Oakland's KBox, the area's first Asian karaoke spot, closes permanently.

Signage has gone up on the door of KBox, the area's first Asian karoke spot, announcing its permanent closure. Ownership posted on social media on May 3 that it would close soon after plans to redevelop the S. Craig St. spot had moved forward.


KBox opened September 16, 2012 in Oakland, hoping to appeal to the Asian students and KTV enthusiasts at Pitt and Carnegie Mellon. It was the first dedicated Asian singing room business in the area, where previously the only option was to rent a private room in a restaurant. The buliding was long in disrepair, though, and not only did it always appear closed from the outside, but the developer stated during the June Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting that it had been vacant for several years; that is not quite true, but the state of the landscaping, steps, windows, and exteriors would give that impression. As PennsylvAsia detailed in a June 2024 post, the site has been the topic of redevelopment plans for nearly as long as KBox was open: first as the home of a new, larger Pink Box Bakery; then, as the site of a five-story apartment building; finally, as the future home of a two-story restaurant once demolition and reconstruction is complete.

2024 film Didi (弟弟) in Pittsburgh, from August 8.

The 2024 film Didi (弟弟) will play in Pittsburgh from August 8.

In 2008, during the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan performing in Pittsburgh, November 16.

The Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan will perform in Pittsburgh on November 16.

Claimed as “Asia’s leading contemporary dance theater” (The Times), Cloud Gate has set out to engage with local history, culture, and subject matter through classical, folk, and modern dance for over 50 years. Cloud Gate combines their practices in Qi Gong, martial artist, modern dance, street dance, and ballet—transforming ancient aesthetics into a thrilling celebration of motion.

Cloud Gate shares 13 Tongues by artistic director CHENG Tsung-lung, a work based on Bangka/Wanhua, the oldest district of Taipei, and legendary 1960s street artist “Thirteen Tongues”. Through imagination and storytelling recalling childhood memories and visual art, 13 Tongues evokes centuries of human endeavor, behavior, and belief.

The performance will be held at the Byham Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map). Group tickets are available for purchase now, but individual tickets will go on sale August 16.

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka in Pittsburgh, November 2.

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka will perform in Pittsburgh on November 2.

Atsuko is growner than ever, having figured everything out from doing laundry to charcuterie platters to her relationship with her father. No notes or tweaks needed, she's a perfect human!!

ATSUKO OKATSUKA is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer based in LA. Atsuko was born in Taiwan and spent her childhood in Japan. Her debut standup special, THE INTRUDER – directed by Tig Notaro premiered on HBO, December 2022 and was named the "Best Debut Special of 2022" by the New York Times and one of the "Best Specials of 2022" by Vulture and Variety. She won the 2023 Gracie Award for "Best Special" and Atsuko was nominated for "Best Comedian" by the Wowie Awards. She was named one of Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch for 2022, and when she made her late-night stand-up debut on THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH JAMES CORDEN, Vulture proclaimed she “won late-night.” She has performed to sold-out crowds all over North America on her 2023 theater tour, FULL GROWN, which she will be taking to Europe, Asia and Australia/NZ in 2024.

Atsuko is currently developing a half hour comedy series based on her life with FX. Her on-screen credits include HISTORY OF THE WORLD PT. II (Hulu), ROOM 104 (HBO), and THE SHOW NEXT DOOR WITH RANDALL PARK (ROKU+). Atsuko was recently featured on THIS AMERICAN LIFE with Ira Glass and told the story of how she got to the USA. She was raised by her grandmother, and they created the #DropChallenge together which has amassed more than 10 million views. Her unique upbringing brings an artfully-offbeat resilient persona which is perfectly embodied in her blunt bangs and bowl cut.

The performance is at the Byham Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map) and tickets for the 7:00 pm show are available online.

Sushi Atarashi, Wushiland Boba to open in East End's Meridian development next spring.

Sushi Atarashi, a small chain of sushi restaurants in Pittsburgh, and national bubble tea chain Wushiland Boba are confirmed as tenants for the East End Meridian development in Shadyside set to open next spring, according to restaurant ownership and a June 25 Pittsburgh Business Times article.

Sushi Atarashi is the rebranded outcome of Sushi Fuku, as the two split back in 2015 with the S. Craig St. location in Oakland retaining the original name. Sushi Atarashi---atarashi means "new" in Japanese---has several locations around the Pittsburgh area in addition to the original Oakland Avenue location, and is aiming to open a revolving sushi restaurant in Robinson later this summer. Restaurant ownership confirms revolving sushi will be part of this new Meridian location as well. Wushiland Boba is a growing chain that opened its first Pittsburgh location in January. Sushi Atarashi and Wushiland Boba will join Market District, Shake Shack, and Barnes & Noble at The Meridian, which is replacing a small strip mall in Shadyside.

Taiwanese bubble tea chain Gong cha's first Pittsburgh location to open June 15.

Pittsburgh's first Gong cha is set to open on the South Side on June 15. It will be located at 1303 E. Carson St. (map). Its official site tells the story of the chain, which has locations around the world:

Founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Gong Cha, which translates to “tribute tea for the emperor” opened its doors to the bubble tea market. Gong cha’s success in Taiwan launched our stores all over the globe with customers loving our premium quality tea, products & services:

• Fresh Tea brewed throughout the day 
• Pearls (bubbles) freshly prepared to perfection continuously through the day 
• Tea sourced from the finest tea estates in Taiwan 
• Strict quality controls for all ingredients 

Gong cha is known across the world for its signature Milk Foam. Its creamy, sweet and savory flavor balance and whipped texture make it the perfect complement to our freshly brewed teas. Our delicious milk foam is hand-crafted for each customer and made from the freshest milk and highest quality, signature ingredients.

There are obviously dozens upon dozens of bubble tea places around Pittsburgh, but recently these have started to include national and international chains like Tsaocaa, Wushiland, Tiger Sugar, Chatime (since rebranded), and now Gong cha.

Taiwanese bubble tea chain Gong cha coming soon to Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh's first Gong cha is coming soon to the South Side. It will be located at 1303 E. Carson St. (map). Its official site tells the story of the chain, which has locations around the world:

Founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Gong Cha, which translates to “tribute tea for the emperor” opened its doors to the bubble tea market.

Gong cha’s success in Taiwan launched our stores all over the globe with customers loving our premium quality tea, products & services:

• Fresh Tea brewed throughout the day
• Pearls (bubbles) freshly prepared to perfection continuously through the day
• Tea sourced from the finest tea estates in Taiwan
• Strict quality controls for all ingredients

Gong cha is known across the world for its signature Milk Foam. Its creamy, sweet and savory flavor balance and whipped texture make it the perfect complement to our freshly brewed teas. Our delicious milk foam is hand-crafted for each customer and made from the freshest milk and highest quality, signature ingredients.

There are obviously dozens upon dozens of bubble tea places around Pittsburgh, but recently these have started to include national and international chains like Tsaocaa, Wushiland, Tiger Sugar, Chatime (since rebranded), and now Gong cha.

Asian Festival Night, May 19 at Carnegie Mellon.

The Organization of Chinese Americans and Win-Win Kung Fu Cultural Center will present Asian Festival Night on May 19.

OCA Pittsburgh and Win Win Kung Fu invite you to Asian Festival Night on May 19th, 4-6pm at:

CMU McConomy Auditorium

Jared L. Cohon University Center

5032 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Enjoy cultural performances from Asian American groups in our community: OCA Performance Ensemble, Win Win Kung Fu, BCAP, FAAP, Geeta Tahiliani-Bolly Rangeela, PAPAGP, Pittsburgh Taiko, Silk Elephant, Zang Taekwondo. Sponsored by CMU Chinese Studies Program, Dept of LCAL.

Tickets are $5 flat rate

Join us in three week to spend the Asian Festival Night!!!

It runs from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at McConomy Auditorium in the second floor of the Jared L. Cohon University Center on the Carnegie Mellon University campus (map).  

Impression of Taiwan: TenDrum Art Percussion 十鼓擊樂團, May 22, part of Pittsburgh Taiwan Night.

The Pittsburgh Taiwanese Association will bring Impression of Taiwan: TenDrum Art Percussion 十鼓擊樂團 to Pittsburgh for Pittsburgh Taiwan Night on May 22, part of 2024 Taiwanese American Heritage Week. The evening consists of opening remarks, an awards ceremony, a performance by local musicians, and a musical event by TenDrum Art Percussion 十鼓擊樂團. The evening starts at 6:30 pm at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center in the North Hills (map). Tickets are available online.

Advocacy through MUSIC - An introduction to those Taiwanese pioneers, May 4 in Squirrel Hill

Cafe Philo will host Justin Lin and his talk "Advocacy through MUSIC - An introduction to those Taiwanese pioneers" on May 4.

Advocacy through MUSIC - An introduction to those honorary Taiwanese pioneers

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are excited to introduce audiences to the wide range of sounds and genres the independent and underground Taiwanese music scene has to offer. This event is more than just a musical showcase; it's a platform for pioneering artists who are using their voices to push for social change. Covering a broad spectrum of topics from politics and queer rights to indigenous culture and beyond, these musicians exemplify the power of music as a tool for advocacy and transformation. This event aims to enrich our understanding of the diverse and dynamic narratives that shape our world. Join us as we explore the rich musical landscapes and the compelling stories they tell, celebrating the spirit of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month through the universal language of music.

Come join us at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Squirrel Hill (Meeting Room B) for a special event celebrating the incredible impact of Taiwanese pioneers through music. Don't miss this unique opportunity to honor these remarkable individuals and be inspired by their stories. See you there!

The event runs from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Squirrel Hill, and free tickets are available online.

Revolving sushi planned for renovated Sushi Atarashi in Robinson, July 2024.

Sushi Atarashi has announced that its Robinson location will get a makeover to include a revolving sushi bar. The location temporarily closed in mid-March and aims to reopen in July. Sushi Atarashi is a small local chain of build-your-own sushi roll restaurants, formerly known as Sushi Fuku, with several locations in the area.

Signage up at Pittsburgh's first Tiger Sugar, Mango Mango locations.

Signage has recently gone up at Pittsburgh's first Tiger Sugar and Mango Mango locations, which will be sharing a storefront in Squirrel Hill. The two dessert chains have been working on the spot that was most recently a beer distributor at 5847-5849 Forbes Ave. (map) since May 2023.

816 《BIG》 Movie Screening + Director's Talk 電影放映會+魏德聖導演座談會, March 31.

The Pittsburgh Taiwanese association will present 816 《BIG》 Movie Screening + Director's Talk 電影放映會+魏德聖導演座談會 on March 31 at Carnegie Mellon University.

Join Pittsburgh Taiwanese Association for this special film screening, featuring an in-person Q&A with Director Wei Te-Sheng!

Doors open at 9:00 and the movie starts at 9:30 am in the McConomy Auditorium in the Jared L. Cohon University Center. Tickets are available online.

Screening of Untold Herstory (流麻溝十五號), in Mandarin with English subtitles, in Lawrenceville on March 2.

The Pittsburgh chapter of Cafe Philo will present a screening of the 2022 film Untold Herstory (流麻溝十五號) on March 2.

Cafe Philo Pittsburgh invites you to watch the movie . Join us on a journey through transitional justice and the ongoing struggle to defend democracy and freedom. unveiled narratives that were intentionally omitted from historical accounts, shedding light on a herstory left unspoken under a dictatorship.

. . .

在228事件的77年後，臺灣解嚴後的第37年，匹茲堡哲學星期五想邀請大家一起來反思、認識當年的沒能開口的故事 —「流麻溝十五號」；其實，我們距離那個年代並沒有那麼遙遠。

The screening and discussions will be in Mandarin, though the movie has English subtitles, and the event runs from 1:30 to 4:00 pm at the Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville. Registration can be made online.

Chinese & English Storytime, at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, March 9.

The next Chinese & English Storytime at Cooper-Siegel Community Library is March 9, from 10:30 to 11:30 am.

Explore the Chinese language through bilingual songs, books, and playful experiences. This program is designed for kids in grades preschool - 2nd grade with their caregivers. 

Registration is required and can be completed online. There is a Chinese & English Storytime scheduled for April 3 and May 11 as well. The Cooper-Siegel Community Library is located at 403 Fox Chapel Rd. (map).

Screening of Untold Herstory (流麻溝十五號) in Lawrenceville with Cafe Philo, March 2.

Cafe Philo will present a screening of the 2022 film Untold Herstory (流麻溝十五號) on March 2.

在228事件的77年後，臺灣解嚴後的第37年，匹茲堡哲學星期五想邀請大家一起來反思、認識當年的沒能開口的故事 —「流麻溝十五號」；其實，我們距離那個年代並沒有那麼遙遠。

The screening and discussions will be in Mandarin, though the movie has English subtitles, and the event runs from 1:30 to 4:00 pm at the Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville. Registration can be made online.

Lunar New Year Celebration for Children, February 10 at Monroeville Public Library.

The Monroeville Public Library will host a Lunar New Year Celebration on February 10.

A new year does not start for all people around the world at the same time. Learn about Lunar New Year with stories, games, crafts, and activities. No registration is needed for this free event.

The free event runs from 10:30 to 11:30, and no registration is required. The Monroeville Public Library is located at 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd. (map).

No parade this year, but Squirrel Hill Lunar New Year event planned for February 24.

The Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition will be hosting a Lunar New Year event on February 24, featuring a Lion Dance at 2:30 pm at the Post Office parklet.

Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition and Uncover Squirrel Hill will be celebrating the Year of the Dragon, year 4721, at the Post Office Parklet! After the Dragon Enters the Gate at 2:30, the lion will visit local businesses to exchange Hong Bao (red envelope). It will be an afternoon of prosperity and good fortune! We hope to see you there.

There will be no parade up Murray Ave. this year, but organizers hope for a return in 2025.

Chinese & English Storytime, at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, February 10.

The next Chinese & English Storytime at Cooper-Siegel Community Library is February 10.

Explore the Chinese language through bilingual songs, books, and playful experiences. This program is designed for kids in grades preschool - 2nd grade with their caregivers. 

Registration is required and can be completed online. There is a Chinese & English Storytime scheduled for March 9, April 3, and May 11 as well. The Cooper-Siegel Community Library is located at 403 Fox Chapel Rd. (map).