Year of the Rabbit Lunar New Year Celebration and AAPI Art Show at Radiant Hall in McKees Rocks (map), starting with an opening reception on February 3 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm and running through the 19th.
🐉 JADED PGH @jadedpgh invites Pittsburgh-area AAPI artists to submit art for the Year of the Rabbit🐰 Lunar New Year Celebratory Art Show. 🔥

🐰🌕🥣In East Asian folklore, the rabbit/hare is deeply connected with the moon deity, pounding out the elixir of life, immortality, and in some areas, mochi, from its mortar and pestle. We are excited for the year of the Water Rabbit, a new year of drawing closer to community. 💖 🙌🏾🐇

👉🏾 Visual, written, audiovisual, spoken word, and performance work must be ready to hang, display, or perform. 🖊️ Submit your name, artist statement, image of work, title of work, date, medium, dimensions, discription, and price to jadedpgh@gmail.com by JAN 28. 👈🏾
Submitting multiple works is encouraged.

YEAR OF THE RABBIT 🐰 LUNAR NEW YEAR 🧧🌕 & AAPI ART SHOW

✨ RADIANT HALL STUDIOS ✨ @radianthall MCKEES ROCKS
FEB 3-19

✨ OPENING RECEPTION ✨
& EVENING OF APPI PERFORMANCES, SPOKEN WORD, & OPEN MIC 🎤
FRI FEB 3, 7-10 PM

"Exploring Media Ecosystems and Participatory Culture in Contemporary Japan," January 24 at Pitt.


The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will present Dr. Keisuke Yamada and his talk "Exploring Media Ecosystems and Participatory Culture in Contemporary Japan' on January 24, the first installment of this semester's Asia Pop Lecture Series: Fan Cultures. It will be held from 6:00 pm in 5201 Posvar Hall (map), and is free and open to the public.

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Japanese puppet performance AKUTAGAWA in Pittsburgh, February 5; puppeteer panel discussion on February 7.


Pittsburgh CAPA will host two performances of AKUTAGAWA on February 5, followed by a puppeteer panel discussion on February 7. A synopsis of the performance, from the Japan America Society of Pennsylvania:
AKUTAGAWA is a stage portrait of Ryunosuke Akutagawa, father of the modern Japanese short novel and author of In a Grove, the basis of Akira Kurosawa’s landmark 1950 film Rashomon. Told through the traditional puppetry style kuruma ningyo blended with dynamic video images, AKUTAGAWA is an amalgam of five of his famous short stories—including Rashomon, Hell Screen (Jigokuhen), The Dragon, Toshishun and Kappa. The show explores the author’s artistic insight and fragile emotional state. This production is made through an international collaboration between puppeteers Koryu Nishikawa V (Tokyo) and Tom Lee (Chicago), with live music by Yukio Tsuji (New York).

AKUTAGAWA is supported by Arts Council Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture) and The Osaka Community Foundation / anonymous fund No.22.
Tickets are available online at $28 for the general public and $18 for students or those under 18. The JASP says of the puppeteer panel discussion on the 7th:
Koryu Nishikawa V and Tom Lee will join Pittsburgh-based puppeteer David English in a panel discussing how puppetry can be a vehicle to express art and literature, as well as the cultural differences in the medium.

Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts is located at 111 9th Street downtown (map).

An Evening with Brenda Song, January 26 at Pitt.


The Pitt Program Council and Asian Student Alliance will present "An Evening with Brenda Song" on January 26. The event is free and open to the University of Pittsburgh undergraduate community, while tickets last:
Join Pitt Program Council and Asian Student Alliance in celebrating AAPI month with “An Evening with Brenda Song” on Thursday, January 26th at 8:30 pm in the Assembly Room of the William Pitt Union! The event will last one hour and will include a 45-minute moderated Q&A followed by 15 minutes for audience questions.

Tickets are free and can be picked up in the Pitt Program Council office (WPU Room M-30) starting on Friday, January 13th at 8:30 AM while supplies last. You are able to pick up 2 tickets but both you and the person you get a ticket for will have to present your Pitt IDs at the door on the night of the event.

All Pitt Program Council events are open to all undergraduate Pitt students with a valid (Oakland) Student ID. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Pitt Program Council at ppc@pitt.edu or by phone at 412-648-7900 for proper accommodations.

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

New Hong Kong movie A Guilty Conscience (毒舌大狀) in Pittsburgh, from January 20.


The new Hong Kong movie A Guilty Conscience (毒舌大狀) will play in Pittsburgh from January 20. A synopsis, from the distributor:
A scandal breaks out when it is revealed that a famous supermodel might be abusing her daughter. As the rich and famous rush to take sides, the legal field does the same. Though a few prominent judges and lawyers want to give the young daughter justice, the cover-up being done by the supermodel and her connections makes it nearly impossible.

Starring 黃子華 Dayo Wong, 謝君豪 Tse Kwan Ho, 王丹妮 Louise Wong, 廖子妤 Fish Liew, 王敏德 Michael Wong, 何啟華 Dee Gor Ho, 楊偲泳 Renci Yeung, 栢天男 Adam Pak
It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online.

2022 Korean film Broker (브로커), starring Song Kang-ho, remains in Pittsburgh through January 26.


The 2022 Korean film Broker (브로커), which opened in Pittsburgh on January 12, will remain here through at least January 26. A synopsis, from Han Cinema:
A film about people who have become involved around 'the Baby Box' which is designed to allow people who cannot raise children to leave their babies anonymously.
Broker was the 18th highest-grossing film in Korea last year, 10th among domestic films there. It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront through the 19th and at the Squirrel Hill Manor through the 26th.

Monday, January 16, 2023

Pittsburgh Taiko Beginner Class four-week session, Sundays starting February 12.


Pittsburgh Taiko will start its next series of Beginner Classes on February 12. From the Japan America Society of Pennsylvania:
On Sundays starting February 12, Pittsburgh Taiko will hold a four-week introductory class for people who are interested in joining our performing group or anyone who wants to just give taiko a try. No experience necessary!

Taiko combines energetic hits with calm focus, balances group unity with individual expression, and requires both power and subtlety.

For more information, see www.pittsburghtaiko.org/classes.

Proof of full vaccination is required, and masks must be worn in the building, including during class.

Please note that the studio is only accessible by stairs.
The cost is $30 for JASP members and high school or college students, and $40 for the rest of the community. Classes are held at 2 N. Balph Ave. in Bellevue (map). Those interested can contact Pittsburgh Taiko via the form here.

Removing the Thorns of Human Suffering with Hiromi Itō & Jeffrey Angles, February 26 at City of Asylum.


The City of Asylum wlll host "Removing the Thorns of Human Suffering with Hiromi Itō & Jeffrey Angles" on February 26.
Co-Presented by the University of Pittsburgh Department of East Asian Languages & Literatures and MONKEY x Stone Bridge Press, award-winning author Hiromi Itō and esteemed translator Jeffrey Angles present a reading of The Thorn Puller, Hiromi’s first novel to appear in English. The semi-autobiographical and incomparable novel explores the absurdities, complexities, and challenges experienced by a woman caring for her two families: her husband and daughters in California and her aging parents in Japan. As Hiromi shuttles back and forth between these two starkly different cultures, she creates a powerful and entertaining narrative about what it means to live and die in a globalized society. She channels a myriad of voices drawn from Japanese folklore, poetry, literature, and pop culture, the result of which is a generic chimera—part poetry, part prose, part epic. As her world delves into waves of chaos coming from seemingly every direction, Hiromi relies on sardonic humor and Buddhist bodhisattva Jizo, a being believed to remove the thorns of human suffering, to ease her anguish. The Thorn Puller is a darkly humorous novel with observations on life, death, and the in-between that make for a fearless look at what every adult in every country must face: growing older as their loved ones do too.

You can purchase your own copy of Hiromi’s book, The Thorn Puller, at City of Asylum Bookstore.

It runs from 3:00 to 4:30 pm both in person and online; it's free but tickets are required. The in-person discussion will be held at Alphabet City on the North Side (map).

New Pirates signee Shim Jun-seok to be at PNC Park on the 26th for introductory meeting.

from @Pirates 

Shim Jun-seok (심준석), an 18-year-old Korean pitching prospect signed by the Pirates on January 15th, will make his way to Pittsburgh on the 24th and will has a formal introduction to the team on the 26th, according to SBS.
심준석은 오는 24일 미국으로 출국해, 현지 시간으로 26일 미국 펜실베이니아주 피츠버그 PNC 파크에서 열리는 입단식에 참석합니다.
Shim pitches for Duk-soo High School (덕수고교) in Seoul, and has drawn comparisons to fellow Korean (and forer Pirate) Chan-ho Park.

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Pittsburgh Pirates sign top Korean pitching prospect Shim Jun-seok.


The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed 18-year-old pitcher Shim Jun-seok (심준석), considered among the best prospects in baseball and the top Korean prospect, according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.
Shim, South Korea's top prospect, throws a fastball that tops out at 100 mph and consistently sits in the 94-96 range. He features a true 12-6 curveball and shows good command of all of his pitches. What’s more, the big and strong-bodied Shim has been praised for his clean arm action and his athleticism.

It’s also worth noting that his slider and changeup are also emerging and could eventually develop into plus pitches in the future. He’s been compared to a young Chan Ho Park since his early teens because of his poise, makeup and fastball.
Chan-ho Park also pitched for Pittsburgh at the end of his career. The Pirates have had Korean prospects in their system since the 1990s, but it's only been recently that they've made an effort to scout and sign top prospects from the KBO, and from East Asia in general.

Dancing Peacock: An Asian Dance Performance by Yanlai Dance Academy, February 25.


Yanlai Dance Academy will present "Dancing Peacock: An Asian Dance Performance" on February 25.
Yanlai Dance Academy presents Dancing Peacock, an Asian dance performance. Dancing Peacock is Yanlai Dance Academy’s annual recital, featuring performances in styles and costumes from the mountain regions of Tibet, to the Dai minority group, and to the ancient caves of Dunhuang.

Yanlai Dance Academy is Pittsburgh’s leading dance studio in the art of Chinese dance. Founded in 2004 by Yanlai Wu, a graduate of Bejing Dance, Yanlai Dance Academy is the only studio in Pittsburgh that teaches Chinese dance. The studio also offers ballet, modern, K-Pop, and Pilates from ages 4 to adult.
The performance runs from 7:00 t0 10:00 pm and at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in downtown's Cultural District (map). Tickets are available online and range from $25 to $50.

Friday, January 13, 2023

"Intensional Particle and Mold 1 Installation," video installation by Hiroaki Umeda, through March 19 at Wood Street Galleries.


The work of Japanese artist and dancer Hiroaki Umeda will remain in Pittsburgh with his "Intensional Particle and Mold 1 Installation," a video installation on display at the Wood Street Galleries downtown through March 19.
In Intensional Particle Installation (Adapted Version), Umeda reinterprets particles in space as not static molecules but rather as 'active particles (or, mass points)'; and, visualizes, in space, the 'intensional force' that particles conceal.

Asia Pop Lecture Series: Fan Cultures, with Pitt this spring (starting January 24).


The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will present a series of lectures on fan cultures, "Asia Pop Lecture Series: Fan Cultures," this spring.
Want to learn about fan cultures of East Asia? Interested in the online culture of k-pop fans? What is Otaku and how does it help define Japanese fandom? This semester's lecture series will explore the fan cultures of East Asia and their influence on contemporary fan cultures across the world.
The schedule; the first three talks will be held in 5201 Posvar Hall (map), while details for the fourth have not been announced: 
  • January 24 6:00 pm - Dr. Keisuke Yamada, University of Pittsburgh, virtual vocaloid culture. 
  • February 21, 6:00 pm - Dr. Patrick Galbraith, Senshu University, Otaku fandoms. 
  • March 28, 6:00 pm - Dr. Jade Kim, Texas A&M International University, K-Pop online fan culture 
  • April 4, 6:00 pm - Dr. Lu Chen, Guangzhou University, discuss traditional fandoms.

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Moon Rabbit Rave, Lunar New Year Bash, from JADED on January 21.


JADED, Pittsburgh’s first Asian American & Pacific Island (AAPI) artist collective, in collaboration with Stephanie Tsong will host Moon Rabbit Rave on January 21. This Lunar New Year's Bash at Cobra Lounge will feature local AAPI DJs, singers, artists, and more.
You all asked and so here we are throwing another JADED X FORMOSA party. Come dance the night away into the Lunar New Year with our amazing line up of ALL NEW AAPI heritage performers, dancers, and DJs!

Our Moon Rabbit Rave is inspired by the 2023 Lunar New Year Zodiac Element of the Water Rabbit. Based on cycles of the Moon, the lunar calendar starts in conjunction with the new moon. 

Every year there is a different zodiac animal sign combined with one of the five elements (metal, water, fire, wood, and earth) which predicts the year’s flow and rhythm. 

The rabbit in Eastern Asian cultures is a sign of longevity, peace, and prosperity. 

The water element will amplify psychic ability and negotiations in the new year.Come dress up in your best outfits to bring the best luck for the new year - rabbit themed of course and celebrate the Lunar New Year with us.

All of the money made that night will be solely going to pay all of Asian talent and creatives a competitive rate for their work!! Support AAPI ARTISTS by buying your ticket. 

🔥DJs🔥
🔥FORMOSA (PGH)
🔥Ciringe (NYC)

🐉Performers🐉
🐲 Mai Khoi 
🐲 MIMI Jong

🎐Temporary tattoos and an interactive writing station🎐
🎐 Yang Zhen Lee

💥Video Visuals💥
Caroline Yoo and the Han Diaspora Group 

Poster by Ricky Chen

Tickets are $10 prepaid in advance at $10 at the door until 11 pm, and $15 after 11. Cobra Lounge is located at 4305 Main St. in Bloomfield (map). An introduction to Jaded, which kicked off its programming last year:
Named the 2022 People of the Year by Pittsburgh City Paper, JADED is Pittsburgh’s first Asian American & Pacific Island (AAPI) artist collective. Led by women and non-binary artists, Lena Chen, Bonnie Fan, Sara Tang, Caroline Yoo, and Elina Zhang, we create spaces for AAPI representation and empowerment. From large, public celebrations to intimate AAPI-only gatherings, JADED addresses the trauma of racial violence, reveals the hidden history of AAPI migration in the region, and offers mentorship and networking opportunities for our communities. Our upcoming socially engaged art initiative, KIN, supports women and queer AAPI folks through events and workshops uplifting the work of local filmmakers, writers, artists, and activists.

Founded by Anny Chen, Lena Chen, and Caroline Yoo, JADED has been featured in the Pittsburgh City Paper, 90.5 WESA, and The Pitt News. Our work has been supported by Carnegie Museum of Art, Office for Public Art, Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) Pittsburgh, Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP) Pittsburgh, the Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry and The Opportunity Fund. JADED was awarded Pittsburgh’s People of the Year in the Visual Arts Category at the Pittsburgh City Paper in 2022.

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

2022 Japanese animated movie Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night (劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン -プログレッシブ- 冥き夕闇のスケルツォ) in Pittsburgh from February 3.


The 2022 Japanese animated movie Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night (劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン -プログレッシブ- 冥き夕闇のスケルツォ) will play in Pittsburgh from February 3. A synopsis, from the distributor, on the next film installment in the series based on a manga:
This may be a game, but it’s not something you play. The world’s first VRMMORPG (Sword Art Online) became a game of death. Over a month has passed since 10,000 users were trapped inside the game world. Asuna, who cleared the first floor of the floating iron castle of Aincrad, joined up with Kirito and continued her journey to reach the top floor. With the support of female Information Broker Argo, clearing the floors seemed to be progressing smoothly, but… Conflict erupts between two major guilds who should be working together – the top player groups ALS (the Aincrad Liberation Squad) and DKB (the Dragon Knights Brigade). And meanwhile, behind the scenes exists a mysterious figure pulling the strings…. In a dangerous battle of death, there is an assault that differs from the threat, and it will involve Asuna and Kirito…!
It plays locally on February 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 at the Cinemark theaters in McCandless and Monroeville and tickets are available online.

Cafe Filipino: Philippine Cuisine Experience, January 28


The Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh will present its first pop-up restaurant event, Cafe Filipino: Philippine Cuisine Experience, on January 28.
This is a single-seat reservation for a food event on January 28, 2023. The event is brought to you by Cafe Filipino, our initiative to feature talented cooks within our community and showcase their signature dishes. The plan is to offer this event by popular demand as a way for us to bring a consistent fine-dining Filipino food experience to Pittsburgh. This will be a periodic fundraising event to cover the operating costs of our Philippine Center and other FAAP programs
. . .
The menu will include your classic Filipino favorites, such as lumpia, pancit palabok, rellenong bangus, adobo, sapin-sapin and many more!
There are a limited number of tickets available, and the ticket price is a suggested $50 donation. It will be held at the Philippine Center of Pittsburgh in West Mifflin (map).

Pittsburgh Pirates reportedly close to signing top Korean pitching prospect Shim Jun-seok.


The Pittsburgh Pirates are close to signing 18-year-old pitcher Shim Jun-seok (심준석), considered among the best prospects in baseball and the top Korean prospect, according to ESPN KBO insider Daniel Kim. A profile, from MLB.com:
The scouts that have seen Shim pitch make a case that he is the best arm in this year’s international class.

What’s not to like?

He throws a fastball that tops out at 100 mph and consistently sits in the 94-96 range. He features a true 12-6 curveball and shows good command of all of his pitches. What’s more, the big and strong-bodied Shim has been praised for his clean arm action and his athleticism.

It’s also worth noting that his slider and changeup are also emerging and could eventually develop into plus pitches in the future. He’s been compared to a young Chan Ho Park since his early teens because of his poise, makeup and fastball.

Kim is currently eligible to sign with a Major League team but will likely wait until the start of the next international signing period in January to sign.
The international signing period starts on January 15.

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