Mai Khoi & The Dissidents in concert at Alphabet City, November 30.

via mai-khoi.com

Mai Khoi & The Dissidents will play a free concert at Alphabet City---and broadcast online---on November 30.

City of Asylum artist-in-residence Mai Khôi presents a concert of brand-new music composed in collaboration with Pittsburgh-based pianist Mark Micchelli.

Khôi founded Mai Khôi and the Dissidents in Vietnam in 2017 as a vehicle to perform her genre-busting songs protesting government censorship and police violence. The band performed secretly at underground shows in Hanoi until threats from the Vietnamese government forced the band to change their name, then ultimately dissolve. Following Khôi’s exile to the United States, she reformed the band with local Pittsburgh musicians while continuing the group’s radical mission.

The American iteration of Mai Khôi and the Dissidents is an eclectic jazz-pop quintet that’s as likely to launch into a noisy protest song or collective improvisation as a lullaby or a love ballad. They have also toured Khôi’s multimedia stage show Bad Activist at high-profile venues in Pittsburgh, New York, and Las Vegas.

The show starts at 7:00 pm at Alphabet City at 40 W. North Ave. on the North Side (map). Tickets are free but registration for the in-person and online performances is required.

Pitt's Asian Studies Center continues language partner program.

The University of Pittsburgh Asian Studies Center is continuing its language partner program for people interested in learning an Asian language or helping Asian students at Pitt meet native English speakers. From the latest newsletter:

Are you looking to practice an Asian language? Or are you a native speaker of an Asian language hoping to practice English? The Asian Studies Center can help match you with a language exchange partner! The form to sign-up can be found here. The program is open to university students and community members living in Pittsburgh. Languages represented are English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, and Vietnamese. Please email asia@pitt.edu with any questions.

"Mai Khoi: Bad Activist" at Pittsburgh Playhouse, September 15.

Mai Khoi will present "Bad Activist" at Pittsburgh Playhouse on September 15.

Mai Khoi rose to pop stardom in Vietnam, where she played arena concerts and was often compared to Lady Gaga in the international media. But when she turned her celebrity to the cause of free expression, her music was banned. She was detained, harassed, evicted from her home and eventually forced into exile. She now lives in Pittsburgh. For her courage in defending human rights, Mai Khoi has been awarded the Vaclav Havel International Prize for Creative Dissent and the Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award for Free Speech.

The Pittsburgh Playhouse, Point Park University's Center for Media Innovation and the International Free Expression Project (IFEP) are proud to present the fully realized theatrical production of "Bad Activist" — a multimedia tour de force in which Mai Khoi tells her remarkable story and performs with extraordinary musicianship.

This production is part of the Media Innovators Speaker Series, which welcomes media changemakers and leaders in the field who have made significant contributions to journalism, storytelling and free expression.

Tickets for the 7:00 pm show at PNC Theatre are available online. The theatre is located at 350 Forbes Ave. (map).

"VSA Coffeehouse with Professor Diana Khoi Nguyen," April 9 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Vietnamese Student Association will host a VSA Coffeehouse with Professor Diana Khoi Nguyen on April 9.

Join the Vietnamese Student Association for a poetry workshop with Professor Diana Khoi Nguyen that will explore expressions of Vietnamese identity.

It runs from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in the Global Hub on the first floor of Posvar Hall, and is free and open to the Pitt student community.

Vietnamese-language discussion on poems for children with Pittsburgh-based Eduling, February 19.

Eduling International Academy is hosting a Vietnamese-language online discussion with two poets and a third writer on writing poetry for children. "Làm thơ cho thiếu nhi" will take place on Facebook live on February 19 at 8:30 pm EST (February 20 at 8:30 am Hanoi).

If you know Vietnamese and would like to listen to two poets from Vietnam and a writer from the US talking about writing poems for children, join this free event. The event will be live on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/236eYkxj8. You can also register to join it on Zoom by completing this form: www.tinyurl.com/edulingevent. This free event is organized by Eduling International Academy and H&L Books, which are located in Pittsburgh.

Xin mời các bạn biết tiếng Việt tham gia buổi chia sẻ về thơ thiếu nhi với PGS-TS-Nhà thơ Phạm Văn Tình, TS-Nhà thơ Phạm Đình Ân, và TS Linh Phùng. Buổi chia sẻ sẽ được phát live trên Facebook ở trang này: https://fb.me/e/236eYkxj8 nhưng nếu bạn muốn vào Zoom để giao lưu nhiều hơn thì xin đăng kí tại đây: www.tinyurl.com/edulingevent. Buổi chia sẻ được tổ chức bảo Eduling International Academy và H&L Books (www.eduling.org/hl) từ Pittsburgh.

No Lunar New Year parade in Squirrel Hill in 2022.

via @LunarNewYearPGH

Although one website is promoting a parade next week, there will not be a Lunar New Year parade in Squirrel Hill in 2022. The Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition shared in its newsletter:

Happy Lunar New Year! We look forward to welcoming the Year of the Tiger on February 1st with celebrations lasting for two weeks. The Year of the Tiger will be marked with big changes, risk-taking, adventure, and enthusiasm – both for ourselves and for others. Sadly, there will be no community celebrations this year due to Covid-19.

The Lunar New Year parade has moved up Murray Ave. in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood since 2016, capping a couple weeks of festivities, performances, and dining specials in the area. In spite of this year's hiatus, one tourism website atop the Google results does suggest the event will run on February 1 and 2; however, this Ukraine-based website has simply copied-pasted last year's article with a suggested 2022 date.

Lunar New Year Celebration 2022 at Pitt, February 2.

via traveloriented.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center and Global Hub will host a Lunar New Year Celebration on February 2.

Join the Asian Studies Center and Global Hub for a Lunar New Year celebration in honor of the Year of the Tiger! Come for some light refreshments, crafts, a photobooth, performances, and more.

It runs from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Global Hub on the first floor of Posvar Hall, and is free and open to members of the Pitt community who follow the university's COVID-19 safety protocols.

Lunar New Year Celebration 2022 at Pitt, February 2.

via traveloriented.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center and Global Hub will host a Lunar New Year Celebration on February 2.

Join the Asian Studies Center and Global Hub for a Lunar New Year celebration in honor of the Year of the Tiger! Come for some light refreshments, crafts, a photobooth, performances, and more.

It runs from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Global Hub on the first floor of Posvar Hall, and is free and open to members of the Pitt community who follow the university's COVID-19 safety protocols.

Short films from Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Asian America part of Pittsburgh Shorts Film Festival, November 18 - 21.

Though the Three Rivers Film Festival will feature no full-length Asian films this year, its companion festival, the Pittsburgh Shorts Film Festival running from November 18 through 21, will feature shorts from Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Asian America.

The program of films includes "Americanized," "Raspberry," and "Windup" from the USA; "Annah la Javanaise" from Indonesia; "Colorful" and "Georgia" from Korea; and "Dinner" from Vietnam. The short films are grouped into various blocks and play at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty (map) and, in some cases, virtually. Tickets are available online.
Still from "Windup."

Still from "Colorful."

Short films from Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Asian America part of Pittsburgh Shorts Film Festival, November 18 - 21.

Though the Three Rivers Film Festival will feature no full-length Asian films this year, its companion festival, the Pittsburgh Shorts Film Festival running from November 18 through 21, will feature shorts from Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Asian America.

The program of films includes "Americanized," "Raspberry," and "Windup" from the USA; "Annah la Javanaise" from Indonesia; "Colorful" and "Georgia" from Korea; and "Dinner" from Vietnam. The short films are grouped into various blocks and play at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty (map) and, in some cases, virtually. Tickets are available online.
Still from "Windup."

"Jazz Poetry Month: Bad Activist," September 20 at Alphabet City.

The City of Asylum will host Mai Khoi and Bad Activist on September 20 as part of its Jazz Poetry Month.

Bad Activist is an autobiographical performance piece, combining storytelling with state-of-the-art music performance. The narrative charts the extraordinary trajectory of Mai Khoi’s life—from renowned to Vietnamese pop star to dissident activist, fighting for artistic freedom in Vietnam and pitting herself against the strong arm of the communist government. Within this crucible of political titans, international powers, and constant surveillance and threat, Khoi develops a personal and unique art form. Her new sound is rooted in forgotten Vietnamese musical traditions fused with jazz and ripe with political song lyrics. Bad Activist explores both the actual historic events of the artist’s life, as well as the subconscious dream worlds that have fueled her work.

Unable to safely live and work in Vietnam, Mai Khoi is currently an Artist Protection Fund Fellow at City of Asylum and the University of Pittsburgh. This performance of Bad Activist features collaborators from the University of Pittsburgh’s PhD in jazz, and all new arrangements for larger bands.

The event runs from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and will be held both in person and online. Please visit the website for ticket information and for safety protocols. Alphabet City is located at 40 W. North Ave. on the North Side (map).

"Jazz Poetry Month: Bad Activist," September 20 at Alphabet City.

The City of Asylum will host Mai Khoi and Bad Activist on September 20 as part of its Jazz Poetry Month.

Bad Activist is an autobiographical performance piece, combining storytelling with state-of-the-art music performance. The narrative charts the extraordinary trajectory of Mai Khoi’s life—from renowned to Vietnamese pop star to dissident activist, fighting for artistic freedom in Vietnam and pitting herself against the strong arm of the communist government. Within this crucible of political titans, international powers, and constant surveillance and threat, Khoi develops a personal and unique art form. Her new sound is rooted in forgotten Vietnamese musical traditions fused with jazz and ripe with political song lyrics. Bad Activist explores both the actual historic events of the artist’s life, as well as the subconscious dream worlds that have fueled her work.

Unable to safely live and work in Vietnam, Mai Khoi is currently an Artist Protection Fund Fellow at City of Asylum and the University of Pittsburgh. This performance of Bad Activist features collaborators from the University of Pittsburgh’s PhD in jazz, and all new arrangements for larger bands.

The event runs from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and will be held both in person and online. Please visit the website for ticket information and for safety protocols. Alphabet City is located at 40 W. North Ave. on the North Side (map).

Vietnamese-American author Viet Thanh Nguyen (online) at Pittsburgh International Literary Festival, May 19.

City of Asylum will host Vietnamese-American author Viet Thanh Nguyen online for its Pittsburgh International Literary Festival on May 19.

Vietnamese-American novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen discusses The Committed, his much-anticipated sequel to his Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Sympathizer. This newest novel is fierce in tone, capacious, witty, sharp, and deeply researched. The Committed marks not just a sequel to its groundbreaking predecessor, but a sum total accumulation of a life devoted to Vietnamese American history and scholarship. It asks questions central to Vietnamese everywhere—and to our very species: How do we live in the wake of seismic loss and betrayal?

The hour-long talk begins at 7:00 pm and is free and open to the public, though registration is required.

Vietnamese-American author Viet Thanh Nguyen (online) at Pittsburgh International Literary Festival, May 19.

City of Asylum will host Vietnamese-American author Viet Thanh Nguyen online for its Pittsburgh International Literary Festival on May 19.

Vietnamese-American novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen discusses The Committed, his much-anticipated sequel to his Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Sympathizer. This newest novel is fierce in tone, capacious, witty, sharp, and deeply researched. The Committed marks not just a sequel to its groundbreaking predecessor, but a sum total accumulation of a life devoted to Vietnamese American history and scholarship. It asks questions central to Vietnamese everywhere—and to our very species: How do we live in the wake of seismic loss and betrayal?

The hour-long talk begins at 7:00 pm and is free and open to the public, though registration is required.

"Let's Take a Look at Vietnam's Education System," April 10 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Vietnamese Student Association will host "Let's Take a Look at Vietnam's Education System" on April 10.

Interested in learning about the education system in Vietnam? Now is your only chance!
This is our first time hosting an event in collaboration with Teach For Vietnam, a non-profit organization that is working towards removing education inequality and building sustainable systems for children in Vietnam.
We will be having a very SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: TRANG NGUYEN - THE CEO OF TEACH FOR VIETNAM. She will be presenting about:
1. What is the impact of COVID-19 on Vietnam's education?
2. What are the educational differences between the US and Vietnam, urban and rural areas?
3. Educational crisis that Vietnam is and Teach For Vietnam’s solutions
So please save the date and join with us on Saturday, April the 10th at 7:30 PM EST!

The event runs from 7:30 to 8:30 pm on Zoom and is free and open to the public.

Ocean Vuong with Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures, March 22.

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures will host Ocean Vuong on March 22.

Ocean Vuong is an award-winning poet and the author of the critically acclaimed bestselling novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, a brilliant, heartbreaking family portrait – a testament to the redemptive power of storytelling.

Framed as a letter from a son to his mother who cannot read, this shattering portrait of a Vietnamese family and first love, asks how to survive, how to find joy in darkness, and the meaning of American identity. With stunning urgency and grace, Vuong writes of people caught between disparate worlds, and asks how we heal and rescue one another without forsaking who we are.

Tickets for the online event are $15 for general admission and $10 for students. The University of Pittsburgh community is also invited to register for a pre-lecture online book discussion on March 18 from 6:00 pm.

"2021 Lunar New Year Virtual Celebration," February 23 at Pitt.

via fourbrickstall (Creative Commons)

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center, Global Studies Center, and Institute for International Studies in Education will host the "2021 Lunar New Year Virtual Celebration" on February 23.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The event will occur in the evenning at Eastern Time because that is the best time for our global participants.

Join us for a virtual Lunar New Year celebration as we learn about the meanings and traditions of this important and festive holiday from global perspectives! All are invited!

It runs from 9:00 to 10:00 pm and is open to the Pitt community. Registration is required.

"Coffee with Andrés" featuring Mai Khoi, February 26 and 28 with City of Asylum.

The City of Asylum's new "Coffee with Andrés" program will feature Vietnamese musician and activist Mai Khoi on February 26 and 28.

Take a coffee break with City of Asylum’s new Executive Director, Andrés Franco, in a new series of online chats called Coffee with Andrés.

Coffee is a central part of Andrés’ Colombian heritage and is one of his great passions. Coffee has stimulated conversation and ideas for hundreds of years, and coffeehouses have always been havens for free expression. Now Andrés, is creating his own, online coffee salon for the City of Asylum community.

Coffee with Andrés sessions feature conversations with writers and musicians, activists and artists, discussing their work and sharing a cup with Andrés—and with you.

The first guest is Vietnamese singer and activist Mai Khoi, the most recent exiled artist-in-residence on Sampsonia Way and an Artist Protection Fund (APF) Fellow in residence at the University of Pittsburgh. Khoi will share her story, her music, and teach Andrés how to make a traditional Vietnamese coffee.

The conversation starts at 12:00 on the 26th and plays again at 3:00 pm on the 28th. It's free but registration is required.

Screening of 2019 Nailed It documentary and Q&A with filmmaker, February 16 at Pitt; follow-up discussion with Pitt's ASA and BAS, February 19.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center and Asian Student Alliance will present a screening of the 2019 Nailed It documentary and Q&A with filmmaker Adele Pham on February 16. From the documentary's official site:

In virtually every city, state and strip mall across the U.S., women get their nails done in salons likely owned by Vietnamese entrepreneurs. How did this community come to be such a presence in the field? NAILED IT takes viewers from Los Angeles to the Bronx to meet the diverse people and relationships behind this booming and enigmatic trade, as well as through the complex history behind this part of the beauty industry.

The event starts at 7:00 pm and is free and open to the public, though registration is required. It will be followed on the 19th by a panel discussion between the ASA and Pitt's Black Action Society at 8:00 pm.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review profiles Mai Khoi, Vietnamese pop singer and activist now at home in Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is the latest local outlet to profile Mai Khoi, the "Lady Gaga of Vietnam," who now has made a home in Pittsburgh.

Her name is Mai Khoi (pronounced “my coy”) and she is a successful Vietnamese pop star turned activist who was forced to leave her home country after being harassed and silenced by the Vietnamese government.

The 38-year-old Khoi has found refuge in Pittsburgh, arriving last November and becoming the second scholar in residence at the University of Pittsburgh through the Scholars at Risk program. The program partners with an initiative of the Institute of International Education called the Artist Protection Fund.

The fund supports threatened artists by placing them in safe countries for a full year, where they can continue their work and plan for their futures. Khoi is also supported by the Pittsburgh-based International Free Expression Project and the City of Asylum on the North Side, where she and her husband have found their Pittsburgh home.

See also a January 19 WESA FM profile.